Don’t be fooled by false advertisements where you see smiling mums with their new babies. Scrolling through Instagram will only give you false expectations when having a new baby. You’ll undergo mental and physical changes along the way, and it’s not an easy journey where you can sit back and relax. Not to scare you, motherhood is a blessing, yet it can be hard work because of all the complications you might experience like post partum belly and divarication of recti.
Plus, the sleepless nights when your baby cries all night long, and you can’t find why. Indeed, having a new baby is not like a happy ending compared to what movies portray. The reality is about changing a baby’s diaper, dealing with emotional changes, suffering from postpartum depression, etc.
The truth is: it’s not easy so go easy on yourself. To do so, here are a few reminders to make your postpartum recovery less stressful and exhausting.
The Road to Postpartum Recovery
Recovering from pregnancy is not just physical. It would be best to look after your mental and emotional health. Everyone was excited that you were having a baby, but reality hits; it’s not as easy as expected. It’s not always laughter in the morning. It’s not always cute and giggles. It can be challenging during difficult times like suffering from a diastasis recti in Singapore.
Many things are happening, right? The road to postpartum recovery may not be an easy journey. However, you can do it by being kind to yourself. Practice compassion and self-love despite the hardship of pregnancy.
As such, you’ll rebuild yourself and enjoy motherhood.
1) It’s Okay to Ask for Help
Don’t try to do everything by yourself, including:
- Breastfeeding the baby.
- Changing the diapers.
- Going to the doctor.
- Take care of your health.
It can be overwhelming, and you might cry and feel down. Indeed, it’s okay to ask for help from your husband, friends, and family. A helping hand can improve your day, especially when you’re also struggling with post partum belly.
As a new mum, you might overdo everything in the first few weeks. Go easy on yourself, and you’re still a good parent by doing your best. Just relax and enjoy the moment because motherhood is a journey to cherish.
2) Be Mindful of Physical Symptoms
Don’t ignore physical symptoms, and keep an eye on your feelings. It will help if you spot red flags early on, like discomfort in your recti muscles. If you feel pain, make sure to call your doctor right away or inform your husband so he can arrange a checkup for your doctor.
Remember your health is also essential while taking care of the baby. Maintaining a healthy body and mind will help you stay focused. Otherwise, your physical pain will keep you awake throughout the night and affect your energy tomorrow morning.
3) Look After Your Mood
Aside from physical symptoms, it would be best if you also looked after your mood. It can be an indicator of your mental health. If you’re thinking about suicidal thoughts or having a hard time connecting with the baby, better tell your husband so he can help you with the next step you should take. Don’t hesitate to call a psychiatrist for emotional support during the postpartum period for mental health issues.
4) Selfcare: Exercise and Skincare
As a new mum, you might forget to prioritise yourself because your world revolves around your baby now. You can start by building a skincare routine and workout plan to do self-care. For instance, you can try diastasis recti exercises to improve your medical condition. You can also ask your doctor for appropriate skincare products for pregnant women to maintain glowy skin.
Yes, it’s not selfish to look after yourself even after having a baby. You don’t have to feel guilty for looking after yourself while taking care of the baby. Or better yet, you can also walk outside, visit a museum, or go to a coffee shop. Slowly get back to your life and rebuild yourself again.
5) Have a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet should also be part of your self-care routine. Try to eat healthy foods over soda drinks, chips, and takeouts. You might feel stressed during chaotic days, but try your best to eat more nutritious foods, including grains, fruits, and vegetables. In doing so, you can also protect yourself from worsening your diastasis recti in Singapore.
Also, eating the right amount will give you enough energy to start a new day. You’ll feel more energised to take care of your baby. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
And, if you’re breastfeeding, choose to eat full-fat foods like yoghurt and avocados to satisfy your hunger. You can also take vitamins and supplements to keep your health in top shape.
6) Take a Break
Of course, you also need to take a break while taking care of the baby. If the baby naps, you can also take a short nap. Or perhaps, you can let your husband take care of the baby during his free time and vice versa. If you need help falling asleep, you can try alternative medical options that can help you doze off at night. When taking a break, don’t feel that you’re neglecting your child. It would help if you also had it, and you deserve to rest for a while.
7) Don’t Forget Your Regular Check-Up
Don’t forget to attend your regular check-up to track your health progress. When consulting your doctor, ask more about your health conditions like diastasis recti,post partum belly, and even urinary incontinence. By attending a regular check-up, you’ll have the next step to do with your health and the lifestyle changes you need to make.
8) Cherish the Moment
You’ll be shocked how time flies so fast! Cherish the moment because your baby will soon grow, and you’ll miss it in the future. You can only be a child once, so give your baby a happy childhood memory. You can have a photoshoot with the whole family or go on a vacation.
Have a healthy recovery from your pregnancy with Orchard Clinic. Visit their website to know more about alternative medical options and diastasis recti exercises.