Without attempting to state the obvious, there’s no doubt that post-pregnancy health prompts the biggest period of change for a woman’s body.
It doesn’t matter who you are or what you did beforehand; huge changes are on the horizon.
Even if you were a previously fit and healthy individual with no history of health insurance claims in the past, this is still a period of “risk” for you. Suddenly, you’re no longer the priority, and you need to somehow factor in your health despite having your time (and sleep!) severely compromised during those first few rewarding months.
Following on from this, today is about laying out some simple tips to help you along your way. As always, we don’t hold all the answers, but this can provide a rough guide to show how you can at least preserve your post-pregnancy health.
Prepare your meals before the birth if possible
You have time to act if you’re reading this before giving birth. While the final few weeks before giving birth can be difficult, try starting some classic meal prep. Or, if you’re struggling too much, ask your partner, friends, or family to help.
As we’ve alluded, you’re no longer the priority as soon as your little one arrives. More often than not, this is reflected in your eating habits. Some new parents won’t eat as much as they should, while others will turn to the easiest (and usually most unhealthy) item in the pantry.
As such, turn to meal prep and start freezing meals. Trust us, in those first few weeks, you’ll be thankful for having a nutritious meal to turn to in your trusty microwave!
Get outside when you can
We’re not telling you to go for a 5-mile run straight after giving birth. However, now is the time to get some fresh air when possible.
If you have a baby who is happy to sleep in their pram, take full advantage of this. Even if it’s just a short walk around the block, getting some fresh air will work wonders for your physical and mental wellbeing for post-pregnancy health. You can also look into core retraining exercises with the help of postpartum belly binding. Right after birth, you might start feeling the significant space inside your body where your baby used to be. Retraining the core will help address this gap in the body as it aids your pelvis and abdominal healing. Belly binding can ease you into this exercise as it provides external support. You can use a belly bind immediately for up to 8 weeks.
Join a mother’s group
This isn’t for everyone, but joining a mother’s group can be a great way to meet other like-minded individuals.
More often than not, these groups will have some form of physical activity built-in. Whether it’s a weekly yoga class or a gentle stroll around the park, this can be a great way to get active while also socialising.
The social aspect should not be underestimated. Today’s article is about post-pregnancy health – but this also includes your mental health.
Take some time for yourself
We know, we know. This is easier said than done.
But, it’s important to try and take some time for yourself, even if it’s just half an hour in the evening to have a relaxing bath or read a book.
As we’ve already mentioned, mental health is just as important as physical post-pregnancy health. And, when you’re constantly juggling a million and one things, it can be easy to forget about taking care of yourself.
