5 Tips for Treating Yourself after Childbirth without Feeling Guilty

Childbirth is a beautiful experience, but it isn’t as easy as we would want it to be. And then there are the seemingly endless nights when you only sleep a wink, the soreness, fatigue, and the blues. But you must look out for yourself because nobody else will.

To maintain sanity and to be of good cheer, you must step back and realize just how important you are. The following are some ways to treat yourself.

1. Get a Massage

The power of touch is so great that everyone yearns for it. It nourishes, soothes and heals, and sometimes it transports us to another world. After the rigours of labour, there is nothing more deserving than a slow and invigorating massage.

Massage has been shown to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension and produce a feeling of calm and deep relaxation. And it doesn’t end there. If you have lower back pain or high blood pressure, massage therapy can do you a lot of good.

Your masseur will tell you that there are lots of different options to choose from ranging from therapeutic to aromatherapy. And you do not have to go to the spa, find a therapist who is willing to come to your home.

2. Get a Doula

Motherhood comes with lots of challenges ranging from breastfeeding woes to postpartum depression, especially for first-time moms. Even with an understanding spouse, sometimes a woman can feel overwhelmed and all alone. This is where a postpartum doula comes in.

A doula is a professional who assists a couple before, during or after delivery. A postpartum doula provides emotional support and offers help in terms of newborn care and breastfeeding. Doulas also answer questions related to newborns and may extend their services to cleaning and cooking and other such tasks.

It is important to note that although doulas may have formal training, they are not nurses or medics. As such, do not expect to get medical expertise.

3. A Great Mattress

Many women experience back pain after childbirth due to a myriad of reasons. The most common one is related to a hormone released during pregnancy called relaxin. Unfortunately, this hormone may lead to inflammation of joints and misalignment, leading to back pain.

Other common causes include taking a wrong posture while breastfeeding and while lifting the child.

And then there are those who suffer from backache due to poor sleeping posture. A beaten-up mattress or one that is not firm enough will most likely put you in this situation. Girl, don’t you deserve better?

A high-quality mattress can allow you to rest better at night and could actually help improve back pain. This way, you can be able to take better care of your baby.

4. New Wardrobe

Don’t throw your maternity clothes away just yet because your body will take a bit of time before getting back to normal. But it won’t be too long. Usually, your postpartum belly will go away after 3 months, and gradually, your body will start regaining its shape.

So hell yeah! You are getting your sexy back. This calls for a toast and perhaps a new wardrobe.

And why not? Wearing new clothes is exhilarating, and sort of gives you some crazy energy. Every woman can attest to feeling self-confident and a little better about themselves when donning something that looks good on them.

You would do with all the positive vibe you can get after delivery, and a few nice clothes might help you get there. However, make sure that they are comfortable and that they can allow you to nurse your baby without much hassle.

5. Some Time Alone

Motherhood is a full-time job. However, it is only mothers who can understand just how involving taking care of a newborn is. Many times there is little time to sleep or even take a bath. It is even worse for mums who have other children to take care of.

But every person needs some time to rejuvenate. Find someone to help you with the baby even if it is for just one hour and recharge your batteries. Whether you prefer to take a nap, take a walk, or watch a TV show, do whatever makes you feel good.

Start Somewhere

Every woman deserves to feel good about themselves and to feel appreciated. Start by showing yourself a little love and others will follow. The above are practical ideas that can get you started on a self-appreciation journey.