Once you have a baby our western society doesn’t necessarily focus on the Mom’s recovery. Everything is focused on the baby and what the baby needs. Maternal health is generally not prioritized and as a result mothers are neglected. Recovery is not even an option due to how our society is set up , home responsibilities as well and working outside the home.
So in an effort to help change how maternal health is viewed and handled in the U.S and other western countries , here are a few ways we can each individually take our care into our own hands. As we do this, we can help teach the future generations about the importance of maternal health and create a new norm. If we ourselves don’t do a little something or even keep speaking out , nothing will change. And moms especially black moms will keep dying at the rate they are.
- Nutrition. Once you have a baby (vaginal or c-section), your digestive system drastically changes. The postpartum body is easily depleted in nutrients. This is a focus of recovery not usually mentioned. Rather how quickly one can get back to their pre- baby size. The first six to eight weeks postpartum is so crucial in healing your gut. The foods ingested should be carefully selected. I recommend a whole food plant based diet starting with only warm (never cold), smooth, nutrient dense easily digested foods. Some of these foods include soups, stews, oatmeal, teas and broths. Then slowly moving to heavier foods then eventually back to your normal diet. Plant based foods are highly nutrient dense and light for the stomach. Now I’m not talking about processed foods, vegan meats and cheeses, cakes and cookies and fried foods. But whole foods like vegetables, grains, fruits, legumes, teas and spices. Don’t skip the spices that help aid with digestion like cinnamon, and turmeric and ginger. I always recommend doing what you can because food access is can be difficult. If friends can find the foods you want and need and have it delivered for you that will be an easier way than cooking during postpartum.
- Sleep/Rest. Moms definitely don’t get enough rest. But the early postpartum period is crucial in setting your body up for success. This is where a village comes in to help with other kids, household responsibilities and food. But just like food access, lack of village access is a thing too. Try to sleep when the baby sleeps. Try to set a schedule with any other kids schedules to ensure you are maximizing sleep opportunities. Outsource as many tasks as you can. Food deliveries, household tasks like laundry and dishes.
- Self-Care. Becoming a mom is a drastic change to your identity and role you play. Being a mom is not all of who you are of course, but navigating these new changes takes time as you figure out who you are now. I’ve heard it said that there is the birth of the baby and the birth of the mom. Therapy is always a good idea. Another thing to try is journaling all the thoughts and new emotions you will have. If a friend can gift you a postpartum massage then do that!
These three things go deeper than this blog post. And I have consultations to dive deeper with moms individually. I have had postpartum seasons where I didn’t have any of this set up and definitely didn’t recover well. And I want other moms to have a head start in feeling better overall! Postpartum does not have to feel overwhelming or stressful. Try to plan ahead of your postpartum season so there are as little surprises as possible. And I am here to be apart of your village.