How to Take Care of Yourself Postpartum

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NatureMadePrenatalDHA #CollectiveBias

I've been through the newborn stage twice now and it can be tough. You are so tired and physically recovering from childbirth and you now have someone who relies on you quite literally 24/7 to take care of. This stage is so happy with getting to snuggle your new bundle of joy but it can be frustrating and emotional as well. Learning to breastfeed, figuring out how to take care of baby, getting enough rest yourself, etc. can be tough.

I was so lucky that my second baby was a lot easier than my first in terms of fussiness making the newborn stage a little easier with number two- plus having some parenting experience already of course. I want to share some of my personal tips for taking care of yourself postpartum to make this stage of life a little easier and to help you feel your best quickly.

You may not have time to make a big meal but remembering to eat nutritious foods regularly is so important for the new mom. Make a batch of these Cookie Dough Lactation Bites to keep on hand if you are a nursing mom for nutrients that you need to keep going and to help with milk supply. If you are pregnant and reading this, make a few freezer meals to have on hand if you have time for quick meals when the baby is born. We did this with our first and it was super helpful. For our second, it wasn't really necessary as I seemed to have more time.

Focus on eating whole-grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins for energy and to help you feel your best. I like doing a tiny bit of meal prep on the weekend to chop up some fresh produce and make sure to have food on hand for when baby just wants to be held constantly but mom needs to eat.

This is not my strong suit to ask for help but can really be necessary when you have a new baby. Troy was home for two weeks when Oliver was born and he was very helpful with helping to take care of Adalyn, cleaning the house and helping with meals at this time. Mama, you can't do it all on your own so ask for help when you need it.

Especially if you are nursing, you need to stay hydrated all day long. Keep a water bottle by your side day and night and drink it all through the day. I know that I certainly felt irritable when I wasn't getting enough sleep and being dehydrated just contributed to my irritability. Drink water to feel your best. Herbal tea is another great option and having some coffee is okay as well.

All day, every day, you will not be able to keep the house cleaned 100%, have fresh meals on the table and keep the kids happy. I have had to let go of some of my expectations at times and know that sometimes, taking care of the kids and keeping them happy is my number one and most important priority. You will eventually have time to clean and cook as you like but some days, baby will need you and that is okay.

During the whole time that I nurse my baby, my doctor recommended continuing to take my prenatal vitamin. I like the Nature Made® Prenatal Multi + DHA from Sam's Club. 


They provide essential vitamins and minerals (before and during pregnancy) including Folic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Iodine, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D3†. 

You only need to take one per day and it is an easy to swallow softgel. I have been taking these since before I was pregnant with Adalyn so for about 4 years now. They best part is that they have omega-3 right in them so that I don't have to take multiple pills. So easy! 

When you start feeling up to it, get out and take some walks around your neighborhood. I started walking with the kids the day that we got home from the hospital. Obviously, it started very slow and short but I was already accustomed to exercising regularly and find that getting to to get some exercise is the best thing for my mental health. My oldest, Adalyn, especially benefited from not being cooped up in the house all day long.

This time is tough and beautiful and awesome and difficult all rolled into one. Everything will get easier, I promise! I believe that things get a little easier with babies at 6 weeks, a little bit better at 8 weeks and quite a bit easier at 12 weeks. That is my little timeline that I noticed with my babies. Take care of yourself and soon you will notice that you are feeling better, baby is less fussy, you are figuring out how to get things done around the house with baby in tow and more. You got this mama!

Don't forget to pickup your Nature Made® Prenatal Multi + DHA from Sam's Club!

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.