WI live in a society that defends individualism, productivity and professional and financial success. In each turn, we are encouraged to do everything, which can make us fear that if we are not productive, what is our goal?
During two years of research, including interviews with more than 60 perinatal health specialists and hundreds of mothers on the Australian podcast of birth stories, we have learned that most mothers enter postpartum with unrealistic expectations of themselves and their bodies. Some feel aimlessly and question their value when the work of taking care of a baby does not correspond to the story of a company focused on the results.
And it is therefore useful to return the story and to consider rest as the most productive thing you can do after birth. Although pregnancy is the most ordinary experiences, it is also absolutely extraordinary; It is the longest and highest expenses of expenses that the human body accomplishes.
After that, you deserve rest, you need rest and it is important to remember that your body heals when it rests. In fact, the complete recovery of delivery depends on the rest. When you care about yourself in postpartum, you set the basics of your health and long-term well-being.
Regarding postpartum, especially if you have older children, rest is made possible only by intention, preparation and support. There are a lot of privileges associated with the possibility of resting – access to a support network or the funds to pay one – but that also forces you to issue it and prioritize it. Understanding that there are different ways to rest, even when sleep is not something you can count on, can facilitate this.
1. Social rest
This does not mean canceling all the plans, but rather to consider what you feel in social situations and to be aware of the effect that people have about you. Social rest chooses to spend time with people who support your intentions and strengthen your energy, who fill your soul and make you feel good.
In the end, you want your social interactions to be positive and significant rather than draining and compulsory. This is particularly relevant at the start of postpartum when unwanted guests can become an obstacle, you tire, you and your baby, going beyond their welcome, which will make you feel exhausted and exhausted at an already crushing time.
2. Mental rest
The immediate period after birth is a mentally demanding phase of fast learning. This orientation and this subsequent exhaustion are exacerbated by birth recovery, fog (often called “baby brain”), sleep deprivation and breastfeeding learning (if you do). It is imperative to give your brain space to treat what you learn so that the lessons have time to sink. To create this space, be aware of what you consume others, in particular the advice from social media, because the overload of information can make discernment difficult.
If you have the impression that there are too many thoughts, ideas and questions in your head, note them in a list of points: this helps you find the clarity and empty your head of the distractions.
3. Sensory rest
Because you are in a physiologically vulnerable and sensitive state, you want to be soft with all your self. Any stress, anxiety or concern will trace you more than they usually do. Soothing music, hot baths, hot tea, comfortable clothes and minimal screen time will help you stay on the ground. Consider your postpartum room and your house as a cocoon; Prepare it while you are pregnant and you will really benefit from its comfort.
You will also benefit from the only time when no one touches you. Being “retouching” is a common experience at the start of maternity and is particularly relevant if you have older children who may naturally need additional contact and comfort. This may seem quickly overwhelming, so prioritize the breaks – in the shower or the bathtub, in your room with the closed door – greatly contributes to creating the physical space you need to feel installed.
4. Physical rest
Beyond the rest of the passive sleep, an active rest like the lying horizontally possible in the first weeks after birth is a big step towards recovery. This allows your pelvic floor to cure pregnancy and birth, which is important for your long -term health.
Active rest is also to release an obvious tension in your body. Move your hips and legs in a way that feels good – yoga, massage – is recommended in postpartum to improve traffic. Similarly, carrying out soft stretches of the upper body, neck and shoulders will release the tension you may feel while learning to breastfeed.
If you are breastfeeding, it may be very useful to feed on lengthening yourself on your side; This prevents the upper body from stretching and does not put useless pressure on your pelvic floor and your perineum. But if you had a cesarean, lying on the side to feed you may be painful for the first weeks, you can therefore be more comfortable in a sustained sitting position.
5. Emotional rest
It is important to speak to your partner, of birth support or Doula / midwife. We often have a lot to unpack after birth and it is common to want to share what you feel in work, the ups and downs of the experience, and what you feel now. It’s really healthy: you let go of your thoughts, treating them with empathetic listeners and considering what they make you feel. Emotional rest is the calm you feel when you can share your experience in an honest and authentic way.
