It’s true, every pregnancy is different. If you talk to any woman who has had more than one pregnancy, she will likely be able to recount distinctive differences between them. That being said, it’s not surprising that “recovery” times from the pregnancy can also vary drastically depending on the woman and depending on the pregnancy itself. Therefore, coming up with a standard checklist for shortening or improving recovery time is difficult, if not impossible. However, there are certain steps that women should take in order to improve or at least better understand their recovery period.
- Talk with your doctor. Check in regularly, and ask what you (specifically) should be looking out for given your pregnancy and medical history.
- Try to keep a journal. This is great for nostalgia and overall well-being. Keeping a journal is also a good way to track any issues that may be related to the pregnancy or your health.
- Take your time. Some women want to snap back in to a rigorous exercise routine and packed daily calendar as soon as that baby cries for the first time. But pace yourself. Your body has been through a lot, and your chances of sleeping through the night are going to be slim to none with your newborn. In addition to that, whether you delivered via a caesarian section or vaginally, you will likely have stitches that need time to heal, and you will also likely have some residual bleeding initially ( while this is normal, make sure that you talk to your physician about what is to be expected). Therefore, make sure that you continue talking to your doctor about what kind of exercise is and is not appropriate for your body at different points in the recovery process.
- Ask for help. Caring for a newborn is exhausting, and sometimes you just need to take a nap, or go for a walk. Make a point to carve out time for yourself to just relax. And when you get overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Nutrition. “Good nutrition” may seem like something somewhat subjective, but this is another topic to discuss with your doctor. Make sure that you are eating enough and eating the “right” things that are nourishing for both you, and your child.
Remember that recovering from giving birth is a process, and that there may be some changes that won’t necessarily completely recover to their pre-baby state. Think of this recovery time as a chance to give your current body a fresh start and the opportunity to feel nourished and as rested as possible as you embark on this new chapter of your life with a child! Good luck, and make sure to consult with your physician regularly.
