5 Things New Moms Still Need During Postpartum Recovery

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Never fails. With each pregnancy I have experienced I spend the entire time focused on my little one. I want to make sure I’m taking care of myself because I want to take care of the baby growing inside of me. What happens once that sweet little baby is born? All of that focus on myself goes straight to my newborn. As moms, it’s easy to forget about ourselves when we are taking care of our babies, but it is still so, so important to continue self care. You can’t pour from an empty cup, Mama. Here are 5 things all new moms still need during postpartum recovery.

Good Advice

First of all, you need some good advice.

As a new mom, you’re going to have questions. Even if you’ve had a few children, that newborn period is so hazy and it’s easy to forget some things. The book pictured above is my favorite book for breastfeeding advice, but it doesn’t have to be a breastfeeding book. Look for any good books on pregnancy and you’re bound to find some great information on the postpartum period. 

After the birth of a new baby is not the time to start doing ALL THE THINGS! Slow down, focus on your baby and your own postpartum recovery. 

Our pediatrician gives out newborn care pamphlets every time I have a new baby. I refer to it first before calling the doctor, so if I’m wondering why my baby has a bit of a rash, I can refer to the pamphlet to refresh my memory rather than calling.

Nourishing Food

Mama’s gotta eat because Baby’s gotta eat.

I’m so guilty of skimping on my nutrition during the postpartum period. Don’t do it! You need your energy whether or not you’re nursing. I’ve come up with some great, easy meals that leave me feeling full and they do not take much thought to prepare.

Here are my go-to postpartum meal/snack ideas:

Bagged salad kits – I love these! The asian bagged salad kit is pictured above and it’s my favorite. You can get Ceasar salad kits, chef salad kits, or just a regular old bag of salad. Top with sliced deli meat, grilled chicken prepped beforehand, boiled eggs prepped before hand, and/or shredded cheese.

Instant oatmeal – Super easy to make and great for boosting milk supply. I also like making overnight oats. You can buy pre-made versions and just add milk, or make your own version!

Fruit, nuts, cheese, and yogurt – Need I say more? Just grab and go.

Tuna packs – great for topping salads, placing in wraps, or eating alone.

Oh, and there’s a reason that salad is on a paper plate. No mama has time to wash dishes!

Prenatal Vitamins

We all know we should take our prenatal vitamins while pregnant, but they are still important after pregnancy.

Nature Made® Prenatal Multi+ 200 mg DHA is a new prenatal vitamin that I’m trying out.

• Nature Made Prenatal Multi + 200 mg DHA is guaranteed to meet our high quality standards – it is made from carefully selected ingredients under strict manufacturing processes
  • Clinically proven absorption of folic acid and iron
  • One per day dosage
  • Easy-to-swallow softgel
• You should start taking a prenatal 6 months before you start trying to get pregnant
  • Take with food
  • Provides essential vitamins and minerals (before and during pregnancy) including Folic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Iodine, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D3†
  • Provides 200 mg DHA which may help support fetal brain and eye development †
  • “Free from”:
    • No Synthetic Dyes
    • No Yeast or Starch
    • No Artificial Flavors
    • Gluten Free
    • Clinically proven absorption of Folic Acid and Iron
  • Folic Acid is an important B Vitamin for Women of Childbearing Age and Pregnant Women – Plays a critical role in the proper development of the baby’s nervous system.†
  • Adequate folic acid in healthful diets may reduce a woman’s risk of having a child with a neural tube defect.

I found my Nature Made® Prenatal vitamins at Sam’s Club in the vitamin section.

Good Lotion

Your skin will be dry. Just saying…

Your skin will let you know that your hormones are shifting. I spend most of my pregnancy with oily skin, and then once the baby is born, my skin gets super dry. I’m also one of the lucky women who get to deal with PUPPP (an itchy rash if you don’t know what it is) during or after pregnancy.

I’ve had it with two of my pregnancies, and I actually got it AFTER my last baby was born. It lasted about four weeks during my postpartum period. The only thing that helps me with the itching is a good lotion.

Support Person

Last, but not least, you need a support person.

It’s hard to go into this new mamahood thing alone. Whether it’s your husband, your mother, your grandmother, a friend, you need someone there to help you. Get your husband to hold the baby for an hour while you go take a shower to feel a little more human again. If you can, make this a nightly thing. You get a break and daddy gets to bond. 

Remember to take some time for yourself, and take care of yourself! You will find you are a better mama if you are taken care of, too.

And here’s a picture of my sweetheart. He’s two months old here. The postpartum period goes by fast!

Don’t forget to stop by your local Sam’s Club to pick up some Nature Made® Prenatal Multi + 200 mg DHA vitamins. Give them a try! 

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

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Why I’m Grateful for my Postpartum Body

Postpartum Meals for New Moms