Top Tips for Post-Pregnancy Recovery

When you go through 9 months of carrying your little one you’re inundated with information about what your body is going through, and what you should expect when the big day arrives. But nothing can ever prepare you for how you feel after the birth and how your body dramatically transforms into something you simply don’t recognise to be your own. Along with giving birth itself, you then have to accept the dramatic changes that happen to your body. 

Both the physical and mental changes are intense and that’s why this guide hopes to ease the stress and help you get back to feeling you again, rather than just ‘mum’. Because as much as we love to dote on our bundle of joy, we know that for our own sanity we need to make time for ourselves and our bodies so that we can be happy and healthy for our baby. 

Gentle Exercise 

Seeing celebrities snap back into their skinny jeans and don the cover OK! Magazine after just a few weeks can feel just a little soul destroying as a new mum. But putting that kind of pressure on yourself can do more harm than good, and the truth is they’ve probably had a little nip and tuck or even had a touch a photoshop. Whilst admittedly some of the lucky few simply have those great genes, for the rest of us it’s going to take time and patience to return our body to its former re-baby glory. 

Instead of putting yourself under the stress of a restricted diet and gruelling workout regime, you should look to simply do very gentle exercise 6-8 weeks after the birth. Among your all-important pelvic floor exercise’s, walking, yoga and swimming can all be beneficial in lifting your mood and helping you to drop a few of those extra lb’s. 

As we’ve all become much more conscious of our wellbeing, there are now a number of facilities across the UK which can help you to get some exercise even with baby in tow. Baby Yoga or Baby Massage at places such as Calma Baby, enable you to do your workout and give your baby a little stimulation at the same time. Of course, it’s always best to consult with your doctor or your health visitor about exercise as they will be able to advise on whether your body is ready and which types of classes are available locally. 

And don't forget about your teeth - NHS dental treatment is free for women during pregnancy and for one year following birth. Women who access dental care and establish a good care routine in and after pregnancy are more likely to maintain this after the birth of their child. We should be able to trust our dentist at all times and expect the best possible treatment, however, sometimes mistakes can happen which can have long-term consequences, but thankfully companies like Pryers are there to help when it comes to things like dental negligence. 

Get Outside 

If you’ve been through a C-Section, or even just been too uncomfortable to do a lot of movement, once you’re feeling a little better you can begin to take slow, gentle walks outside. It may not seem like you’re doing much, but getting some fresh air and a change of scenery can increase the good feelings you get, and make you feel more positive if you’ve been feeling low. Rather than take the car, begin with just a walk up and down the street, to the shops and then gradually increasing your distance the abler you will feel. Doing this little and often will help to break up those long days if you’re feeling a little suffocated by four walls, and encourage a little socialising with those who will be keen to meet your new baby.

Treat Yourself 

As new mothers, we often think we can do it all on our own, but don’t forget that your partner is there too, and more than willing to help out. We can all be guilty of not asking for help, but make the effort to hand over a little responsibility to your partner so that you can have a bath in peace or even go for a coffee with a friend. Establishing your sense of identity after the birth is essential so that you don’t just feel like ‘mum’. 

Even treating yourself to a little massage can actually benefit your body post birth, as physiotherapist Ben Barker from Total Health Clinics explains, “Many new mothers often experience back pain for some months after the arrival of junior due to the misalignment of the pelvis due to labour. A simple, quick and effective treatment to realign pelvis and lumbar spine along with some core abdominal exercises goes a long way to preventing future episodes of back pain”. 

Whilst you may be still getting to grips with the demands of your new baby, don’t forget to take some time for yourself and enjoy a little peace so that you can go back to them feeling refreshed and ready for lots of cuddles.