Self-Care After The Birth Of Your Baby
When your baby arrives, it’s natural for all your attention to shift to them, their feeds, their sleep, their every tiny need. But amidst the nappies and night feeds, there’s someone just as important who also needs care and that is you.
At My Expert Midwife, we believe that looking after yourself after birth isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. Your body has been through an incredible journey, and your emotional world is shifting just as rapidly. Here’s how to make space for self-care, even in the early, hazy days of new motherhood.
- Rest Where You Can
Sleep may feel like a distant memory, but rest isn’t all-or-nothing. Even 10 minutes with your eyes closed while baby naps can make a difference. If someone offers help, take it. Let the washing wait. Your recovery is the priority.
- Be Kind to Your Body
Whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or a caesarean, your body needs time to heal. Keep an eye on your bleeding, hydrate well, eat nourishing food, and use supportive products to ease discomfort — from Spritz for Bits to Nipple Balm.
- Nourish, Don’t Just Feed
You might be fuelling on snacks and lukewarm tea — and that’s okay. But try to include iron-rich foods, plenty of fibre, and slow-release energy like oats and whole grains. Think of it as fuelling your healing as well as your baby’s care. Continue to take your pregnancy supplement through the first few weeks following birth to boost your nutrition.
- Talk, Feel, Cry (It’s All Normal)
Your hormones are shifting, and emotions may feel closer to the surface than ever. Tearfulness, overwhelm, or anxiety in the early weeks is common — but if those feelings linger or feel heavy, speak to your midwife or GP. You’re not alone, and support is available. Drop our in-house Midwives a message on our non-urgent Call The Midwife chat function and one of them will come back to you when they are back at their desk.
- Take Moments for You
Self-care doesn’t need to be a bath (though if that’s your thing, go for it but remember to add in a couple of handfuls of our fabulous Soak For Bits & Body Epsom salts to aid your recovery and calm your mind). It could be stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, an afternoon nap or listening to a podcast while feeding. Tiny moments really do count, and self-care is non-negotiable you absolutely need it.
Remember:
Your baby needs you and you need care, too. Someone needs to be holding you while you hold the baby. This is a time of massive change, and it’s okay to slow down, ask for help, and put yourself on the list. Remember the old adage It Takes a Village to Raise a Child? Recruit your village and reach out for support.
You’ve done something amazing. You deserve care, compassion, and rest.
You’ve got this. We’ve got you.
By Registered Midwife Lesley Bland, Lead Midwife for My Expert Midwife