Prioritizing Prenatal and Postpartum Wellness
Proper prenatal and postpartum care supporting both mom and baby are so important for the well being of a young family. Prenatal care can help an expecting mother develop a birth plan for her child’s delivery which will help the birth partner, spouse or friend help advocate for mom’s wants and needs during labor. Each mom and baby are unique and deserve the special attention the mom desires. Prenatal care helps educate a mother for her labor and delivery as well as her postpartum journey.
A few tips for Before, During and After Pregnancy
Before Pregnancy: Optimize your diet with whole foods, walk to achieve healthy resting heart rate and keep your body ready for the marathon that is labor. A goal of 10k steps is great! The fitter you are during your pregnancy the smoother your labor will be.
During Pregnancy: As soon as a you find out your pregnant schedule prenatal visits and if you aren’t jiving with your OBGYN now is the time to find a labor and delivery doctor that fits your needs. Find a community for expecting or new moms to join. This group of women who are in the exact stage of motherhood you’re in will be so helpful to your journey through your motherhood experience. Moving through pregnancy will make all the difference. Continue eating whole foods and staying active while waiting for you’re little ones arrival.
Recovery After Labor: Whole foods will get you through your recovery along with perinatal ice packs. Nipple shields will help protect your sensitive skin through breatfeeding as your uterus shrinks back into its shape over the first several months. Take an easy during your recovery whether you had a C-Section or natural birth. Both types of deliveries require rest, nurturing and bonding time with baby for mom to properly heal at her own pace. Join a local new moms group to find moms friends in the same stage of motherhood you are experiencing. You’ll find having mom friends with the exact same child will help you navigate so many questions you will have as your baby develops. It is so reassuring to know you are not alone in early motherhood and that other moms have the same questions as you. Don’t forget about you. It’s ok to wait to care for your baby but you also need to care for your body, mind and soul. Implementing yoga/pilates, meditation, massage and exercise are all great self-care activities to keep your cup full as a new mom. Moving your body during pregnancy and postpartum will make all the difference for your body and your mind. The real goal here is to be the healthiest mom you can be because in return it will benefit the whole family.
Wellness is wealth!