Wound healing, bleeding, shrinking of the uterus, hormonal regulation and the production of breastmilk are some of the processes that your body performs in the immediate postpartum period.

Whilst your body is doing a fantastic job in recovering from pregnancy and birth and meeting the needs of your newborn baby, there are ways that you can support your postpartum recovery.

1. Horizontal Rest

   Horizontal rest removes the pressure on your pelvic floor, allowing the muscles to rest and regain strength.

   It also helps you to slow down, spend time bonding with your baby, breastfeed on demand and sleep when you need to.

2. Cooked Food

   A new mum's digestive system is vulnerable and lacks digestive enzymes. Warm, cooked, nutrient-dense foods are easier to digest, requiring less energy from the body and helping absorb more nutrients.

   Think soup, stew, curry, bone broth, porridge or congee.

   Read more about the nutrients you need when postpartum or breastfeeding or postnatal depletion.

3. Skin-to-skin

   When bonding with your baby skin-to-skin your body releases the hormone oxytocin which supports your physical recovery, breastfeeding and maternal behaviour. It makes you calm, relaxed and less anxious and even helps your digestion.

   Read more about the Benefits of immediate skin-to-skin care.

4. Bodywork

   Bodywork such as (belly) massage and belly binding support the recovery of the uterus, keep your metabolism and circulation moving and increase oxytocin. It's warming and comforting and many of the emotional and physical changes can be relieved by bodywork.

   Read more about the benefits of postpartum massage.

5. Support

   Support in your postpartum reduces stress, it helps you to rest and eat warm and well. The feeling of being supported and loved releases oxytocin. All this will in turn support your postpartum recovery.

   Read more on How to build your 21st-century village.

Interested in postpartum support? See how I can support you here or reach out.