Discover some of the ways to ease your postpartum symptoms.
Once your little one is born it seems like all your attention turns to caring for them. Of course, the postpartum period is also an important time to care for yourself and your wellbeing, too. A lot of changes occur in new mothers after birth, both physically and emotionally, and our Ridgewood, NJ, OBGYN Dr. Eric Bentolilia is here to provide tips for smoothly riding out the postpartum wave.
Take Time to Rest
We know that telling new parents to rest sounds like a tall order, especially because every newborn’s sleep patterns will be different. It can be exhausting to figure out when your child will wake up for food or to be changed. While getting a full night’s rest will probably not be as likely, it’s important to try and sleep whenever the baby is sleeping. While this might not seem like a lot of time, having these moments throughout the day can really add up.
Maintain a Proper Diet
Again, we know how difficult it can be to care for a new baby and also make sure that you are getting the proper nutrition you need. Standing in the kitchen cooking a homemade meal may seem like an impossibility, but making sure you are getting the nutrients you need will go a long way to helping you recover and heal faster. Make sure you are eating enough fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy and whole grains (e.g. brown rice).
Avoid sugary and processed snacks, which may be easier to reach for but won’t truly satiate your appetite. If the idea of cooking just seems like yet another chore consider trying out a meal delivery service that drops off healthy meals to your doorstep.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
We know that family and friends will want to stop by often to visit the new addition to the family and while it can be exciting having guests over it can also be overwhelming. It’s fair to tell visitors that you need to step away to get rest or to feed your little one. Lean on family members such as your parents for support, whether it’s helping clean up dishes around the house or throwing in a load of laundry into the washer.
Communicating your feelings in the beginning is important for working cooperatively with family and friends during this exciting but often stressful time. Our Ridgewood, NJ, OBGYN can also provide you with more tailored tips for managing day-to-day stressors when you come into our office for checkups.
If you have questions about postpartum symptoms, our Ridgewood, NJ, OBGYN center is here to provide a compassionate, listening ear and helpful advice when you need it most. Call us today!