Postpartum Recovery: Tips for a Comfortable and Stress-Free Experience

Congratulations! Welcoming a new baby into the world is a momentous occasion, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter that comes with its own set of challenges. The postpartum period is a crucial time for recovery and adjustment and is completely unique to each individual woman. It’s a phase that can be physically demanding and emotionally overwhelming, but with the right strategies, support and essential products, you can navigate this period with greater ease. Here’s a guide to help you achieve a comfortable and stress-free postpartum recovery.

Your body is amazing and has just performed a tremendous feat, so it’s important you allow it the time it needs to heal. How you might ask? While it might be challenging to rest with a newborn, the old advice of ‘try to sleep when your baby sleeps’, really is a great way to catch up on some much needed sleep and rest. Even if you don’t actually sleep, allowing yourself to completely rest on the couch with your favourite Netflix series is still a really valuable activity to encourage your body to heal. Wearable breast pumps can also be really handy when trying to rest as you can express from the comfort of your own bed. So here’s your permission to put your feet up and binge with that remote!

- Create a Relaxing Sleep Environment: Make your sleeping area as comfortable as possible. Usesupportive pillows and ensure your bedding is cozy. Pop on your favourite oil diffuser and even some nice calming music.

- Ensure you have some comfortable waterproof bedding like The Midnight Gang’s Bed Mates so if there are any leaks, you won’t have the hassle of needing to change your entire bed.

- Nap Strategically: Short naps during the day can help offset nighttime disruptions.

- Don’t hesitate to accept help from family and friends to get some much-needed rest or to help out with the jobs that might start to pile up.

- Portable breast pumps: Expressing milk is something most women will need to do at some point during their postpartum recovery, but choosing a wireless option will allow you to do it with ease and comfort, helping you get more rest. Check out The Night Owl for a range of wearable breast pumps.

Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section, some discomfort and pain is normal. Over- the-counter pain relievers or medications prescribed by your doctor can help alleviate pain so if they have been recommended to you, make sure you are following your health care provider's advice.

Engorgement and low supply are also common issues women face postpartum, so it is important to treat these properly. Hands free breast pumps like the Mumma Owl are a great tool in alleviating these issues. It’s also important you pay attention to your body’s signals and take steps to promote healing. If you are experiencing pain and discomfort, listen to your body and rest. This includes caring for your perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) and managing any postpartum bleeding. To prevent any bleeding or other bodily fluids ruining your bed linen and creating extra washing, you can use waterproof bed pads on your bed for extra protection and peace of mind. There are some wonderfully luxuriously soft and on trend bed pads available, like those from The Midnight Gang that will protect your sheets while keeping you comfortable.

- Use Ice Packs: For vaginal discomfort, ice packs can reduce swelling and numb soreness.

- Use heat packs: A warm heat pack can reduce the feeling of back or neck pain and helps the body to relax. You can add a few drops of essential oils to enhance the experience.

- Feet up: If you experience any lower body pain associated with the labour, make sure you take a break, sit down and elevate your feet.

- Follow Post-Surgery Care: If you had a C-section, follow your doctor’s instructions for caring for the incision site to prevent infection and manage pain.

- Hygiene: Keep the area clean and dry. Use soft, unscented hygiene products to avoid irritation.

It’s totally normal to experience a range of emotions postpartum, from joy to anxiety and back again. The Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne estimates that up to 80% of women will experience the “baby blues”, which usually occurs 3-5 days after birth. It is reassuring to know that symptoms usually go away after a few days on their own. However if you find yourself feeling persistently sad, overwhelmed, or detached, it’s important to seek help. Taking time for yourself is a crucial part of looking after your mental and emotional well-being, even if it’s just a few moments each day. Self-care helps to maintain your well-being and can improve your overall mood, arming you with more strength and tools to get through the tough times.

- Talk About Your Feelings: Open up to your partner, friends, family, or a therapist about what you’re going through. Contact organisations such as PANDA or Beyond Blue who have trained professionals in postpartum mental health.

- Join Support Groups: Connecting with other new parents can provide emotional support and practical advice.

- Engage in Relaxing Activities: Whether it’s reading, taking a bath, or enjoying a hobby, find activities that help you relax.

- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Proper nutrition and hydration support both physical and emotional health.

We’ve all heard it before, it takes a village to raise a child, and there couldn’t be a truer saying. However it also takes a village to support a woman post birth. We’re not meant to do it on our own. During the postpartum stage, don’t hesitate to ask for and accept help from family and friends. We’re so used to doing everything ourselves however saying ‘yes’ when someone offers to help can be one of the best things you can do, especially in your recovery period. They can assist with household chores, cooking, or caring for the baby, allowing you to focus on your recovery.In today’s world, there are also countless tools and resources available to support you. For example, a hands free breast pump can make a big difference by allowing you to pump while keeping your hands free to tackle other tasks or simply relax. To reduce the copious amounts of washing you’ll no doubt have from leaking breast milk to postpartum bleeding to night sweats to baby spit ups, waterproof bed linen can be a saving grace so you’re not needing to strip and wash your entire bed when it gets wet. Meal delivery services, smart baby gadgets, and other modern conveniences can also play a big role in lightening your load.

Your partner can also play a significant role in postpartum recovery. Open communication about each other’s needs and responsibilities can help both of you adjust to your new roles. However if you are feeling isolated or don’t have much support, local community Facebook pages can be a really good place to reach out and ask for some help. You’d be pleasantly surprised at how many people there are in the community who would be willing to help!

- Communicate Your Needs: Let your loved ones know how they can best support you.

- Invest in some Waterproof Bed Linen - The Midnight Gang have a beautiful eco friendly range of waterproof bed linen that is PVC free and is made from a super soft cotton and bamboo fabric.

- Hire Help if Needed: If possible, consider hiring a postpartum doula or a professional cleaner to ease the load. Or even order some bulk meals online to have on hand when needed.

- Share Night Duties: Taking turns with nighttime feedings or diaper changes can give each of you some much-needed rest.

- Choose a Hand Free Breast Pump- The Night Owl offers a range of hands free wearable breast pumps that are gentle, discreet, comfortable and so easy to use.

- Discuss Feelings: Regularly check in with each other to discuss how you’re feeling and any adjustments that may be needed.

‘Knowledge is power’ as they say, and it is true again in this instance. Find some good educational resources either online, from your healthcare provider or from a trusted friend to educate yourself on postpartum recovery. When you know what to expect it can empower you to handle challenges more effectively. Part of staying informed and prepared is attending all your scheduled postpartum check-ups to ensure that you’re healing well and to address any concerns you may have. It can seem like too big of an effort or a waste of time if things are going well, however it is always worthwhile in keeping your appointments as it is a great opportunity to ask any questions you might have and prepare for the next stage.

- Prepare Questions: Write down any questions or concerns you have before your visit to make the most of your appointment.

- Discuss Any Issues: Don’t hesitate to bring up any physical or emotional symptoms you’re experiencing.

- Read Reliable Resources: Consult books, articles, or online resources from reputable sources to learn about postpartum recovery.

- Attend Workshops: Consider participating in postpartum classes or workshops that cover topics like infant care and self-care strategies.

Postpartum recovery is a journey that involves physical healing, emotional adjustment, and establishing new routines. By prioritising rest, managing pain, seeking support, and maintaining self-care, you can create a more comfortable and stress-free recovery experience. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and take time for yourself as you navigate this transformative period. Embrace the support around you and give yourself grace as you adjust to the joys and challenges of new parenthood.