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Writer's pictureConstance Lewis

Lifestyle Support During the Postpartum Period

Support during the postpartum period is crucial for the well-being of both the mother and the newborn. Comprehensive lifestyle support can help new mothers navigate this challenging time more smoothly. Here are some recommendations for providing essential support.


Emotional Support: The postpartum period can be emotionally challenging due to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the adjustment to a new role. Providing emotional support through active listening, reassurance, and empathy is essential.

  • Active Listening: Listen to the mother without judgment, allowing her to express her feelings and concerns.

  • Reassurance: Offer words of encouragement and remind her that it's okay to feel overwhelmed.

  • Empathy: Show understanding and compassion for her experience.


Practical Help: Offer practical assistance with household chores, cooking meals, and caring for the baby. This can alleviate some of the mother's stress and allow her to focus on recovery and bonding with the newborn.

  • Household Chores: Help with cleaning, laundry, and other tasks to reduce her workload.

  • Cooking Meals: Prepare nutritious meals or arrange meal deliveries to ensure she has access to healthy food.

  • Baby Care: Offer to watch the baby so she can rest or take some time for herself.


Support Recommendations:

  • Encourage Rest and Self-Care: Help the mother find moments to relax, take naps, and engage in activities that promote well-being.

  • Suggest activities like reading, gentle exercise, or meditation to help her relax.

  • Nutritious Meals: Ensure access to nutritious meals and snacks to support her recovery and energy levels.

  • Preparing meals in advance or arranging meal deliveries can be helpful.

  • Assistance with Breastfeeding: Offer support with positioning, fetching water or snacks, and providing emotional support if challenges arise.

  • Encourage her to seek help from a lactation consultant if needed.

  • Encourage Social Connections: Maintain social connections with friends and family to prevent feelings of isolation.

  • Suggest joining a new mothers' group or scheduling regular visits with friends and family.

  • Monitor for Postpartum Depression: Be vigilant for signs of postpartum depression or anxiety and encourage seeking professional help if needed.

  • Offer non-judgmental support and reassurance that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

  • Respect Boundaries: Respect the mother's preferences regarding visitors, advice, and caregiving.

  • Be sensitive to her wishes and provide support in a way that feels comfortable for her.

  • Encourage Gentle Exercise: Activities like walking or postnatal yoga can benefit physical and mental well-being.

  • Suggest joining a postnatal exercise class or taking daily walks together.

  • Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge achievements, no matter how small, to boost morale and reinforce positive progress.

  • Celebrate milestones like the baby's first smile or the mother reaching a personal goal.


By providing comprehensive lifestyle support during the postpartum period, you can help ensure a smoother transition for the mother and contribute to the health and happiness of both her and the newborn.

 

As a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Fertility Coach, and Postpartum/Lactation Coach, Constance has a multifaceted background that has been shaped by personal experiences and a deep understanding of the challenges that many women face.

 

Just like many of you, she walked the challenging path of infertility, and this journey was followed by a traumatic delivery and postpartum period. She knows firsthand the yearning for answers, the need for support, and the hunger for education that can often be lacking during these pivotal moments in a woman's life.

 

She is here to be the support you need to navigate this precious time in your life. Her mission is to empower, educate, and support you as you navigate the challenges and joys of this unique journey.


Book a free Postpartum Evaluation call with Constance today!

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