Congratulations Mama, you made it. Becoming a mother is a life-changing experience filled with a whirlwind of emotions. You finally have your precious gift in your arms. Your baby is growing and we are sure you’re going to take best care of it. But the journey is still not covered.
You will surely take the best care of your baby and forget yourself, but you also need special care and rest, at least for the first six weeks of your postpartum journey.
You might go through various phases of emotional, physical, and mental challenges but do not panic, it is all normal. You must surely know the way to deal with them and you’ll be alright. Ensure you have your loved ones to help you through these phases, it makes this all easier.
Understanding the Fourth Trimester
The first six weeks after childbirth are the most crucial months for your recovery and adjustment, also known as “Fourth-trimester”. This is a significant period for emotional and physical changes, all about healing and adapting to being a mother.
You have just given birth to a new life, made by you. Now your body seeks rest, care and privilege to just relax for a few weeks. You will experience hormonal shifts, mood swings, and fatigue, which is all normal for this starting phase of motherhood.
Just like when you were pregnant, you took care of yourself and the baby throughout day and night. Do not just give up, keep taking care of you and the baby in similar ways. My grandmother says, “if recent days of your childbirth are calm, relaxing and restful, your body and emotions will be more stable in the future as well”. So, let’s not ignore the traditional advice and give time to yourself.
Prioritize Rest and Healing
Whether you had a C-section delivery or Vaginal birth, certainly it takes a toll on your body and mind. Rest is essential, your sleep might be limited and you will have to take short naps around the day when the baby is also sleeping. Your body is healing, every part is under recovery. Your uterus is shrinking to its normal size, and if you had a C-section, then your incision needs care. Take every step one at a time, you will heal with time.
For those with vaginal delivery, use peri bottles to wash yourselves down there, avoid extra bending or crouching. Also, usage of witch-hazel wipes can help reduce soreness, inflammation and any redness around your perineum area. Stay consulted with the doctor and remind yourself to get better.
Take Help and Build a Routine
Do not start feeling overwhelming with new responsibilities as you start feeding, sleeping, and changing diapers. Babies typically take time to adjust and you must also swing according to them. Slowly set your routine around their patterns.
Divide taking care of the baby with your partner, sometimes your family and friends can also prove to be of help. If you take day responsibilities, then your partner can help you throughout the night. Be patient- you, baby, and your partner, each of you need time to adjust with new life.
Postpartum Health Check-ups
Just like your pregnancy, you and the baby still need regular check-ups throughout your postpartum journey. You should stay on top of your health recovery. Keep a check on your bodily changes, lookout for any infections which feel abnormal. Do not restrain from addressing your mental and emotional challenges as well, every step matters.
Key health signs to watch for include heavy bleeding, unusual discharge, or persistent pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor.
Eat Healthy and Be Gentle
Consume a proper diet full of nutrients like protein, carbs, etc for abundant energy within you and proper lactation process. If you compromise with food, you will certainly feel low and your baby needs the milk, which won’t be produced timely. Also, milk production takes a lot of energy. Ensure your diet is on point. Keep yourself hydrated, not just with plain water but also consume coconut water, ajwain water, etc. Food is the main source of quick and smooth recovery, it should not be compromised.
Because you’re a daughter, wife, and mother now, you will feel a bunch of responsibilities hanging over your head but you need to stop your thoughts right there. What’s more important for you right now is you and the baby. So, be gentle with yourself and take proper care. 
To take the best care of yourself, we at Juno Mom have prepared a postpartum kit for all the new moms. Our purpose is to support mothers physiologically.