Life changes after having a baby, and sometimes adjusting can take a while. In these weeks and months following birth, a woman will experience many changes in body and spirit. Making sure she has the help she wants and needs during this time makes for a better recovery. Here are some ways to support women in postpartum.
Clean Her House
While a woman is recovering from childbirth, the last thing that should be on her mind is cleaning. Offer to help out with the housework. Set a time when you come over to wash dishes, do a load (or several!) of laundry, vacuum, and pick up. As you clean, pay special attention to her bathroom. This room tends to become messy during postpartum. Having a clean home will help the new mom to relax and focus her attention on the baby.
Be mindful of the cleaning products you use around the newborn. You will want to stick with unscented and non-toxic cleaners.
Bring Her Meals
There are many helpful options for bringing food to a new mom. Prepare a meal for her and drop it at her door. Give the meal without expectations of coming in to see the baby. You could also order a to-go meal and have it dropped by their house. Just make sure mom knows that it is coming!
Another helpful option is to ask her to make a grocery list. Go to the store and pick up all the items she needs, and when you return, help her put them all away.
Make Her Comfortable
Recovering from childbirth and learning to breastfeed can present many challenges. Make sure she is comfortable as she sits down to nurse her baby. Breastfeeding presents many nutritional needs, so grab her some snacks and hydrating beverages to keep at her side.
Chiropractic adjustments after childbirth can also help to keep mom comfortable as she recovers. Give her a ride to an appointment, or offer to go with her, so she doesn’t feel overwhelmed traveling alone.
Care for Her Other Children
We should be supporting all moms, not just the first-time ones! If she has other children, offer to watch them for an afternoon. This could look like taking them to the park or playing games in a separate room with them. As you offer to care for her other children, just make sure she is comfortable with whatever activity you have chosen.
Maintain Your Distance
Maintaining distance from a new mom and baby can sometimes be the best support you can offer. Many moms need to adapt to mom life privately. This can get complicated when many of her friends and family members are trying to intrude on her bonding time with her infant. If you are dropping off a meal-do just that. Don’t ask to see the baby and force yourself into her home. Allow mom weeks and maybe even a few months to grow and bond with this new life.
Encourage Her
Mom-guilt is real. As she makes new decisions each day in the care of her baby, she can often feel sad and unsure if she has made the right choice. You can simply help her by saying encouraging words. This can be a big deal to support women in postpartum.
Babies receive many gifts at showers and as newborns, but moms usually don’t receive much. A nice gesture would be to choose a gift for her and surprise her with it. Brighten her day by being kind and helpful. Your encouraging gesture and words could be the thing to get her through her day.
Contact Us
At Better Day Chiropractic, we’re dedicated to serving you throughout your pregnancy and postpartum recovery. We also offer sports, family, and pediatric chiropractic care. If you are located in Charlotte or the surrounding areas, reach out to us today.
