I’m so excited to share this blog with you today. Everything shared below is something I wish someone would have shared with me before I gave birth. I hope these tips and insights below give you a new perspective, and help guide you towards a grounding, peaceful, loving, and beautiful postpartum journey ahead. There’s a lot to unpack here, so take what you like and leave what doesn’t align. I’m so excited for you!

Postpartum Tips & Insights

ONE.

Don’t wait until after you give birth to think about postpartum care. This is so important. Make postpartum care part of your birth plan and prioritize it just as much as you do for labor and delivery.

TWO.

Stay in bed for at least a week after you give birth. My midwife suggested this to me and it made a huge difference in my recovery. I made the mistake of being too active after my first birth, and it took me SO much longer to heal. Resting after my second birth helped me heal much faster. It’s a tip I wish someone had shared with me sooner.

THREE.

Trust your motherly intuition. Let it guide you.

FOUR.

Prioritize self-care. Take care of yourself too, mama! It’s easy to put your own needs aside when you have a new baby to care for (I’m totally guilty of this!) but, self-care is so very essential for your overall health. Talk with your partner/postpartum care team, and plan to carve out time for yourself every single day, even if it’s for 30 minutes.

FIVE.

Set an intention or mantra for your postpartum journey. It helps you focus on what’s important, stay motivated, and be present in the moment. Take some time to think about how you want your postpartum experience to go and create a simple phrase or word to guide you. This is something that helped me tap into my highest-self every day, and I hope it can do the same for you.

SIX.

Consider getting a journal to jot down important details like diaper changes, your baby’s temperature, baby’s weight, nursing/feeding times, etc. It will help you stay organized and on the same page with your partner. It’s also fun to add – affirmations / intentions / your mantra / inspirational quotes – inside your journal, just anything that can help keep your headspace strong and positive while you’re caring for your baby.

SEVEN.

Mentally prepare yourself to be nursing/feeding your baby every 2-3 hours after your baby is born for the first couple of months. Consider having family stay with you, or hire a nighttime nurse/postpartum doula to help out. Stay open to different options and find what works best for you and your family.

EIGHT.

Have healthy food readily available for you and your partner during the first few weeks after your baby is born. Having nutritious food on hand can make things easier for the both of you. Consider preparing meals in advance or coordinating with family and friends for a meal train option. This can help take the stress off of cooking and allow you to focus on your new family.

NINE.

Juice daily. Consider incorporating fresh juice into your postpartum routine. Preparing a daily juice with fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs can promote healing and help you feel better. It may require a little bit of extra effort and planning from your partner in that first week or so, but the benefits are powerful. Drinking fresh juice every day helped my body heal and even relieved my mastitis.

TEN.

Establish specific visitation hours for your family and friends to meet your new baby. This will provide you and your baby with the necessary rest and recovery time, while still allowing your loved ones to share in the joy. Having a set schedule will also prevent unexpected visitors and give you peace of mind.

ELEVEN.

Breastfeeding is not always as easy as it looks: As a mother of two who has breastfed both of my babies and is still currently breastfeeding my son, I know firsthand that it takes patience, discipline, persistence, and a lot of hard work. However, I truly believe that if you’re committed to breastfeeding and have the right resources, support, and mindset, you can overcome any obstacles that come your way.

My biggest tip: Do your research before you give birth. I didn’t do this with my first baby and I really wish I had. I faced a lot of unexpected challenges that I wasn’t prepared for. If I had done the research beforehand, it would have made my experience so much better.

Read books about breastfeeding, talk to other moms, and/or seek help from a lactation consultant. There are plenty of resources out there that can give you the knowledge and techniques you need to feel confident and prepared. If you’re looking for a resource, I’ve heard great things about this ebook on breastfeeding by Ellen Fisher. Also, feel free to leave any questions in the comments below. I’m very passionate about breastfeeding, and I’d be happy to help answer any questions you have.

TWELVE.

Create a playlist of your favorite songs to play in the background throughout the day. Music elevates the energy in the room when the exhaustion hits. If you’re feeling like everything is super tense postpartum, turn on music.

THIRTEEN.

Finding enough time to rest and recharge can be challenging. However, trust that as you settle into a routine, your life will undergo a beautiful transformation. While there may be moments of exhaustion, it’s the heartwarming memories of snuggling up with your baby that will stay with you forever. Soak up these sacred moments because they go by so fast!

FOURTEEN.

Give your body time to heal. Honor your postpartum journey for what it is. Resist the urge to rush the process or compare yourself to others you see online. Instead, focus on positive affirmations and self-care practices that promote self-love and body acceptance. Let go of any pressure to “bounce back” and embrace your body for all it has accomplished. Remember that every woman’s journey is unique, and it’s okay to take the time you need to recover and adjust to your new life as a mother.

FIFTEEN.

Prioritize your inner peace & protect your energy. Learn to recognize when something doesn’t align with your values and needs and feel comfortable saying no. If something doesn’t feel like a “hell yes,” then it’s likely a “no.” Your newborn bubble of peace needs to be a safe and positive space for you and your family, so say no to anything that doesn’t contribute to that energy.

SIXTEEN.

Go for a walk with your baby (when you feel ready) or find a peaceful spot in your backyard or somewhere in nature to sit and relax. The fresh air + change of scenery can be so good for your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.

SEVENTEEN.

If you’re breastfeeding, your period may not return for a while. I wish someone had told me this! When your period does come back, you may notice a dip in your breastmilk supply during those days. To address this, try incorporating a milk production aid such as a tea specifically designed for breastfeeding moms. This can help boost your milk production and maintain your supply while on your period. I highly recommend trying this tea for this purpose – it’s one of my favorites!

EIGHTEEN.

Find a pediatrician for your baby that’s aligned with your holistic lifestyle and health goals. Research until you find the best fit for you and your family.

NINETEEN.

Give yourself grace. You’re learning, growing, and evolving.

TWENTY.

Consider hiring a photographer or videographer to take pictures and videos of your birth. If you’re not comfortable with that, ask a very close friend or family member to be present at your birth and be in charge of this. Take all the pictures postpartum as well! You’ll be so happy you have these photos to look back on. When I reflect on both of my births, this is something I didn’t do that I REALLY wish I would have been more intentional about.

LAST ONE.

The last thing I wish someone would have told me is don’t be married to your birth plan.

As you prepare for the birth of your precious baby, try to approach your birth plan with an open heart and a willingness to remain flexible. Remember that your birth plan is simply a guide and not a rigid set of rules. Trust in God and the power of the universe to help guide you through this sacred journey. Stay present and focused on the beauty of the moment, releasing any attachment to specific outcomes. Embrace the love and support of those around you, and get excited for the incredible blessings that are to come. This journey will be one of the greatest joys and most sacred experiences of your entire life.

I’m so very excited for you!

~~~~~

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. I hope you found my tips & insights helpful and beneficial. If you have questions or additional insights to share, please feel free to leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you all. If you found this blog post valuable, please share it with other moms who may benefit as well. Let’s support each other as we take on the sacred role of motherhood.

xo – Chelsea

~ If you’re feeling uncertain about what products to buy for your postpartum recovery, don’t worry, I’m here to help. Check out “Healing & Thriving: Essential Items for Your Postpartum Journey” to feel more confident as you prepare for this new chapter in your life.