Postpartum Care Isn’t About Bouncing Back: It’s About Being Supported
Postpartum Is Sacred
I see many people after having a baby just wanting to “get back to normal.” Don’t get me wrong—I get it. I was definitely that mom who thought I’d be up and about the next week, going about my regular routine, and the idea of sitting still in bed sounded not so fun. I was going to go stir-crazy!
There can also be so much pressure in society to return to normal—to bounce back physically, emotionally, and socially. I want to remind you that postpartum is a season for healing, recovery, bonding, and support. It’s a short season, and it’s sacred. You’ll never get it back.
If you are in the postpartum period, I want you to intentionally slow down. Don’t worry about everything coming up or all the chores that need to be done. Slow down. Allow others to take care of you while you take care of your baby.
The Cultural Pressure to Bounce Back
In today’s age of social media, there can be so much pressure to bounce back. You see other women doing it, so why can’t you? There’s constant messaging around what a body should look like after having a baby or how quickly someone should return to an “ideal” body shape. You also see people appearing incredibly productive—doing it all shortly after birth.
Just remember: what is shown online may not be reality. Judging yourself based on what you see others doing only adds pressure and can interfere with your healing.
Taking time to rest during postpartum isn’t only medically important—it’s emotionally important, too. Your body went through a lot to birth your baby. Birth is a marathon, so it’s normal to feel sore. Your uterus is also shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size and has a wound where the placenta detached. On top of that, there’s a major hormonal crash after birth that can deeply affect your emotions, which is why postpartum blues are so common.
When you do too much too soon, your body often tells you—through heavier bleeding, pain, or symptoms like prolapse. Your pelvic floor needs time to regain strength. Postpartum is a major transition, both physically and mentally.
What Postpartum Support Really Includes
Getting educated during pregnancy about postpartum is a game changer. It allows you to prepare for rest and helps others understand how to support you during this time.
Have conversations with friends and family about how they can best help you rest. You might even create a list on the fridge of things visitors can do that go beyond just fawning over the baby. Things like:
Bringing or preparing meals
Picking up groceries
Doing laundry
Watching older kids
Making tea or refilling your water
Holding the baby while you shower or nap
These are all things you should be asking others to do so that you can rest. I know how hard it can be to ask for help, but it’s so important in postpartum. Having a visible list removes the pressure of having to ask in the moment.
Planning a prenatal nesting party is also a beautiful way to prepare for postpartum support.
Supporting your body physically matters too—nourish yourself with nutritious meals and snacks, stay hydrated with water, broths, electrolytes, and teas, and support healing with comforting practices like herbal sitz baths or gentle pain-relief products. Even something simple like a heating pad can feel incredibly supportive during this time.
Emotional support is just as important. Have someone you trust who you can talk to openly about how you’re feeling—someone who can validate your experience. Keep affirmations nearby to remind yourself that you are doing the best you can, and that caring for yourself helps you care for your baby. This kind of support is needed.
Why Tangible Care Matters in the Fourth Trimester
The postpartum period often comes with sleep deprivation and heightened emotions. Having physical items prepared ahead of time can make caring for yourself feel more doable.
Creating simple daily habits or rituals can help ground you and support your emotional well-being. Something as small as a warm shower can feel deeply refreshing and cleansing. Take time for yourself when you can. Let others pamper you, and allow yourself to receive care.
You might also consider journaling—reflecting on how you’re feeling, how you want to parent, and what you envision for your life. This can be a beautiful thing to look back on later.
Supporting Yourself (or a New Mom) Intentionally
It is okay to prioritize your healing. In fact, it’s optimal. Prioritizing rest and recovery during your postpartum season can influence how your body heals over the course of your life.
Accept the help others offer. Lean into your village. We need to return to surrounding mothers and families with support after birth. It’s not taboo to rest, to stay in bed, or to allow others to care for you.
New mothers need just as much care and recovery as their babies do.
Honor your postpartum season. Slow down. Bond with your baby. Think of this as a reclusive time—a chance to step away from societal expectations and focus on healing, connection, and support.
If you’re preparing for postpartum, I offer postpartum doula packages and a curated self-care kit designed to support rest, nourishment, and healing during the fourth trimester.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more about how to prepare practically for postpartum support at home. Stay tuned.
