Resources for postpartum health are not always easily accessible for new moms. The six-ish weeks between having a baby and the postpartum follow-up visit can feel very very long. Your body and emotions are going through so many changes. I was shocked that it is unnecessary to have frequent OB visits during this recovery period. Didn’t my body just do something amazing and exhausting for nine months?
In the whirlwind of being a new mom, I delayed seeking out the resources that would have supported my postpartum recovery. I didn’t even know I needed anything extra until I was months into the postpartum period. If I had set up each of these five resources for postpartum health while I was still pregnant, I would have been prepared to prioritize my own recovery. I wish I had created a team, in addition to my OB, ready to support my postpartum experience. Hopefully, these suggestions will inspire you to prioritize your own physical and mental health after having a baby.
1. Find a Nursing Support Group
Most hospitals, birth centers, or organizations that offer prenatal classes will also have a weekly nursing support group. And usually this support group is free. If you choose to breastfeed, a nursing support group will provide a community of women, valuable feedback and support from a lactation consultant, and an opportunity to increase your comfort level with breastfeeding. It’s also a good time to practice taking outings with your baby in a supportive, structured environment.
2. Join a Postnatal Yoga Class
I joined a baby-mom postnatal yoga class four months postpartum, but I wish I had started postnatal yoga within the first month or two. The class I attended for moms and babies was a very calm, comfortable environment for navigating motherhood. Moms were encouraged to breastfeed during the class, which I loved. It was an ideal opportunity for guided interaction with your baby, moving your body, and joining a community of moms. If you live in Denver, check out Belly Bliss in Cherry Creek. In Fairfield County, Yoga 203 is a great option.
3. Work with a Therapist
Even if you are not currently experiencing postpartum depression and/or anxiety, you are facing many changes and challenges as a new mom. Your mental health should be as high of a priority as your physical health. It can be difficult to find mental health professionals to work with but, in my experience, postpartum women are prioritized and it can be easier to find care. Your OB should be able to refer you to a therapist or social worker that can guide you through the many emotions of being a new mom. Therapy was, by far, the most important resource for my postpartum recovery.
4. Consult a Health Coach
I didn’t know anything about health coaches until recently. A health coach practices functional and integrative medicine to create a health and wellness plan unique to you. During the postpartum period, your body is depleted of key nutrients. This depletion is even more prominent if you are breastfeeding. A health coach can use labs, supplements, meal plans, and more to help balance out this deficiency and make you feel your best, both physically and emotionally. If you live in Colorado, I highly recommend Wild Rice Wellness. This book is also an excellent resource if you want to learn more about postpartum health and nutrition.
5. Ask for a Physical Therapy Referral
All women benefit from seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist before resuming exercise, or at any point during your postpartum journey. In many cases, you don’t even need a referral and can find a physical therapist near you that is covered by your insurance. Pelvic floor therapy helps with postpartum pain and discomfort, posture, and muscle strengthening.
Which resources for postpartum health would you recommend? Share your experience in comments!
P.S. My 15 Favorite Newborn Essentials and the advice I wish I had received as a new mom.
Note: If you buy something through the links on this page, I may earn an affiliate commission (at no cost to you). I only share products I genuinely like and use in my own life. I try to keep the details on this page updated, but please check all information before making your plans as the information may have changed. Thank you so much for your support.
