Postpartum Rest

Are You Listening to Your Body?

After bringing a new life into the world, many women feel an overwhelming sense of urgency to get back to their regular routines. After my first child was born, I felt amazing. I didn’t think I needed to ask for help, nor did I feel comfortable accepting the offers that came my way. But here's the reality: just because I felt fine didn't mean my body was ready to spring back into action. I believed I was listening to my body, but it took me some time to recognize that I was simply ignoring its cries for help. (Check out my story here).

The Challenge of Pausing

Many of us lead such busy lives that stopping seems foreign, if not impossible. Taking breaks—where you fully rest all parts of your body, including your eyes—can often feel unsettling. The thing is, we can't expect to drive at full speed throughout pregnancy, then suddenly hit the breaks. Just like you’d be thrown forward in your seat during that jolt, a new mother may also find it challenging to adjust to a slower pace after her baby arrives. Transitioning to a slower rhythm isn’t about merely stopping; it’s about learning to shift gears gracefully. It takes practice.

Practicing the Art of Rest

Think of rest as a skill that you need to practice. Just like any other new task, it takes time and intention. Allow yourself that time during your pregnancy. Consider setting designated times during the day just for relaxation. This can be as simple as having a cup of tea each night, or even setting a timer to glance away from your computer screen every fifteen minutes. If you can, during your pregnancy, create and maintain a dedicated space in your home, such as a cozy chair, where you feel at ease. This space can then seamlessly become your sanctuary when your baby arrives. I believe this is just as important, if not more so, than the time and effort spent preparing the space for your baby.

To wrap it up, truly listening to your body and prioritizing rest is crucial for postpartum recovery. While it’s tempting to rush back into your pre-pregnancy routine, taking the time to slow down and practice self-care helps ensure physical healing and a smoother transition into motherhood. By practicing rest and recovery now, you’ll support both your well-being and your ability to fully embrace this new chapter as a new mother. Your body will thank you for it.