Postpartum self care doesn’t always look like bubble baths and yoga flows. I think we both know how hard it is to prioritize yourself during postpartum recovery, but I know from experience that suddenly self care feels more important than ever before.
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Some days postpartum self care looks like taking deep breaths while your newborn is asleep in your arms because your baby wakes up every time you put him down, finally brushing your teeth at 2 in the afternoon, or being able to use the bathroom without being interrupted. What is privacy anymore?
I have been the mom who asked myself when my last shower was (more often than I’d like to admit!) and couldn’t sit down comfortably. If you’re in the foggy newborn haze, leaking milk like crazy, running on a few hours of sleep, and desperate to take care of yourself too, this post is for you.
So here is a 3-minute postpartum self care routine for you to manage, even on the hardest days. No fancy steps or perfect setup. Just 3 simple steps that made me feel like myself again. You don’t need a ton of time. Just a few intentional minutes added to your postpartum schedule to feel refreshed.
When you are healing, touched out, and downright exhausted, this short and sweet routine has the power to set the tone for the rest of your day.
It took me too long to figure out that beginning my day with self care, helps me thrive as a mother.
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Prioritize Postpartum Self Care
My 3-Minute Postpartum Self Care Routine
1. Reset on the Couch
I found it helpful to keep a little parent self care basket beside the couch. I filled it with rosewater spray, face wipes, chapstick, dry shampoo, and a small brush. During my c-section recovery, it was just so much easier to keep a basket of self care items in the living room since that is where I spent the most time.
Getting up to walk all the way to my bedroom was a big ask some days (especially during those first few weeks). In just 60 seconds, I was feeling refreshed. Speaking from experience, small things like this are a total mood boost!
On the days you need longer than just a minute to rest, recruit your husband for help. I had plenty of those days.
Laying horizontal on the couch in silence while closing my eyes for just a minute helped me clear my mind and feel less anxious.
2. Rehydrate and Refuel
Water and food are so important. So drink lots of water, and then drink some more! I could not get enough water and electrolytes after having my babies.
Another simple yet essential task in my daily postpartum self-care routine. Remember to refuel too. Your body needs it. And if you’re breastfeeding, you’re probably feeling super ravenous. So listen to your body and take care of yourself.
You’re already tired, so you should avoid feeling hangry too! Not a good combo.
3. Jot Down One Line
At some point each day, I wrote down something I wanted to remember about my baby. Time seriously does fly, and even though the newborn phase is challenging, I wanted to be present and soak in all of the baby snuggles.
I also wanted to look back and remember how I was feeling. The day will come when you wish you could rewind the hands of the clock and wish your baby would snuggle with you longer, just like they used to.
This simple act during postpartum planning helped me slow things down just a little bit.
What Helped Me the Most Postpartum
Before having my baby, I was so hyper-focused on having all the baby things. Now, looking back, I thought I needed more than I actually did. I read all the postpartum tips and talked to my mom friends about what essentials they recommended. But once I was in it, I quickly realized that simple and practical is always best.
Here are the postpartum tips that made the biggest difference:
- Preparing care baskets for rooms I spent a lot of time in (think snacks, lotion, anything that will make you feel better)
- Having a loose postpartum schedule to ensure that I can find moments throughout the day to recharge my batteries
- Asking for help when you need it- even if you feel funny about it
- Lowering expectations, giving yourself grace, and celebrating the small victories
It Is Okay to Keep It Simple!
The absolute best piece of advice that I wish someone had told me is that you do not have to do it all. So don’t you dare even try to take on everything.
If this is your first time thinking about postpartum self care, let that tip really sink in.
Keep your system super simple. Ask yourself what small rituals will help you reset and feel supported. Your routine may not look like mine. Your postpartum planning doesn’t have to be complicated, elaborate, or fancy.
Intentionally add small acts of kindness (to yourself) to your daily routine. Starting small is the key. Throw on a fresh shirt, a quick stretch, and take a deep breath. Those small actions are self care too!
To the Mama Who Feels Like She’s Losing Herself
I know what it’s like to feel like your basic needs are not being met. Like they just don’t fit into your daily schedule. It can make you want to scream. But this season is not long. It will go by quickly and you will find a schedule that works for your whole family. It just takes a minute. This is a huge adjustment period for everyone.
Look at it this way. Your baby needs you to be cared for, too. As moms, it is so easy for us to put ourselves last. I am speaking from experience when I say, that when your cup is not full, you can not show up as your best self.
So while you’re reading up on what things to do postpartum, find a way to work postpartum self care into your daily schedule. Start small. Like with my 3-minute simple routine. I promise finding time for things that help you relax and recharge will make the biggest difference.
If you are wearing yesterday’s shirt covered in spit-up and your hair is a mess, remember to carve out time for yourself, too. Postpartum self care doesn’t look the same as it used to. I am 10 months post baby and can honestly say that the little things matter. Enjoying a hot cup of coffee while the kids are asleep feels amazing. Taking a shower and getting ready for the day before my kids wake up in the morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. Putting the kids to bed on time is another nonnegotiable in my house. What small changes will help make your day a little smoother? What items will you keep in your postpartum self care basket? All the little things count!
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