3. YOUR WELLBEING
Whilst learning how to meet every need of your baby, a new mum’s life typically consists of doing laundry and making cups of tea for visitors. The pressure of having to wash your hair, keep the house clean and be able to hold a conversation is a lot to ask of someone who has recently given birth and is feeding every 2-3 hours.
Pregnancy and childbirth leave a woman’s system utterly depleted which is why it is important to only do what is absolutely necessary during this time – rest, recover and care for your baby.
This is not a new concept. There is an ingrained tradition in China called “sitting the month” which is basically a month of postpartum confinement. The whole month is focussed on the health and recovery of the mother.
There is no TV, no books, no distractions or visitors (apart from a live-in mother or sister whose duty is to care for the new-mum).
Making your health a priority may quicken your recovery and can potentially prevent issues such as postnatal depression, insufficient milk supply, prolonged bleeding and anxiety and other longer term deficiencies.
There are many things that COVID has taught us: gardening, puzzles and board games can be rewarding, teachers are angels, we touch our faces a lot and slowing down is do-able.
Your friends and family will be there arms wide open eager to meet your baby as soon as you are ready.
During the fourth trimester, get to know your baby, bond and heal.
It will have real impacts on your life and theirs.
Originally published here.
Sara Laharnar is the owner of Tree of Vida Acupuncture, a womens health clinic on the Mid North Coast. She is a passionate acupuncturist/herbalist dedicated to womens health, fertility and pregnancy support.
