Pt. 1 Mental Health
At 10 months postpartum, I am finally feeling like I’ve found a realistic and sustainable health and wellness routine. It’s taken close to a year and multiple failed attempts to get here but since I’ve cracked the code for me, I want to share what I’ve been doing. But let’s start at the beginning…
The most important thing to get a handle on postpartum is your mental health. The hormones are WILD and unpredictable and frankly, can make you feel like you’re crazy. That on top of sleep deprivation, and if this is your first baby, the pressures and fears that come with being a first time mom, makes this phase or “4th trimester” so mentally challenging.
Tip #1: Take Breaks
At 10 months postpartum, I am finally feeling like I’ve found a realistic and sustainable health and wellness routine. It’s taken close to a year and multiple failed attempts to get here but since I’ve cracked the code for me, I want to share what I’ve been doing. But let’s start at the beginning…
The most important thing to get a handle on postpartum is your mental health. The hormones are WILD and unpredictable and frankly, can make you feel like you’re crazy. That on top of sleep deprivation, and if this is your first baby, the pressures and fears that come with being a first time mom, makes this phase or “4th trimester” so mentally challenging.
Tip #2: Move Your Body
Other than catching up on sleep and getting some alone time, my number one tip is movement. Get outside for a walk in the morning or go to a workout class, do something physical for you. This is going to give you endorphins and make you happier. It’s science and I promise it works. 🙂 Getting a sweat in, especially at the beginning of your day (but truly any time you can is fine) will change your headspace and mindset for the better. As soon as I was cleared to workout after my c-section, I was back at my workout classes because leaving the house to do something for me makes me so much more present with my kids and an overall better mom.
Tip #3 Girl Chats
Having someone to talk to, that’s not your partner, is SO important at this phase. Bonus points if they’re going through the same thing as you at the same time. I had a good friend who had her baby 4 weeks before my and she was my lifeline during those early days. I had such a hard time breastfeeding and she had gone through everything I was going through but was already on the other side. It helped remind me that everything is temporary and even if you’re really going through it and having a hard time, it will pass and you will get to the other side. If you don’t have a close friend to lean on, anyone who has been through this before can help.
It can be so isolating and your husband can’t truly understand how you feel (which is not his fault) because he didn’t got through it the way you did. I found it so helpful to just have a sounding board and someone to reach out to who can share their experience so you fell less alone in the hard moments.
So start with those 3 things if you’re feeling lost. I hope this was helpful if you’re going through it, just know it’s totally normal. I’ve rounded up my must have post partum times here that really helped me in the early days here for you. In PT. 2 we’ll chat all about what you to wear to make you feel more confident and be comfortable while you heal, and in PT. 3 I’ll share what I’ve been eating and my workout routine and talk about my weight loss.
If you liked this post, check out my Postpartum & Baby Must Haves 🙂
Love you all. xx Sarah
