Postpartum Rest is an act of resistance

They say once you become a parent, you’ll never sleep again. For many, this is surprising since  newborn babies sleep anywhere from 14-17 hours per day, which sounds like there’s plenty of  time for new parents to rest. Still, between feedings, diaper changes, laundry, and the myriad  other things that fall into mom’s lap, rest might sound more like a fairytale than the doctor’s  orders.  

The reality is you need lots of rest postpartum to help your body recover from childbirth. For the  first two weeks, you’re establishing your milk supply and the baby’s feeding schedule. You’re  bonding with your new little one and helping them feel secure in their new environment. What’s  more, you could be sabotaging your own health if you don’t get enough rest postpartum.  

Pull up a chair…

The postpartum period is a time for you to recover from pregnancy and childbirth. Many  cultures believe that resting during this time is important for recovering from the physical  stresses of pregnancy and labor and delivery. But it’s also an essential time to recover from the  physiological, emotional, and hormonal transition into motherhood. 

Ultimately, you need this time to support the needs of your child and to step comfortably into  your role as a parent, and to heal. Protecting this time with rest and tuning out all other  distractions is essential for fostering these new connections.  

It is recommend that mothers rest for at least six weeks after coming home from the hospital.  They can shut themselves away from the temptations of household chores, unwanted visitors,  noises, and other happenings.  

After the first six weeks weeks, some doctors recommend continuing to rest while slowly easing  into other areas of the home.  

There are Risks with Too Little Rest  

Part of the reason why many women don’t get adequate postpartum rest is the stigma  associated with “doing too little.” Modern society pushes people to do more and be more, and  anything less is a sign of weakness.  

However, in the postpartum world, there are risks of trying to get back to “normal” too quickly.  

Risks include :  

• Heavy bleeding  

• Blood clots 

• Susceptibility to colds, viruses, and infection  

• Long-term joint pain and inflammation  

• Pelvic organ prolapse  

• Re-opening of cesarean incision  

• Insomnia  

• Postpartum depression  

• Increased anxiety and/or “scary thoughts”  

And the list goes on and on  

Postpartum depression is of particular concern, affecting 10-20% of American women. When  women try to manage all of their normal comings and goings while also playing the role of a new  mother, the sense of failure is imminent as they realize they’re not the superheroes they think  themselves to be.  

It is okay to accept help  

• Live-in family or friends  

• Postpartum Doula  

• Nanny  

• Meal trains 

The bottom line

Rest isn’t something that comes easy during postpartum. It’s something you have to take, and  ideally plan ahead for. Getting help around the house, taking care of older children, having  meals delivered from family or friends, and having someone run errands on your behalf can  remove huge weights from your shoulders and free up time for you to rest.  

Treat this time like it’s your job - because it truly is. When you are well cared for and protected,  you can give that same level of care and love to your new little one.