Written by: Robyn MacIver, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The holiday season is upon us, cue endless events and what feels like neverending to-do lists. This can be an overwhelming time of year for everyone, especially if you are getting ready to, or have just welcomed a new baby. During your postpartum period, the goal is to heal, recover, and bond with the baby. With it being the holiday season you may feel like you are pulled in numerous directions, and always have something to do or somewhere to be. Here are some tips to help you maintain your healing during the postpartum period.
P.S. These are great reminders for anyone in their postpartum period at any time, not just during the holidays
Do not be the hostess!! You do not have to host Christmas dinner or Christmas parties even if it usually is your thing. With friends and family visiting, sometimes even staying at your home it can be hard not to play hostess all the time. It is important to take a step back, kick your feet up and allow those there to support you and your healing journey. I know that this can be a difficult one, but your postpartum rest and healing are imperative to your recovery. Not hosting dinners, parties and events at your home takes the pressure off of you and allows you to leave when you are tired. You can attend dinners and parties and leave as early as needed.
Watch for signs from your body that you are doing too much! Your body will let you know if you are pushing it too far, this can look like the return of pain and discomfort. Postpartum lochia may get heavier, or even return if it has stopped. Body aches, feelings of exhaustion and overwhelm. This is not an extensive list, and everybody will be different but listening to your body is crucial during your postpartum period. If your body is asking you to slow down, asking for help so you can take a nap, or cancelling plans are great options. I know that it can be hard to slow down during this time, as there is always so much to do and so many people to see.
Maintain your boundaries! To maintain your boundaries you need to create them. This could look like how many events you want to attend. Are there certain ones that you don't want to miss? Boundaries surrounding your new baby, such as how to handle sickness around the baby. If you want the baby passed around from person to person or not. Not giving up time that you have set aside for yourself to rest. Knowing that it is ok to not attend every event, and it is ok to not have a completed to-do list. Creating and sticking to your boundaries will help to ensure that your wishes are heard and followed through.
Recruit help and support! With lots of extra friends and family around who may not normally be there ask for help! It could be as simple as asking for them to grab something for you to drink while you are feeding the baby. Asking them to make you up a plate, or for them to hold the baby while you eat. If someone is at the store and asks if you need something, ask for what you need. You will find that lots of people will often say, “Let us know how we can help.” This is because they want to help and support you but may not know how.
Allow no to be a complete sentence! This is your gentle reminder that no is a complete sentence. You do not have to provide reasons for your decision. You do not want a sick family member to hold your new baby, no. You do not have the energy to attend another Christmas event, no. I know there can be a lot of pressure for us to do all the things, and see all the people, especially during the holiday season but this is a fast-track way to burn out and overwhelm. These are two feelings we want to try and avoid during our postpartum period. We want this period to be focused on rest, bonding, and healing.
Robyn MacIver, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Robyn MacIver, is an Ayurvedic Postpartum Doula, who focuses on mental health, and brining balance back to the body after childbirth. Her personal postpartum experiences fuelled her passion to support other families through this major life transition. She believes that with the proper support, and knowledge this transition can be a positive experience. MacIver has created a platform that helps families create a postpartum plan, and understand what the postpartum period is all about and how to navigate it in a way that works best for you and your family.
