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Self Care for New Moms

Self Care for New Moms

What does self care look like for you?

Just as important as taking care of your new baby is taking care of you. You may have a lot of questions and concerns about what your body has gone through or is going through after childbirth, and that is perfectly normal. We are here to help you answer some of the most pressing questions you might have. In this section, you will find resources and tips for new moms that help you better take care of yourself after giving birth.

Jump to topics:

  • How do I heal and recover after childbirth?
  • What about my breasts after childbirth?
  • How do I stay well after childbirth?
  • When do I call for help?
  • What about my emotions / hormones after childbirth?
  • What about my bottom and pelvic area?
  • What about sex and contraception?
  • How do I build my care team?

How do I heal and recover after childbirth?

Growing a baby and giving birth is very taxing on a woman’s body and emotions. During a time where usually a lot of attention is placed upon the newborn child, mothers sometimes don’t receive the care that they need. It’s important to care for the mother just as it is important to care for the newborn child. Women are strong and resilient, but will benefit from the care and understanding of those around them. We have put together this set of resources to help answer common questions women have about their bodies and emotions right after childbirth. View all topics.

Aches & Pains

Aches & Pains

Bleeding

Bleeding

Body Changes

Body Changes

Childbirth Trauma and Maternal Near-Miss

Childbirth Trauma and Maternal Near-Miss

Infections

Infections

Managing Your Conditions

Managing Your Conditions

Opioid Use

Opioid Use

Postpartum Health Care

Postpartum Health Care

Postpartum Mental Health & Wellness

Postpartum Mental Health & Wellness

Recovering from a Cesarean Section

Recovering from a Cesarean Section

Recovering from a Vaginal Delivery

Recovering from a Vaginal Delivery

Rest

Rest

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs

Your Hormones

Your Hormones


What about my breasts after childbirth?

After your baby is born, your breasts will start producing colostrum (a thick, yellowish liquid that is packed with nutrients for your baby). On the second or third day, your milk will come in and your breasts will begin to feel full and engorged. In the first few days your nipples will be extra sensitive and it may be uncomfortable when your baby first latches to breastfeed. If you continue to feel discomfort after 20-30 seconds, it’s a clue to adjust your baby’s position until it’s comfortable. View all topics.

Breast Basics

Breast Basics

Breast Pain

Breast Pain

Breastfeeding & Substances

Breastfeeding & Substances

Drying Up Your Milk

Drying Up Your Milk

Engorgement / Overly Full Breasts

Engorgement / Overly Full Breasts

I’m Sick! Can I Still Breastfeed My Baby?

I’m Sick! Can I Still Breastfeed My Baby?

Lactation / Infant Feeding Specialists

Lactation / Infant Feeding Specialists

Mastitis

Mastitis

Nipples

Nipples

Relactation

Relactation


How do I stay well after childbirth?

Just like on an airplane when you need to put on your own oxygen mask before you help others with theirs, you need to prioritize your well-being during the fourth trimester. Feeling good and strong is important for your health and will help you and your family thrive. Think of it as putting on your own oxygen mask first so that you can help others. Getting as much sleep as you can is important for staying well, so sleep when the baby sleeps. Accepting help to care for yourself is a sign of strength. If friends or family offer to bring over a meal or ask what support you’d like, tell them what would make you feel good. Some examples are letting visitors fold laundry, do dishes, walk the dog, read to or play with and older child, or watches the baby while you rest or take a hot shower. View all topics.

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune Disorders

Childbirth Trauma and Maternal Near-Miss

Childbirth Trauma and Maternal Near-Miss

Coping with Stress

Coping with Stress

Eating Well

Eating Well

Exercise

Exercise

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Immunizations

Immunizations

Intimacy and Sex After Childbirth

Intimacy and Sex After Childbirth

Managing Your Conditions

Managing Your Conditions

Postpartum Health Care

Postpartum Health Care

Postpartum Mental Health & Wellness

Postpartum Mental Health & Wellness

Thyroid Problems

Thyroid Problems

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs

Your Hormones

Your Hormones


What about my emotions/hormones after childbirth?

You, your partner and your family members are going through a lot of changes during the fourth trimester. Roles as mothers, partners, daughters, and workers are changing. You are caring for a recovering body with little sleep. Your hormones have gone through big changes during pregnancy and continue to change after you’ve given birth. This is normal, but it can also feel confusing and overwhelming. Learn more about how you can handle common concerns about your emotions and mood during this sensitive time: view all topics.

Busting Mom-Guilt

Busting Mom-Guilt

Childbirth Trauma and Maternal Near-Miss

Childbirth Trauma and Maternal Near-Miss

Communicating with Your Health Team

Communicating with Your Health Team

Feelings About My Parents

Feelings About My Parents

Gender and Non-Binary

Gender and Non-Binary

New Identity as Mom

New Identity as Mom

Postpartum Mental Health & Wellness

Postpartum Mental Health & Wellness

Transgender Or Gender Non-Binary (TGNB) Parents

Transgender Or Gender Non-Binary (TGNB) Parents

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs

Your Hormones

Your Hormones


What about my bottom and pelvic area?

Pregnancy and childbirth are hard on your bottom and pelvic area and it is normal to experience pain and other issues like hernias, hemorrhoids, anal tears and incontinence after you give birth. It can help to stay hydrated and add fiber to your diet so that bowel movements are easier. Soaking your bottom in a warm bath can also provide relief and help hemorrhoids shrink. View all topics.

Bowel (poop) Incontinence

Bowel (poop) Incontinence

Hemorrhoids and Constipation

Hemorrhoids and Constipation

Hernias and Anal Tears 

Hernias and Anal Tears 

Immediate Recovery Pelvic / Bottom Supplies

Immediate Recovery Pelvic / Bottom Supplies

Physical Pain with Sex

Physical Pain with Sex

Postpartum Physical Therapy

Postpartum Physical Therapy

Strengthening the Pelvic Floor

Strengthening the Pelvic Floor

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary Incontinence


What about sex and contraception?

It is normal to have a lower sex drive for weeks and months after childbirth. Some reasons for this include being tired and sleep deprived, being stressed, not having time, juggling infant care, experiencing negative feelings about your postpartum body and physical discomfort in your pelvic and bottom region. It is important to talk to your partner, explain your feelings about sex and listen to their feelings – try to have this conversation when you can both give it your full attention (such as when your baby is sleeping). Remember that vaginal intercourse is not the only way to be physically intimate and to enjoy each other. When you and your partner do decide you are ready to have sex, choose a method of birth control and use lots of lubrication. View all topics.

Birth Spacing

Birth Spacing

Childbirth Trauma and Maternal Near-Miss

Childbirth Trauma and Maternal Near-Miss

Contraception

Contraception

Partner

Partner

Physical Pain with Sex

Physical Pain with Sex

Postpartum Mental Health & Wellness

Postpartum Mental Health & Wellness

Ready for Sex

Ready for Sex

Your Hormones

Your Hormones


How do I build my care team?

Members of your health care team should listen to you and take your concerns seriously. Look for health care providers who feel helpful and trustworthy. Trust your instincts. If you feel that your current health team isn’t the resource that you would like them to be, consider options. You might write down what you are seeking in order to communicate your needs during appointments or, if needed, you can explore other options. Health care providers should be a resource. This means, you should feel safe with them and have honest conversations. A strong health care team can be a connector to community groups and parenting books. View all topics.

Communicating with Your Health Team

Communicating with Your Health Team

Finding the Care You Deserve

Finding the Care You Deserve

Postpartum Health Care

Postpartum Health Care

Postpartum Visit(s)

Postpartum Visit(s)

Telehealth Visits: What to Expect

Telehealth Visits: What to Expect

Types of Health Care Providers

Types of Health Care Providers

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs

When to Call for Help

When to Call for Help

How do I heal and recover after childbirth?

What about my breasts after childbirth?

How do I stay well after childbirth?

What about my emotions / hormones after childbirth?

What about my bottom and pelvic area?

What about sex and contraception?

The content of this website is not intended for use as diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your health care provider. If you need emergency care, call 911 right away.

The 4th Trimester Project™ is a trademark.

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