Every New Mom Deserves a Postpartum Retreat

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When I welcomed my first child, I fell for the myth that new moms could effortlessly “bounce back” just days after giving birth. I attempted to jump right back into my usual routine—cooking, cleaning, and even hosting visitors—while my baby was still in that fresh, squishy stage. It didn’t take long for me to spiral into panic attacks and postpartum anxiety, compounded by the fact that my recovery didn’t align with the expected timeline; my postpartum bleeding hung around much longer than the usual two to four weeks.

Reflecting on that period, it’s clear that my relentless drive to do it all too quickly was a huge factor in my struggles. So, when I had my second child, I decided to embrace the concept of a “babymoon.” In the world of crunchy mamas, this means blocking out time to snuggle up in bed with your newborn, taking it easy, nursing, and simply bonding. Sure, it might sound impractical to many, but I was determined to prioritize my health and well-being this time around.

I convinced my partner, Jake, to take a two-week unpaid leave from work to help care for our toddler and manage household chores. I worried about the financial implications of this sacrifice and how it might affect our relationship, but I have no regrets. That time off was an investment in my physical and mental health that paid off for the entire family.

Why Every New Mom Deserves Rest and Pampering

Here are a few reasons why every new mom deserves some well-deserved rest and pampering during the postpartum period:

1. Your uterus needs time to recover. This incredible organ can go from the size of a fist to a baby-sized house, and it takes up to six weeks to shrink back down. Those afterpains were a surprise—especially the second time around—and the heavy bleeding can be quite a nuisance.
2. Your vagina needs TLC, too. If you had a C-section, be sure to keep anything away from your incision. Even if you had a vaginal delivery with stitches, it’s not the time to be organizing your pantry. Rest is key.
3. Hormonal shifts require stabilization. After pregnancy, your hormone levels drop rapidly, often leading to the “baby blues.” Overexerting yourself can make this transition even more challenging.
4. Rest aids breastfeeding. While you might produce milk under stress, the hormone oxytocin—responsible for milk letdown—can be impacted. Taking time to relax can help with breastfeeding.
5. Your body is undergoing major changes. The transformation from “baby vessel” to your normal self is significant. Your organs need to find their way back to their original spots, and you might experience hair loss or increased sweating due to hormonal fluctuations.
6. It’s a tradition worth keeping. Historically, many cultures have embraced a recovery period after childbirth. For instance, in Colonial America, new mothers had a “lying in” period of three to four weeks, supported by family and community. Many cultures, like in China, have traditions that encourage new mothers to take it easy for a month.
7. Bonding time is essential. It’s natural for some moms to not feel an instant connection with their babies. You deserve the opportunity to nurture that bond without distractions.

I know many of you might be thinking, “That sounds great, but how can I make this happen?” Many of us don’t have the luxury to take extended leave or hire help. If you can’t carve out a full two weeks, here are some tips to ease your postpartum experience: limit the number of visitors, ask guests to bring meals, and create a chore list for anyone who stops by to help out.

If you’re expecting and want to plan the babymoon you deserve, start now. Consider asking for gift certificates for cleaning services or postpartum doulas instead of traditional baby gifts. Look into your options for paid or unpaid leave for your partner.

Most importantly, advocate for yourself. Society often perpetuates the idea that moms should immediately return to their routines after childbirth, and that prioritizing self-care is a luxury. But every new mother deserves time to heal and bond with her baby. So go ahead, claim that cozy, restful postpartum retreat you deserve!

For more insights on this topic, check out other helpful articles on our blog, like this one. Additionally, if you’re navigating your fertility journey, Make a Mom is a great resource. For general pregnancy information, this resource is excellent as well.

Summary

New mothers should prioritize postpartum recovery, taking time to rest, bond with their babies, and heal physically and emotionally. By advocating for themselves, moms can create a nurturing environment that supports their well-being and that of their families.