Moms often feel guilty for taking an extended break or indulging in self-care after childbirth, thinking that it is distracting them from attending to their newborn’s needs. But whether you gave birth via normal delivery or cesarean section, childbirth is a miraculous event that can be extremely tiring, which is why you need to take extra care of your body after having a baby.
READ MORE STORIES ON POSTPARTUM CARE AND RECOVERY
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“Nag-labor ka at nanganak. Ibig sabihin, nag-trabaho ka, nahirapan ka talaga,” says Dr. Maynila Domingo, an obstetrician-gynecologist who specializes in maternal fetal medicine at Manila Medical Center, during the third episode of SmartParenting.com.ph’s How Po? titled “The New Normal in Pregnancy and Childbirth.”
She also says that postpartum recovery can take six months, making it all the more important to rest during this time. “Your body doesn’t return to normal immediately. Take time and allow your body to recover. Yung matres mo, ‘di yun liliit sa size na bago ka magbuntis. It will take 6 to 8 weeks bago siya liliit tapos ‘yung complete na pagbalik sa normal, 6 months ‘yun sa iba,” she says.
“Rest when you feel tired. Magpahinga. You have to be healthy to also ensure the health of your child,” Dr. Domingo adds.
Ask for help
While your newborn has needs that only a mother can fulfill, remember that you also have needs that your family can help you with. Ros Padua-Macachor, a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, certified birth doula under Doulas of North America, and a breastfeeding mom and counselor, calls it “mothering the mother.”
She stresses that moms should not hesitate to ask for help and that they also deserve to be cared for the way they are caring for their baby. “Kapag bago kang panganak, magpaalaga ka. Magpahinga ka.”
She adds, “’Yung pinaka-in-charge ka lang ay ‘yung baby. ‘Yun lang ang role mo! Pabayaan mo muna mag-hugas ng pinggan, pabayaan mo muna silang magwalis. Lahat ng chores, ipasa mom una kasi gusto nating i-honor ka.”
She reminds moms that putting yourself first, while letting others care for you, isn't just good for you — it also benefits your baby, too! “Ito na po ang inyong new normal. At ang pinakamagbebenefit po, kung kayo ay maaalagaan, kung kayo ay magiging healthy, ang inyong baby.”
If you have questions about postpartum recovery, watch the video below for the dos and don’ts that you need to remember when caring for your body after baby:
READ MORE STORIES ON POSTPARTUM CARE AND RECOVERY
- Here Is Visual Proof Your Body Needs Rest After Childbirth, Mom
- What to Absolutely Avoid Doing in the First Month After You Give Birth
Watch the full episode here. Get exclusive access to Smart Parenting’s online webinars, expert talks, and lives! Register here and be the first to know about Smart Parenting Events.
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