Calling all expecting moms far and wide, first of all, congratulations! You’re about to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with constant beautiful surprises, stores of strength and patience you never knew you had, and of course — all the love in the world. You’re also going to experience higher highs (and maybe even lower lows) than you ever have before.

And that’s where we come in! Because at Ocean Pediatrics, we’re committed to becoming a trusted partner to families everywhere, and that means passing along important information that can help you navigate the twists and turns of the postpartum journey. So with that in mind, kick your feet up on a comfy chair (they’re probably sore right now, anyway), here comes our tips for self-care during your postpartum period.

Plan ahead

As you’re coming up to the big day, and preparing for all the chaos to ensue, it’s a good idea to set into order as much as you can around your household. That could mean scheduling a housekeeper to come a couple times during the week, pre-making and freezing easy dinners, stocking up on toiletries and other common household items, and ordering any postpartum medications or vitamins you think you’ll be needing. Remember that once your baby comes, you’ll pretty much be in survival mode (for two) for the foreseeable future, so there won’t be time to worry about all the little things.

Pay attention to your emotional health

As we’re sure you’ve heard, postpartum depression is no walk in the park. In fact, it’s one of the toughest and most common obstacles you will face as a new parent. Be sure to pay close attention to your emotions and your mood day to day. If you find yourself sinking into a deep depression, be sure to talk about it as much as you can with your partner, your parents and friends, your doctor, or even a therapist. You can also seek out online support groups for new moms who may be experiencing similar symptoms.

Get help whenever (and wherever) you can

Although parenthood, especially the first time around, can be pretty daunting — there is help available. You might not see it right now, but your friends and family who love you will be itching to support you in any way they can once your baby arrives. Do yourself a favor and accept it! It’s important to feel as comfortable as you can leaning on those around you, to help with simple chores around the house, or even to watch your little one as you take a much needed shower or nap. One of the most important pieces of advice we can give new parents is that anything you can do to make your job easier, go ahead and do it!

Prioritize sleep

Without proper sleep routines, our bodies basically shut down. And yet, everyone knows that new parents are notoriously short on sleep. So what do you do? The answer is to find sleep whenever — and wherever — you can. When your little one tuckers out, take a nap right along with them. If one person is taking care of the baby, the other should be squeezing in a few more minutes of shut-eye. When it comes to your sleep, don’t be a hero, take whatever you can get. You can also consider hiring temporary help like a night nurse or a postpartum doula, or even call on friends to watch your baby during their waking hours.

Stay as healthy as possible

Although you should always be doing your best to practice healthy lifestyle habits, this is especially important during the postpartum period. You’re going to need all the strength, energy and positivity you can muster. And making sure you are eating nutritious meals, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding too much sugary or fatty foods, are all ways you can perform at your best — right when you need it most.

Do something just for YOU

When it comes to parenthood, you’re going to be faced with some of the biggest challenges you’ve ever faced. So it’s important to reward yourself at some point early in the journey. Think about something that you truly value in your normal life, and make sure to set aside time to do it in the postpartum period. Whether it’s talking to a friend on the phone, getting a mani/pedi/facial, curling up with a book, or spending time at the beach — make sure you make a point of scheduling it in your calendar. You can expect numerous surprises and stresses popping up during this period, but taking the time to do one purely enjoyable thing each month can fill your cup, recharge your batteries and give you the strength to be the best parent you can be.

At Ocean Pediatrics, we’re here to support your ever-growing family with the best pediatric care in Orange County. Our team of nurses, support staff and medical professionals are always here to answer your questions and empower you to take charge of your health — through the postpartum period and beyond! Congratulations again on your pregnancy, we hope to see you soon!