What Not to Do After Giving Birth: How to Recover (and Not Stress) After Birth

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Learning what to do and what not to do after giving birth is a vital step in maintaining your wellbeing during the postpartum recovery period. Giving birth can be a blissful experience, but a very stressful one, too. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the sometimes overwhelming aspects of childbirth so you can focus on caring for your new little one, as well as yourself.

Birth Recovery Tip #1: Recognize the Signs of Postpartum Depression

The “baby blues” refers to a state of heightened emotions that most mothers experience at some point following the birth of a child. For most mothers, these emotions typically subside a few weeks after birth; however, while discovering what not to do after giving birth, it’s important that you’re able to differentiate between the baby blues and postpartum depression which is similar, but also very different.

“Perinatal mood disorders” refer to several mental health conditions that can occur both during and after pregnancy. Postpartum depression is one of the most common conditions under the perinatal mood disorder umbrella. In other words, it’s a very real health issue that should be treated accordingly.

While you may not experience any mood disorders aside from the normal baby blues, you should be aware of the signs of postpartum depression. If you’re experiencing multiple symptoms, or if your symptoms are severe, you should speak with your healthcare provider.

The most common signs that you’re experiencing postpartum depression, include:

• You feel excessively angry and irritable.
• You feel guilty, shameful, and inadequate.
• You have intrusive thoughts associated with harming the baby.
• You have constant anxiety that you can’t escape.
• You’re not eating or you’re eating too much.
• You’re not sleeping or you’re sleeping too much.
• You don’t feel like yourself.

In most cases of postpartum depression, the symptoms occur within the first three months of birth recovery. They’re typically most intense around the fourth month. When it comes to what not to do after giving birth, the biggest mistake you can make is failing to seek treatment. The symptoms of postpartum depression can last for years if they’re not diagnosed and treated by a professional.

Birth Recovery Tip #2: Lean On Your Loved Ones

Pregnancy can be lonely. It’s easy to feel like nobody understands what you’re going through, and in some cases, that’s true. However, it’s worth noting that although it’s rare, around 10% of new fathers experience postpartum depression, too. During this intense time of your life, excellent communication and empathy between you, your partner, and your families are crucial.

Whether you have postpartum depression or you’re simply feeling overwhelmed, you should never feel ashamed for reaching out for help. If you want to know what not to do after giving birth, trying to handle everything on your own should be at the top of your list. You’re a supermom (or dad!), but that doesn’t mean you don’t need assistance. It takes a village.

If you’re feeling stressed, sometimes just talking about it with a trusted friend or family member can help you feel significantly better. In addition to emotional support, it can often help to take time for yourself. To give you and your partner the healthy alone time they need, ask other family members to pitch. From little tasks like changing diapers to larger favors like asking for a babysitter so you can see a movie with your partner, it’s important to share the workload as you adjust to the responsibilities of parenthood.

Birth Recovery Tip #3: Take Care of Yourself and Your Relationships

When it comes to what not to do after giving birth, one of the biggest mistakes you can make during this vulnerable time is overlooking your own physical and mental wellbeing. While it can be difficult, try to exercise when you get the chance. Find time in the evenings to enjoy your favorite TV show or read a book. Eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated. These self-care steps may seem obvious, but it’s so easy to forget about them until you’re feeling the repercussions.

In addition to maintaining your health, it’s important that you also focus on your relationship with your partner. During your birth recovery, it’s easy for stress to cause feelings of resentment. As you research what not to do after giving birth, you’ll find that having fun is an important step that goes unmentioned. Try to spend time with your partner and enjoy this new chapter of your life.

Birth Recovery Tip #4: Get Out of The House

Again, often the obvious self-care ideas are overlooked due to their simplicity. When your little one arrives, you may feel at times like it’s been days since you’ve seen the outside world. Going for an outdoor stroll for even just 10 to 15 minutes is a great way to clear your head and absorb some much-needed sunlight.

Birth Recovery Tip #5: Stay at a Recovery Retreat

Want to know what not to do after giving birth? Don’t force yourself to adapt to a new schedule and lifestyle immediately. Adjusting takes time — yes, there are aspects of your old life that may be gone forever, but there are also new, exciting things to look forward to. During this transitionary period, you may find that all-inclusive postpartum nursing care is the perfect stepping stone to your new life.

After nine months of pregnancy, you deserve to treat yourself! Instead of recovering at a hospital or home, why not enjoy a relaxing getaway?

Pearl Recovery Retreat is a five-star wellness center located within the luxury Viceroy Beverly Hills Hotel where you can sit back and relax while our experienced staff provides you with 24/7 customized postpartum care. Our gorgeous rooms and suites include world-class recovery center amenities — including personalized Kreation Juice cleanses and nourishing IV therapy — that will have you feeling like a queen. Book your stay now so you can look forward to a happy and healthy birth recovery when the big day comes.