How do I practice postpartum self-care?

Bottom linePractice postpartum self-care by covering the basics - rest, regular nourishing meals, hydration, and gentle movement - while protecting your mental health by talking about your feelings, accepting help, lowering expectations, and taking short breaks; attend your postnatal check-ups, keep up wound and pelvic floor care, and contact a clinician for warning signs or low mood lasting beyond two weeks.

Looking after yourself after birth isn't a luxury - it's part of recovering well and being able to care for your baby. Self-care in the fourth trimester is mostly about basics, support, and being kind to yourself.

Cover the basics

• Rest whenever you can and prioritize sleep over chores
• Eat regular, nourishing meals and stay hydrated (especially if breastfeeding)
• Keep taking any supplements your clinician advises
• Get a little fresh air and gentle movement when ready

Protect your mental health

• Talk about how you're feeling and stay connected to people
• Accept and ask for help - share night feeds and chores
• Lower your expectations and let some things go
• Take short breaks when someone can hold the baby

Don't skip your own care

• Attend your postnatal check-ups
• Keep up perineal or wound care and pelvic floor exercises
• Watch your mood - the baby blues are common, but lasting low mood needs support

When to reach out

Contact a clinician for physical warning signs (heavy bleeding, fever, severe pain) or if low mood, anxiety, or feeling unable to cope lasts beyond two weeks. Asking for help is a strength.

Femora helps you track your recovery, mood, and habits so your own needs don't get lost in newborn life.