Postpartum Recovery While Managing a Busy Family: My Favorite Tips
This week, I’m officially two months postpartum with my third child, so I can confidently say I have some experience with this topic. As a stay-at-home mom, transitioning from full-time mommy mode while prioritizing my own healing journey is somewhat of a balancing act. Before diving into this article, I want to provide a quick disclaimer: I am not a doctor, and anything mentioned in this article should be used or applied at your own discretion.
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A Quick Backstory
I am part of the very small 1% of women who suffer from a pregnancy condition called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG for short). This condition involves extreme vomiting — more than five times a day. During my most recent pregnancy, I averaged 8-10 episodes of vomiting daily. Unfortunately, there isn’t a real "cure" for HG, so I spent my first two trimesters in and out of the hospital to receive hydration and relied on medication to manage the condition up until the day I gave birth.
Every time I stopped taking the medication, I found myself back at square one, hanging over the toilet, wishing my pregnancy wasn’t so difficult. The experience was isolating. I was constantly exhausted and could only manage very small, frequent snacks — and even then, most wouldn’t stay down. By the second month of pregnancy, emotional and mental challenges began setting in and continued until after my child was born.
Labor with my third child progressed very quickly, just as the internet had warned me about. My intuition was right, and I ended up having an unscheduled, unmedicated birth for the first time. Surprisingly, once I got through the contraction pain (which was the hardest part), the physical aspect of laboring and pushing felt more manageable — almost like the sensation of passing a large bowel movement. My labor lasted a total of two hours from start to finish. Now, with three children, I want to share some helpful tips I’ve acquired on how to manage postpartum healing while caring for a busy family.
Tip 1: Get Clear on Your Goals
Before giving birth to my third child, I created curated lists of goals and how I planned to achieve them. Having a long to-do list can feel overwhelming, so I made the list more manageable by breaking it down into small daily tasks. For example, I committed to dedicating homeschooling time to my children once a day. To stay consistent, I printed off some free educational printables (like the ones you can download today!) and kept them ready alongside an educational book from the library. This setup sparked my children’s interest and helped me hold myself accountable daily.
I also hung a calendar beside my bed where I list up to five tasks a day to complete. Every Friday evening, I dedicate time to self-care. As a mom, it can be difficult to carve out time for simple things that keep us feeling good about ourselves. Prioritizing this time has helped me maintain my mental health. Whether it’s shaving my legs or using a sheet mask, these little acts of self-care make a big difference. My lists also help me stay on top of tasks like trimming the kids’ nails or creating a grocery and meal guide for the week.
Tip 2: Ask for Help
If you have a supportive partner, don’t hesitate to ask them for help with simple tasks like dishes or laundry. I’ve been fortunate to have my husband naturally step in where I couldn’t due to pregnancy-related complications. If you need help, have open conversations with your support system about the areas you’re struggling in. This goes beyond asking someone to hold the baby while you shower or do the dishes. It’s about asking for help with chores, childcare, or even just having someone there to listen when you need to sort through your thoughts and ideas.
Tip 3: Prioritize Nutrition
Prioritizing nutrition during postpartum has helped me feel my best and given me the energy I need to tackle motherhood. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods. While fast food may be convenient, it’s often packed with synthetic ingredients, artificial dyes, and other additives that don’t support healing. Incorporating whole foods doesn’t have to be intimidating.
In our home, we limit processed foods to avoid unnecessary temptation. A high-protein diet has been particularly helpful for me, as it keeps me full for longer and supports digestion. Instead of relying on protein bars or shakes, try incorporating simple, wholesome snacks. For example, mini carrots with hummus or ranch dressing can satisfy salty cravings, while a yogurt bowl with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey or agave can curb a sweet tooth. For something quick, my family loves [Chomps meat sticks](https://amzn.to/your-affiliate-link) as a protein-packed snack. For sweets, we stick to seasonal fruits; my current favorite is berries, while my kids love mini mandarin oranges.
Final Thoughts
I hope these tips were helpful! Remember, as a parent, comparison is the thief of joy. Try not to compare your situation to another family’s lifestyle. If all else fails, grab the kids and take a walk around the neighborhood. It’s a free, simple way to clear your mind, release cabin fever, and boost your health.
I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below with any questions, suggestions, or topics you’d like me to cover in the future. Let’s keep the conversation going.