Postpartum Recovery: Avoid These 9 Common Mistakes

Eating well, resting, and exercising help new moms recover after childbirth. But many make these 9 common mistakes that slow down recovery. Let’s see what they are and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Skipping Postpartum Checkups 

Some moms think they don’t need checkups after leaving the hospital.

The Right Way: 6 to 8 weeks after birth, go for a full checkup to ensure your body is recovering well. If you feel unwell, see the doctor sooner.

Mistake 2: Drinking Too Much “Milk-Boosting Soup” 

Some moms believe drinking soup helps produce more milk, so they drink it at every meal.

The Right Way: Drink soup but also eat meat and vegetables. The nutrients are mostly in the ingredients, not the liquid. To increase milk supply, eat well, let the baby nurse often, and use a breast pump if needed.

Mistake 3: Eating 10 Eggs a Day

Many moms are told to eat many eggs after giving birth, sometimes up to 10 a day.

The Right Way: While eggs are nutritious, eating too many isn’t necessary. A balanced diet with various foods is better.

Mistake 4: Overeating for Recovery 

Some believe that childbirth weakens the body and that eating a lot helps recovery.

The Right Way: Eat as you did during pregnancy. Include whole grains like brown rice and oats. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables for vitamins.

Mistake 5: Avoiding Salt 

There is a myth that new moms shouldn’t eat salt because it can harm their stomach and make breast milk too salty for the baby. 

The Right Way: You can eat salt, but limit it to no more than 6 grams per day. Salt is needed to replace what’s lost through sweat and milk production.

Mistake 6: Standing or Squatting for Long Periods 

After the confinement period, some moms think they are fully recovered and stand or squat for long times.

The Right Way: Avoid long periods of standing or squatting. If you must stand, place one foot on a small stool and switch feet often. If you squat, take breaks to move around and relax.

Mistake 7: Reading or Using the Phone Too Much 

Many moms like to read or use their phones while resting or caring for the baby.

The Right Way: Take breaks to avoid eye strain, especially if you had high blood pressure during pregnancy. Rest your eyes often.

Mistake 8: Wearing Shapewear Too Soon

Some moms wear shapewear early to regain their figure quickly. 

The Right Way: Tight shapewear can affect blood circulation and slow recovery, especially after a C-section. Wear loose, soft clothing. Healthy eating and light exercise are better for weight loss.

Mistake 9: Exercising Too Intensely Too Soon

Starting intense workouts or strength training too soon can affect healing, especially after a C-section or episiotomy.

The Right Way: Do gentle postpartum exercises like Kegel exercises, yoga, and Pilates to aid recovery.