Self-Care in Postpartum 

Author: Katelyn Venable,LPC

Identity is an important component of the postpartum period due to the amount of changes one experiences, especially within a brief time. Postpartum self-care is about protecting your recovery and long-term health so you can stay strong. Prioritizing boundaries, rest, and healing are essential during this time.

Self-Care Ideas 

1. Protect your personal time: implement 10-30 minutes of “me time” daily
2. Stay engaged with your interests
3. Kind self-talk
4. Daily check-ins with yourself about your needs and where you are at
5. Set boundaries to manage being overwhelmed: Choose peace over pleasing
6. Pre-baby activities and relationship time: have conversations that are not about the baby and schedule adult-only time
7. Physical recovery: stretching, short walk, showering, breathing, meditation 8. Rest: slow down, take breaks, sleep, limit phone time
8. Nutrition: hydration, supplements, and nutrient-rich meals
9. Utilizing supports and asking for help

Self-Talk Statements and Mindset Shifts 

1. Slow is strong
2. “No” is a complete sentence
3. “Me-time” is non-negotiable
4. I’m in a season of parenting, and I’m still me
5. My body has been through a transformation but it is still mine
6. I am evolving not disappearing
7. I give myself credit for showing up and doing my best
8. I am a multifaceted person with goals and preferences beyond parenting
9. Rest is not a weakness, it is a strategy

Journal Prompts for Postpartum Identity 

1. “Today, I felt most like myself when…”
2. “A part of me that I want to protect is…”
3. “I’m craving more of this in my life…”
4. “Before becoming a parent, I loved…” (How can you bring a piece of that into now?)
5. “The part of me that’s evolving is…”
6. “I said no to _____ today, and it felt _____.” 7. “One word to describe myself today (beyond parent) is…” 8. “Something I want to remember about myself is…” 9. “What parts of me felt nourished and what was missing?”

Equilibria is a group of licensed mental health professionals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with multiple specialties to serve all aspects of our diverse community’s mental, emotional, and behavioral needs. We provide in person and telehealth services to individuals of all ages, families, and those in relationships. Click here to schedule an appointment today.