3 Simple Postpartum Principles

Three simple principles to guide physical support through the fourth trimester:

1. Rest matters. An essential even if obvious reminder. Rest in the 4th trimester is key to optimal healing. It goes without saying that finding opportunities for rest can be a massive challenge while caring for an infant (among other responsibilities), so aim for quality over quantity. Building pockets of rest rituals into your new life will be well worth it in the long run.

2. Movement can nourish you. We ought to prioritize movement as a source of nourishment and energy, as we don’t need additional depletion of the reserve at this time. Let’s opt for grounding exercises to restore a system encountering major transition, and focus on the building blocks to support the body’s intrinsic healing system.

3. Sustainable adaptations take time. The beauty here is there is no finish line. I think of this early postpartum period as a metamorphosis; an invitation toward new life in a myriad of ways. Coming back to your body as a new being with a fresh perspective can feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable at times. With time, the opportunity is there to greet yourself with grace, curiosity, and a fierceness that leads to new strength and stamina.

As always, universal principles should be applied with personalized attention, working with appropriate guidance as needed.