5 Essential Tips for a Blissful Postpartum Journey

The postpartum period can be both beautiful and challenging. Whether you’re expecting or already navigating it, there are intentional ways to make the journey smoother, more joyful, and more deeply connected.

Drawing on my postpartum experience, here are five tips that helped me thrive!

1. Embrace Skin-to-Skin Connection

Why it matters: Skin-to-skin contact is more than just a bonding moment; it’s a key factor in reducing stress and nurturing the bond between you and your baby. Holding your baby close helps release oxytocin, the "love hormone," which can increase feelings of calm, reduce anxiety, and boost overall well-being for both mom and baby.

How to do it: Beyond the “golden hour” right after birth, keep your baby close as often as possible, especially in those early weeks. Skin-to-skin doesn’t have to be constant, but maintaining contact during naps or while relaxing together helps create a safe and comforting environment. Even if you can’t do full skin-to-skin contact, just holding your baby close, letting them smell your scent, or touching them gently can bring on many of the same benefits!

Key takeaway: Think of skin-to-skin as nature’s way of helping you and your baby feel connected and supported in the postpartum journey.

2. Embrace the "First 40 Days" for Rest & Recovery

Why it matters: In many cultures, the first 40 days after birth are considered a sacred period for mom and baby to rest, bond, and heal. The concept is simple but powerful: by focusing on recovery in those early weeks, you give your body the time it needs to fully heal from childbirth.

How to do it: If you can, lean into this period of rest by staying close to your bed and gradually increasing activity based on your comfort level. Don’t hesitate to accept help from family and friends, but focus their efforts on tasks like cooking and cleaning so you can prioritize time with your baby.

Key takeaway: Embracing these early weeks of recovery isn’t just about rest; it’s about setting a strong foundation for the months and years ahead.

3. Understand What's Actually Normal for Infant Sleep

Why it matters: In our society, there’s a lot of pressure for babies to sleep through the night, but the reality is that frequent wake-ups are normal—and even protective—during infancy. Research shows that night waking can actually help prevent SIDS, and it’s also how many babies get up to 40-60% of their needed calories, which is essential for their growth.

How to do it: Setting realistic expectations enables you to approach night waking with patience and understanding. Instead of feeling frustrated by the interruptions, knowing that your baby’s sleep needs are part of their natural development can help you feel more at peace. Research what infant sleep typically looks like and adjust your mindset to embrace these natural rhythms.

Key takeaway: Recognizing that night waking is normal and protective can make nighttime feedings less stressful and more about connection.

4. Prioritize Nourishing, Whole Foods for Recovery

Why it matters: The postpartum period demands a lot from your body, and nutrient-dense, whole foods can play a crucial role in helping you recover and maintain energy levels.  Iron-rich foods, collagen-packed bone broths, and minerals are especially beneficial for helping your body heal and recover.

How to do it: If possible, prepare meals beforehand or arrange a meal train with friends and family. Focus on foods rich in iron, collagen, and protein, along with plenty of vegetables and healthy fats. Minimizing processed foods and focusing on whole, nutrient-dense options can significantly impact your energy, mood, and overall recovery.

Key takeaway: Think of nourishing foods as the fuel to help you be more resilient and energized during this season of motherhood.

5. Prepare for an Empowering Birth Experience

Why It Matters: The birth experience can set the tone for your postpartum journey. An empowering birth doesn’t have to go perfectly; it means you feel informed, supported, and confident in your choices, which can create a ripple effect of confidence as you step into motherhood.

How to do it: Take the time to research your birth options, connect with a team you trust, and make informed decisions about what feels best for you and your baby. Whether you’re choosing a hospital, birth center, or home birth, make sure your support system aligns with your vision and needs. Feeling empowered in your birth experience can give you a strong foundation as you navigate postpartum.

Key takeaway: An empowered birth can enhance your transition into motherhood, providing a sense of confidence and calm that supports you in those early weeks.

A Nurturing Start to Your Postpartum Journey

Motherhood is a journey of transformation, and creating a strong, supportive foundation in those early weeks can make all the difference. Each of these tips has helped me find joy, strength, and calm in the postpartum period, and I hope they support you, too.

Want to learn more? For a deeper dive into these tips and more, listen to my full podcast episode here. And if you know any expecting friends or new moms, feel free to share these insights to support them in their journey.