My highest recommendation once you’ve had your baby…

Learning to lean into… REST

You’ve just given birth, the hugest congratulations.

BRUTAL HONESTLY: Despite the social conditioning you may have been subjected to, you absolutely DO NOT need to bounce back, if anything, your body needs you to learn to lean in & REST.

When the likes of birth is compared to a marathon, it’s no surprise that you will feel knackered, depleted & dealing with a body that is physically traumatised (even if it was a positive experience for you, the recovery needed will still be BIG)

That’s where the 5 5 5 guide comes in; it’s purely a guide (not a rule, we’ve got enough of those as women) that aims for at least 15 days of focused and dedicated recovery time after your birth (whether you’re a c sec or vaginal mama).

Here’s how we can divide it up:

The first 5 days IN the bed:

• Spend 100% of your time resting in bed or on the sofa

• Nap or sleep as much as you can

• Focus on feeding and bonding

• Lots of skin-to-skin sessions

• Limit (or avoid altogether) visitors

• Gentle baths for perineal healing

• Lots of water and healthy nourishing, nutritious meals

  
  

The next 5 days ON the bed:

• Spend 75% of your time resting in bed or on the sofa (90 minutes of rest for 30 minutes of activity)

• Stay in your comfies to keep yourself in “rest mode”

• Sit outside for fresh air

• Begin inviting visitors if you’re ready (and only if they’re helpful!)

  
  

The next 5 days NEAR the bed:

• Spend 50% of your time resting in bed or on the sofa (60 minutes of rest for 60 minutes of activity)

• Short walks around the block are okay, but stay near your house

• Craft projects, reading, movie marathons, puzzles, etc

• Limit chores to things like folding laundry from the sofa

  
  

That’s it, simply, 15 days of focused REST. (And, btw, that’s not to say you will be fully recovered within 15 days, oh no! Postpartum is forever. But it’s giving yourself the gentlest start to motherhood, the LEAST you deserve after giving birth like a superwoman)

There are no rules to this. I have had clients who have felt ready to get moving faster than others, and that’s fine. Just go at your pace, set healthy boundaries with family & friends. Take the gentle time to bond with your baby, establish your new reality & take it easy. Giving birth & transitioning into a mother is not for the faint hearted, no matter how many times you do it.

You’re amazing, you’ve got this.

Share with your pregnant friends!

Grace x