As you settle into postpartum life, you’ll be flooded with information about caring for your newborn. Although the internet, books, and advice from friends and family can be helpful, they can also be overwhelming and confuse you. This blog aims to simplify postpartum recovery navigation for a smoother transition.
Postpartum Recovery: Insights by Dr. Sarah Tirimacco
Your body undergoes significant changes after childbirth – an experience that can be both daunt and empower you. Recovery and rehabilitation from childbirth are crucial components of your postpartum period, yet many new parents navigate recovery and rehabilitation with minimal guidance. Often they only have the standard 6-week postpartum appointment to rely on. This leaves many questions unanswered and needs unmet.
Starting Your Recovery Journey
You can begin your postpartum recovery as early as two weeks after birth. Even before you receive clearance for exercise, you can start practicing breath regulation techniques while bonding with your newborn. Integrate these practices into your daily routine.
Remember, every body and birth is unique. Avoid relying on generalized, one-size-fits-all programs. Instead, seek an individualized treatment plan that includes assessment, education, manual therapy, and exercise tailored to your specific needs and experiences.
Exercises to Get You Started
While the exercises we list below offer an excellent starting point, they don’t constitute a comprehensive recovery plan:
Once you reach 2-4 weeks postpartum, schedule your first appointment with one of our postpartum chiropractors. Our chiropractors will customize your recovery plan and provide modifications as you progress through your postpartum period.
Additional Resources
For more information, visit the Postpartum Chiropractic Services section of our website, read our blog post “How Our Providers Can Help You Postpartum,” and listen to Dr. Sarah on the “In the KNOVA” podcast for further insights into postpartum recovery navigation, rehab, and returning to exercise.
Childbirth changes your body forever. While new symptoms and complaints may arise, you shouldn’t consider them normal. Common issues like low back and hip pain, neck pain related to feeding, pelvic floor dysfunction, DRA, urinary incontinence, pelvic girdle pain, core dysfunction, and pelvic organ prolapse require individual attention. Our providers will discuss these issues alongside hormone imbalance, mental health, thyroid dysfunction, and safe return to exercise. With the right support and guidance, you can transform your postpartum experience into an empowering journey.
