Welcome to Koyo’s series of trusted healthcare articles. If you need more personalised advice, you can chat with a Koyo doctor today.
Written by: Favour Francis | Reviewed by: Dr Ortega Ogomigo
Introduction
Becoming a mum creates a major change. Suddenly, everyone wants to know how the baby is doing: Is the baby sleeping well? Are they feeding properly? Gaining weight? The questions and concerns come from all directions. And if this isn’t your first child, people may assume you’ve got everything under control.
But amid breastfeeding sessions, diaper changes, sleepless nights, and visitors stopping by to see the newest family member, it’s easy for one person to be overlooked: you.
Many new mums end up putting their own needs last, whether intentionally or not. You keep telling yourself you’ll rest after the baby settles down or take a moment for yourself when things become less busy, forgetting that motherhood rarely slows down on its own.
Caring for yourself after having a baby isn’t selfish. In fact, it’s one of the most important things you can do for both yourself and your child. Looking after your physical and emotional well-being helps your body recover from childbirth, giving you the strength to show up for your baby every day.
In this article, we’ll go through:
- Why Postpartum Self-Care Matters
- Simple ways Nigerian mums can care for themselves while caring for their newborns
- Frequently asked questions
What is Postpartum Self-Care and Why Is It Important?
Normally, when people hear the words ‘self-care,’ they often think of vacations or expensive spa treatments. But for a new mum, postpartum self-care can look much simpler than that.
It can mean taking a nap while the baby sleeps instead of trying to wash every plate in the sink. It can mean eating a proper meal while it’s still hot, drinking enough water, taking a shower, changing into clean clothes, or asking someone you trust to hold the baby so you can rest for a while.
In other words, postpartum self-care is simply looking after your own physical and emotional well-being while adjusting to life with a newborn.
This form of self-care is important because after childbirth, your body is still recovering. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a Caesarean section, your body has been through a major experience. You may be dealing with soreness, bleeding, breast tenderness, tiredness, or the general exhaustion that comes with waking up every few hours to feed and care for your baby.
Then there are the emotional changes. One minute, you’re staring at your baby with so much love that your heart feels full. The next, you’re overwhelmed, teary, or wondering if you’re doing anything right. Many mums experience moments like these, especially in the early weeks after giving birth.
You see, you cannot keep pouring from an empty cup. Pushing through extreme exhaustion, pretending you’re fine when you’re struggling, doesn’t make you a stronger mother. It only makes recovery harder.
Taking care of yourself isn’t taking anything away from your baby. If anything, it helps you be more present, patient, and better equipped to care for them. When a mum is supported, rested, and healthy, both mum and baby benefit.
Simple Ways Nigerian Mums Can Care for Themselves While Caring for Their Newborns
Knowing that postpartum self-care is important is one thing; putting it into practice is another. In truth, it doesn’t have to be complicated. During this season of motherhood, self-care is often found in the little things you do each day to aid your recovery.
Here are a few practical ways to take care of yourself while caring for your newborn:
1. Rest whenever you can
You have probably heard people say, ‘Sleep when the baby sleeps.’ While that isn’t always realistic, the message behind it still matters: take opportunities to rest whenever they come.
The dishes can wait. The laundry may not be folded immediately. Not every visitor needs to be entertained. If the baby is asleep and you’re exhausted, give yourself permission to close your eyes too.
2. Don’t skip meals
Between feeding your baby and attending to everyone else’s needs, it’s easy to realise at 3 p.m. that all you’ve had is a cup of tea.
Your body needs nourishment to heal and recover, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Try to eat balanced meals and keep easy snacks nearby. A boiled egg, fruit, groundnuts, yoghurt, moi moi, or a slice of bread can help on busy days.
And don’t forget to drink water. You may be surprised by how easy it is to become dehydrated when you’re constantly on the go.
3. Accept help when it’s offered
Many mums feel they have to do everything themselves to prove they can handle motherhood. But raising a child was never meant to be a one-person job. If your partner offers to watch the baby while you nap, say yes. If your mum, sister, neighbour, or trusted friend wants to help with cooking or chores, let them. Accepting support doesn’t make you weak. It gives you room to recover.
4. Take care of the basics
On difficult days, simple things like taking a shower, brushing your teeth, changing into clean clothes, or applying body cream can feel impossible. But these small acts of care can help you feel refreshed and more like yourself again. So, always start with the basics and celebrate the little wins.
5. Make space for your emotions
Motherhood brings joy, but it can also bring tears, worry, frustration, and moments of self-doubt. Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling. Call a friend, speak with your partner, or confide in another mum who understands. You don’t have to carry everything alone.
6. Keep up with your medical appointments
Just because the baby has arrived doesn’t mean your own health should take a back seat. Attend your postpartum check-ups, take any prescribed medications as directed, and speak with a healthcare professional if something doesn’t feel right.
7. Lower the pressure to “do it all“
Your house doesn’t have to be spotless. You don’t have to bounce back immediately. You don’t have to have all the answers. Some days, the biggest achievement is feeding your baby, feeding yourself, and getting through the day. Motherhood doesn’t equal perfection. It’s about caring for your baby while remembering that you matter too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does postpartum recovery take?
There’s no one answer for everyone. Doctors usually explain that the first six weeks after birth are the main recovery period for your body. However, feeling fully like yourself again can take longer, sometimes a few months, and that’s completely normal.
- Can I still need help even if this isn’t my first baby?
Absolutely. Clinically, each postpartum experience is unique. Factors such as age, the type of delivery, breastfeeding demands, and sleep deprivation. Having done this before does not mean you won’t need support this time around.
- Is it normal to feel emotional after childbirth?
Yes, very normal. Many doctors explain that hormone changes, lack of sleep, and adjusting to a new baby can make you feel overwhelmed or moody. This is often called the “baby blues,” and it usually settles within the first two weeks.
From the Desk of Koyo Doctors
Dear Mums, if there’s one thing we’d like you to take away from this, it’s this: you don’t have to have all the answers. Some days will go smoothly; other days may leave you questioning whether you’re doing enough. That’s a normal part of adjusting to life with a newborn.
Be patient with yourself. Give yourself room to learn, make mistakes, and settle into this new lifestyle. And whenever you have questions or concerns about your health or your baby’s health, don’t ignore them or wait until they become overwhelming. It’s always okay to ask.
Motherhood isn’t something you’re expected to figure out alone. Reach out when you need guidance or support, and remember that seeking help is a sign that you’re taking both you and your baby’s health seriously.
We’re rooting for you every step of the way.
