5 Signs It’s Time to Focus on Postpartum Recovery (and How Holistic Care Can Help!)
The postpartum period is a unique and often challenging time for moms. After months of pregnancy and the life-changing event of childbirth, your body and mind deserve care and support as you recover and adjust to this stage of motherhood. But between sleepless nights, caring for a new little one, and endless to-do lists, many moms put their own recovery on the back burner. Even if it seems like there is too much to do, there are ways you can prioritize your health and healing and start feeling better. We say that “slow is fast;” there is no rush to healing, especially postpartum, but rather simple and intentional activities and therapy that can make big differences for your healing. Healing is a journey and process; there are different focuses at different stages. Be patient with yourself and your body. Listen to what your body needs to rest, heal, and recover.
Here are five signs that it’s time to prioritize postpartum recovery—and how holistic care can help you feel like yourself again.
1. Lingering Back or Pelvic Pain
Your body goes through incredible changes during pregnancy and childbirth, and it’s common to experience discomfort afterward. However, persistent back pain, pelvic discomfort, or feelings of instability in your hips or lower back are signs that your body may need additional support.
How Holistic Care Helps: Chiropractic adjustments realign the spine and pelvis, reducing pain and improving mobility. Pelvic floor therapy strengthens and restores the muscles that support your core, helping you feel more stable and confident in your movements. Massage therapy can help reduce body tension and may even help with pelvic and core healing.
2. Emotional Overwhelm, Postpartum Blues, or Postpartum Anxiety
Feeling emotional after birth is normal, but if you’re struggling with prolonged sadness, anxiety, or a sense of being overwhelmed, it’s essential to seek support. Your mental health is just as important as your physical recovery.
How Holistic Care Helps: Acupuncture and mindfulness practices can help regulate mood by balancing hormones and calming the nervous system. Combining these therapies with self-care practices like journaling or talking to a trusted friend can make a significant difference. We can help connect you with a trained provider who specializes in perinatal care to help you heal and feel more balanced.
3. Fatigue That Won’t Go Away
Exhaustion is a common part of motherhood, but if you’re feeling constantly drained despite getting some sleep, your body may be struggling to recover from the demands of pregnancy and birth.
How Holistic Care Helps: Acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy can improve circulation, eases muscle tension, and promotes relaxation, helping you recharge physically and emotionally. Nutritional guidance can also help identify deficiencies that may be contributing to low energy levels. Our doctors can help you identify any imbalances and make recommendations to support your healing and optimize energy.
4. Difficulty Regaining Core Strength
If you’re finding it challenging to rebuild strength in your core, notice a separation in your abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), or are experiencing any pelvic floor issues (leaking, pain, pressure, prolapse, etc), these are signs that your body needs targeted care to heal properly.
How Holistic Care Helps: Pelvic floor therapy and guided rehabilitative exercises focus on rebuilding core strength safely. A holistic approach ensures you avoid common pitfalls such as overworking the wrong muscles, which can slow down recovery.
5. Feeding Challenges or Upper Body Tension
Feeding your little one can take a toll on your neck, shoulders, and upper back, especially when combined with the physical demands of caring for a newborn. Pain or tension in these areas may signal the need for extra support.
How Holistic Care Helps: Chiropractic adjustments address restrictions and other imbalances caused by various feeding positions or baby-holding postures. Acupuncture and massage therapy can release tension in the shoulders and neck, making feeding sessions (or when holding your baby) more comfortable for both you and your little one.
In addition to seeking professional care, you can boost your postpartum recovery with these simple, at-home practices:
Prioritize Rest: Accept help from loved ones and rest whenever possible.
Hydrate and Nourish: Focus on nutrient-dense meals and plenty of water (and electrolytes!) to fuel your recovery.
Gentle Movement: Start with focusing on breathwork and short walks or light stretching to ease back into activity.
Mindfulness and Self-Care: Dedicate time to activities that nurture your mental well-being, like meditation/prayer/journaling, being in nature, listening to music, or even taking a warm bath (if able to do so).
The postpartum period is not just about surviving or getting through—it’s about thriving and healing. Utilizing holistic care can support your natural healing and give you the personalized care you need to feel your best during this transformative time. From chiropractic adjustments to pelvic floor therapy, these holistic services address the root causes of discomfort and help restore balance and function.
Motherhood is a beautiful adventure, but it starts with taking care of yourself. By addressing the signs that your body needs support and embracing holistic care, you can recover more fully and feel empowered in your new role.
If you are ready to prioritize your healing or need more help and support as you heal postpartum, let us help! At Cleveland Chiropractic and Integrative Health Center, we’re passionate about supporting mothers through every stage of their journey. Whether you’re dealing with physical discomfort, emotional overwhelm, or just need a little extra care, our team is here to help you feel and function your best.
Contact us to learn more about how holistic care can help you feel better, stronger, supported, and more balanced as you journey through this chapter of motherhood.
In health and blessings,
Dr. Abbey
@clechiropractic
clechiropractic.com
216-952-3830