Relaxed through the postpartum period: From comfortable clothing to saying no

In the first days and weeks after birth , rest and well-being are paramount. After all, as a new mom, you should be recovering and fully enjoying getting to know your baby. Your well-being is the focus, and that's all you should worry about during this intense and unique time. This includes the right comfy clothing , delicious food, and saying "no" to everything that's too much for you. Relax through the postpartum period – we'll tell you how.

A few facts about the postpartum period and what you need (or definitely don't need) now

The postpartum period is the period after childbirth during which the body gradually recovers from the birth and reverses the changes caused by pregnancy. This period usually lasts six to eight weeks , although there is still a rumor that the postpartum period ends after two weeks, following the so-called "early postpartum period."

There are reasons for the long break. Your body performs true miracles during this time. In addition to the involution of the uterus and other organs, the production of breast milk begins. It is completely normal that all of this takes a lot of energy and disrupts your hormones and moods - in addition to all the emotional ups and downs that come with getting to know your baby and a completely new everyday life. So here is probably the most important advice for the postpartum period: Take all the time you need. Listen to your gut feeling and only do what is good for you and your baby. This also includes canceling visitors if it becomes too much for you. The baby is not running away (yet) and the first meeting with family and friends is all the more fun when you feel physically and mentally well. What's more, the first days and weeks with your baby are a magical time that you should enjoy to the fullest - despite all the effort. Those first moments will never come back!

Preparations make your postpartum period easier

To ensure that you can relax and unwind, a few small preparations for the postpartum period will help you. For example, see which applications and other paperwork you can take care of before the birth. This way you can completely forget about such things and concentrate on yourself and your baby . Preparation can also include thinking in advance about how you can eat a balanced diet at home during the first few days and weeks with your baby, even without spending a lot of time and energy on complicated cooking. Because during the postpartum period, a whole day can quickly go by without you having eaten much or just snacking. And you need a lot of important nutrients, especially when breastfeeding. One good option here is meal prep . You can either prepare a few meals yourself in advance, freeze them and eat them as needed, or you can ask friends and relatives to provide you with pre-cooked meals. Healthy delivery services, such as the start-up Smart Meals , also offer a varied option for a balanced diet during the postpartum period, bringing you ready-prepared meals directly to your door.

Comfortable and stylish clothes for the postpartum period

Of course, during the postpartum period, you should definitely dress comfortably. Neither your stomach nor your chest should be constricted , and you'll be spending a lot of time in bed or on the couch with your baby, so uncomfortable everyday clothes aren't appropriate. And yet, feeling good also means feeling beautiful. Therefore, comfortable clothing during the postpartum period doesn't have to mean baggy sweatpants and a boring T-shirt.

The right nursing bra for the postpartum period

At least one or two good nursing bras should be part of your postpartum underwear . After all, this is what it's all about now, and you want it to be as easy and comfortable as possible. Especially since you'll be wearing the nursing bra day and night, even when lying down. Wire-free bras that can be easily pushed to the side while breastfeeding are particularly suitable. These are also perfect for postnatal exercise, such as our Floral Vacation sports and nursing bra , which is a colorful companion for yoga and other activities even after breastfeeding. When buying postpartum underwear, bear in mind that your breasts may change by one or two sizes when your milk comes in. The nursing bra should definitely not be too tight, as this could lead to milk stagnation or inflammation.

Maternity pants remain your companion – even in the postpartum period

Even though the baby is now in the world, the stomach only gradually goes back to normal during the postpartum period. Pants with a comfortable waistband are therefore a must when choosing clothes for after the birth . A practical thing is that you can wear your pregnancy pants, such as maternity leggings , during the postpartum period too. If your postpartum period is in the summer or you sweat a lot due to hormonal changes, other pants made of light fabrics such as viscose or cotton will feel most comfortable. Summery pants with prints, like our Wild Journey maternity pants , are always a chic alternative to sweatpants , which are just as comfortable and perfect for the postpartum period.

Cardigans and co. as stylish all-rounders after birth

Cardigans or a light kimono complete your postpartum outfit. These will keep you and your baby warm while breastfeeding and cuddling and can be combined with simple nursing shirts or tops. You can also throw a cardigan on at any time, even over your underwear, if you're in a hurry or out and about with a sleeping baby in your arms.

Tips for the postpartum period from other moms

Are you curious about how other moms experienced the postpartum period and the first few weeks with their baby? Some fantastic moms have already told us about their first weeks with their babies on our blog, like in Laura’s short report ( “Our first year! What else can you expect – tips & tricks for – mara mea” ) or in the interview with Luise on postnatal exercise and yoga after pregnancy ( “Actress and yoga teacher Luise on being a mom and yoga during pregnancy – mara mea” ). This short guide ( “Checklist for the postpartum period – mara mea” ) also gives you further tips on the basics of postpartum care.

We wish you a magical time getting to know your baby.

PS And if you want to give your best friend a nice postpartum gift, then she will surely be very happy with one of our U-book covers for the new arrival.