The blissful benefits of slowing down after the birth of your baby.

The birth of a baby is undoubtedly an exhilarating and life-altering event. It can bring immense joy and a newfound sense of purpose to the lives of new parents. Amidst the excitement, I believe it is crucial to acknowledge the importance of slowing down and embracing a more deliberate and intentional pace of life after the arrival of a newborn. In this blog, we will explore the numerous benefits that come with savoring the postpartum period as a time of sacred significance and powerful transformation for a new parent and family.

What are the benefits of a Slow Postpartum?

Physical Recovery: Pregnancy and childbirth can take a toll on a birthing person's body. It's essential therefore to prioritise physical recovery in order to rest, heal, and rebuild physical strength. By getting adequate rest, new mothers and parents can gradually regain their energy levels and allow their bodies to heal from the demands of pregnancy, birth, and newborn care; a job which can be 24/7! This takes time - weeks rather than days. That is why many indigenous cultures have set aside a period of thirty to forty days for the new mother or birthing person to rest, recover and rejuvenate.
Bonding with Baby: Slowing down after birth creates precious opportunities for parents to bond with their newborn. It allows for uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact, learning how to breastfeed, and simply spending quality time getting to know each other. By slowing down, parents can better attune themselves to their baby's needs, fostering a strong and nurturing parent-child relationship going forwards.
Emotional Well-being: The postpartum period can be an emotional rollercoaster! Slowing down and surrounding themselves with support and care, provides new parents with the space and time to navigate these emotional and hormonal fluctuations. By allowing themselves to process their feelings parents can prioritise their mental well-being and ensure a healthier, happier transition into parenthood.
Enhanced Family Connections: Slowing down after the birth of a baby extends beyond the parent-child relationship. It also provides an opportunity for other family members to connect and bond with the newest addition. Grandparents, siblings, and extended family can be more involved and create lasting memories during this special time. By embracing a slower pace, families can cultivate stronger and more meaningful relationships.
Breastfeeding Success: For mothers who choose to breastfeed, slowing down after birth is particularly beneficial. Establishing a successful breastfeeding routine requires time, patience, relaxation, and lots of skin-to-skin contact. By slowing down and focusing on the breastfeeding journey, mothers can better ensure a steady milk supply, enhance their bond with the baby, and benefit from the numerous health benefits associated with breastfeeding.
Stress Reduction: The postpartum period comes with a host of new responsibilities, which may feel overwhelming at times. Slowing down helps to reduce stress and allows new parents to approach their new roles with more confidence and ease. By creating a calmer and more relaxed environment, they can better adapt to the demands of parenthood and enjoy this precious time with their baby.
Self-Care and Reflection: Slowing down after the birth of a baby enables both parents to prioritise self-care and personal reflection. By carving out time for themselves, there is a chance to recharge, focus on their own needs, and maintain their overall well-being. This, in turn, allows them to be more present and attentive parents as well as nurture their own relationship going forwards.

Conclusion: While the excitement of welcoming a new baby can be exhilarating, it is crucial for parents to recognize the benefits of slowing down after birth. By prioritising rest, physical recovery, bonding with baby, nurturing emotional well-being, and fostering family connections, new parents can embrace the joys of parenthood with a more mindful and relaxed approach.

Slowing down not only benefits new parents and babies but also sets the foundation for a healthy and harmonious family dynamic. So, take a deep breath, cherish the quiet moments, and allow yourself to savor the blissful (yet often intense!) journey of new parenthood.

Jojo Hogan is a postpartum maternal care specialist, slow living proponent and the founder of the #slowpostpartummovement, an international movement that educates as to the importance of honouring the weeks following birth. You can find out more about Jojo and Slow Postpartum by visiting slowpostpartum.com

Categories: motherhood, parenting, Postnatal, Postpartum, Postpartum Healing