7 Tips for Postpartum Care for Mothers with a Chronic Illness
Key Takeaways:
Mothers enter the postpartum period right after giving birth.
Mothers with chronic illnesses may face more health issues during postpartum.
Mothers with chronic illnesses should take the proper measures to make postpartum as comfortable as possible.
Planning, resting, asking for help, eating healthy, taking medications, practicing self-care, and keeping in contact with healthcare providers ensure that the mother takes care of her and her child’s health during postpartum.
Entering motherhood for the first time can be a beautiful and life-changing experience. But, right after childbirth, mothers can go through postpartum, affecting their mental and physical health. Postpartum is the period after a woman has given birth.
Given how challenging navigating prenatal care and delivery can be for mothers, ensuring that the postpartum period is comfortable is crucial. This is especially true for mothers with chronic illnesses, who may need extra precautions to support pregnancy recovery.
Listed below are seven tips for navigating postpartum care as mothers with chronic illnesses.
1) Plan ahead
It’s best to prepare for your postpartum as soon as possible, as your chronic illness may worsen during this period. Before childbirth, visit your OBGYN and chronic illness specialists to create an effective postpartum plan. Your postpartum plan can include a list of potential complications that may arise, possible triggers that may lead to flares and warning signs. Also, this plan can involve your medications, including dosages and potential side effects.
2) Rest as much as possible
Fatigue is a common symptom of most chronic illnesses. After giving birth and tending to your new baby, you may tire out and become sleep deprived. A lack of sleep can worsen your chronic illness symptoms. According to a 2020 review, sleep deprivation can affect your brain’s response to pain, leading to a lower tolerance for chronic pain.
With this in mind, aim to get enough rest when you can. As a new mother, take naps daily and bring in trusted family members and friends to tend to your baby as you rest.
3) Adopt a healthy diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for all mothers going through postpartum, especially those with chronic illnesses. A balanced diet can help manage chronic illness symptoms and provide you with the energy needed to care for yourself and your newborn child.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) MyPlate recommends the following tips for eating healthy during postpartum:
Choose healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
Add protein foods like lean meats, poultry, beans, peas, seafood, lentils, nuts, and eggs.
Avoid or limit foods and beverages high in sugar, saturated fats, and sodium.
4) Ask for help
If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask for it. Dealing with chronic illness and recovering from pregnancy can affect mental and physical health. So, if you need assistance with household chores or caring for the baby, reach out to your partner(s), family members, or friends.
For support outside of your loved ones, join support groups for mothers with chronic illnesses to connect with other women who understand your unique challenges.
5) Take medications
Your healthcare team will likely recommend that you continue taking your chronic illness medications during your postpartum period. However, some treatments may be adjusted to ensure your newborn’s safety. This is especially true for breastfeeding mothers, as most drugs absorbed in your blood will transfer to your breast milk. If you have any concerns about your medications, contact your healthcare provider.
6) Prioritize self-care
You’ve likely heard about self-care practices hundreds of times before, but it’s important for maintaining your health and well-being. As a mother with chronic illnesses, try to make time for stress-relieving and relaxing activities.
Some self-care practices you can adopt during postpartum include:
Meditation
Yoga
Gentle exercises, like walking or swimming
Journaling
Breathing exercises
Having a spa day
Also, ensure you catch enough Zs each night and make time for the hobbies and activities you genuinely enjoy.
7) Stay in touch with your healthcare team
Keep in contact with your healthcare providers during the postpartum period. Make sure you're doing regular check-ups with your OBGYNs and chronic illness specialists so that they can monitor your health. Postpartum doctors’ appointments can be an excellent opportunity to discuss any health concerns about your and your child’s health.
As a mother with a chronic illness, it’s essential to take all necessary precautions to ensure you have a comfortable postpartum period. From planning to practicing self-care, these tips can ensure that you’re taking care of your newborn and your health needs as a chronic illness warrior.
How Chronius Can Help
If living with chronic illness feels like a full time job, you aren’t alone.
That’s why at Chronius, we make it easy to navigate the healthcare system as a patient. Our online care management platform brings together all of your health records and offers a 1-click appointment prep tool that easily synthesizes your health story for your care team. You also can track all of your symptoms, identify trends, learn from vetted medical information, and follow a custom patient journey map. Plus, if you needs hands on support, our Care Advocates are available to help you with any issues you may hit up against. Personalized support as you navigate your care journey is what we are all about.
Interested in learning more and signing up for our waitlist? Claim your spot today.
