Getting everything ready before the baby feels overwhelmed, especially when you’re a military spouse whose home life structure can be a little different than others.
As mothers, sometimes it’s in our nature to skip over our own needs and focus on our newborn, but we’re here to tell you that it’s so important to put yourself and your postpartum healing firstwhich will allow you to give your baby the best you can.
Balancing the necessities of military life and the needs of a newborn can be physical and emotional, but it’s important to know you’re not alone.
We’ve created a compassionate guide for you to navigate and preparing for the postpartum period as a military spouse. We understand the sacrifice of you and your family every day and want to make sure you have the support and knowledge needed to put your well-being first during this important time.
Preparation for general recovery after childbirth
Preparing for postpartum recovery before the baby arrives is important to ensure a smooth and healthy transition for you and your newborn. It’s impossible to know exactly how your recovery process will go.
However, there always is helpful steps you can take ahead of time which will be a life saver in the long run, especially as a military spouse.
1. Understand common postpartum changes
First and foremost, it is beneficial to research and learn about the various physical and emotional changes that occur during the postpartum period.
Understand common postpartum symptoms, such as hormonal changesbreastfeeding challenges, and sleep deprivation, so you can be better prepared to face them.
2. Stock up on postpartum essentials
Before your baby arrives, make sure you have all the necessary postpartum supplies.
Stock up on postpartum recovery essentials such as diapers and pads, nursing bras, comfortable clothing, breastfeeding supplies, and baby care items.
Remember, it’s important to have recovery items both vaginal and cesarean birth recovery. Being prepared can saves you a lot of stress when you get home, and you can always gift or donate things you don’t use.
3. Create space for recovery
This is a good idea set up a designated space that is comfortable and peaceful for you and your baby so you can both relax and bond with each other.
Organize a comfortable nursing area, gather things that promote relaxationand create a calm ambiance to facilitate rest and healing.
4. Preparing food in advance
Finally, if you or someone close to you can prepare and freeze healthy meals in advance, this will significantly reduce the time and effort spent on thinking about what to eat and cook, allowing you to prioritize rest and recovery.
By taking steps early to prepare for postpartum recovery, you can optimize your healing process and create a supportive environment for you and your baby.
These are just a few important tips that all moms can benefit from, but as a military spouse bringing new life into the world, these make your recovery process easier.
Postpartum recovery as a military spouse
- Create a strong support system
- Talk to your partner
- Put your emotional well-being first
- Connect with postpartum resources
- Make time for self-care
- Take advantage of military benefits
- Embrace healthy habits
As military spouses, own up unmatched strength and stability allowing you to navigate the many obstacles of military life with great grace. Bringing a new life into the world can be the most transformative experience.
However, the demands of motherhood and the military can feel overwhelming about postpartum recovery.
Below are some tips that will help you prepare for postpartum recovery as a military spouse so that your well-being can be supported as much as possible during this time. From physical to emotional healing, we will explore important strategies and resources to empower you during the postpartum recovery journey.
1. Create a strong support system
As a military spouse, you part of an understanding community the unique sacrifices and challenges you face every day.
You can do it connect with other military spouses, join local support groups, and connect with local organizations that help military families. You may also consider getting a Postpartum Doula to support you.
Tip: TRICARE will cover six visits from a certified labor doula, which you can use before or after birth See full postpartum benefits.
Don’t hesitate lean on your support system of friends, family, and circle of other spouses who also walked this path during your postpartum recovery.
These connections can be important for youwho understand and can help during this time.
2. Talk to your partner
Clear and open communication to your spouse is always important, especially before and during the postpartum period, especially when they are in the military.
Open about your needs, concerns, and expectations, so your partner can better understand how they can provide the support you need. Remember this can be a challenging time for you and your partner, so keeping open lines of communication is important.
together, create a plan for sharing household responsibilitieschildcare duties, and anything else potential deployment or training schedules which may affect your recovery.
You are a team; Navigating this time together will strengthen your relationship.
2. Put your emotional well-being first
The postpartum period can cause many emotionsfrom joy and exhaustion to sometimes feeling isolated or anxious.
This is very important put your emotional well-being first At this time. You can discuss your feelings with your partner, friends, family, or a therapist.
There is also many organizations out of that offer mental health resources specifically tailored to military families. Asking for help is always a sign of strength, and you are not alone in this journey.
3. Connect with postpartum resources
As a military spouse in the internet age, you have access to a set of resources specifically designed to support new parents.
You can do it contact your local military health care provider or family support center for information about postpartum support programs, breastfeeding assistance, and mental health services.
Postpartum Support International There are also great online postpartum resources for all the different branches of the military. Military family life counselors is also an important source of guidance and support during the postpartum period.
4. Make time for self-care
Caring for a newborn while managing military life can leave little time for self-care, but it’s really important to prioritize your well-being during this time.
Set aside a little time each day for activities that rejuvenate you, whether you’re taking a bath, reading a book, cooking, watching your favorite tv show, or going for a walk if possible.
Remember, placing your baby in a safe place as long as you take time for yourself is always okay. These moments of self-care can help replenish your energy and restore your emotional balance.
5. Take advantage of unique military benefits
You are eligible for various postpartum benefits by TRICAREmany of them are fully or partially covered.
Postpartum benefits may include:
- Six visits from a certified labor doula
- Lactation and breastfeeding support
- At least two postpartum visits*
*TRICARE will cover more visits if your provider believes you need them.
6. Embrace healthy habits
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is of the utmost importance during the postpartum period.
Feeding your body to nutrient-dense foods, staying hydrated, and resting as much as possible will make all the difference in how you feel. You can do it incorporate gentle trainingsuch as postnatal yoga or walking, into your routine to help with physical recovery when you feel ready.
Healthy habits are aid in healing, boost your energy levels, and contribute to your overall well-being while recovering from childbirth.
Navigating motherhood as a military wife
Dealing with the postpartum period as a military spouse can present unique challenges. If you are prepared with the right tools, strategies, and circle of support, you can prioritize your healing and well-being.
Make sure embrace the many resources available and approach this journey with confidence because you are as strong as you can be.
By being proactive and taking care of yourself, you will create a strong foundation to care for your newborn and navigate the beautiful journey of motherhood strength and grace.
