In many countries women simply relax for the first few weeks after giving birth. In Europe and the U.S. women tend to have this super-mama mentality.

It’s not uncommon to see brand new mamas cooking for company, cleaning the house, and taking on the majority of new baby care. It’s common, but not ok. One thing new mamas need to be at their best is rest. Plenty of rest. For at least two weeks, your new mama priority should be taking care of your personal needs (eating, sleeping, showering) and hanging out with your baby; not trying to get all the day-to-day stuff done.

How to get some new mama chill time: 

• Hire a postpartum doula or nanny - just for the first few weeks.In fact you can even ask for this as a gift. Tell your family, that you’d love for them to pay for postpartum help as a baby shower gift.
• Ask your friends and family for help with things like cooking meals and cleaning.
• Turn away people who expect you to entertain them in the first few weeks of your baby’s life.
• Give everyone this list: The best ever gifts for new mamas
• Ask that people who come to visit, bring a dish of food, rather then a new baby gift (they’ll bring both - but make it clear that the food is what matters).
• Turn off the phone, and hang a sign on your front door that says, “New mama & baby are sleeping, please come again.” Then go take a long nap - do once daily at least.
• Make sure your partner is doing a fair share of baby care.
• Read Mothering the New Mother: Women’s Feelings and Needs After Childbirth a Support and Resource Guide before your baby arrives - you’ll learn all sorts of great tips about how to care for yourself in the postpartum period.