For many folks, the immediate postpartum period can feel very repetitive. Change diaper. Feed. Nap. Repeat. And repeat. And So on. This is normal, and we can totally understand how it can be draining for day after day to look and/or feel quite similar. 

There’s a ton of content that forces toxic positivity on pregnant and postpartum people– messages that encourage people to bypass what’s feeling difficult or monotonous and focus only on the good. ABG is not here to add to that mess. 

Instead, we try to find a balance alongside our clients. We want to validate, hear, and see the parts of parenting and healing that feel difficult. At the same time, we want to encourage you to also tune into the joys, pleasures, and sweetness of this time. It can all be true at once. 

If or when you are feeling exhausted or uninspired along your postpartum journey, we are hopeful that some of these ideas can help you tap into the joys of your postpartum experience.

5 Ideas for Finding Joy and Lightness During Postpartum

1. Make note of “happy moments.” When something funny, sweet, connecting, loving, or happy happens, name it a “happy moment.” You can do this with photographs, texts to loved ones, words to yourself or a partner or other loved one, writing in a notebook, etc. Pausing to let the happiness and joy wash over you is worthwhile! 
2. Prioritize small acts of nourishment and care. For example, if there’s a chocolate bar you love, keep it as a staple on your grocery list. If you love baths, plan to take them regularly. If there’s a show that makes you laugh, turn it on while feeding or eating. Make a list of some of these ideas so that you can easily remember these acts of care when you need them most. You might also share these ideas with a partner, friend, or loved one who can offer some gentle accountability around these tools. 
3. Use your senses as a guide. Some of the examples in #2 are sensory-based, but this practice can be used in even broader ways. At any given moment, you can tune in to your senses, take a little inventory of what you are experiencing, and notice if any of these elements bring you joy. If you notice that you need a little pick-me-up, pick one of your senses to focus on and make some sort of change. Examples include, using a lotion that smells good, eating or drinking something that sounds delicious, snuggling up in a fuzzy blanket or robe, using essential oils, asking for a hug, or listening to a song you love. 
4. Let nature be a guide. Nature knows how to hold it all– the hard stuff and the light stuff. Sitting outside, looking out a window, taking a walk, or driving to a nearby natural space can be a perfect portal into joy. Nature is abundant, and always has something to offer us if we can take the time to notice. It may be the call of a bird, the shimmer of a leaf, the trickle of water, or the warmth of the sun.
5. Allow yourself to be silly. Sometimes we just need to give ourselves permission to be a little goofy! Laughing or singing can promote a release of “feel good” hormones. Maybe you can add singing or playful rituals like snuggles or kisses with your baby and/or partner to certain parts of your day. Notice how it feels to laugh and play.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one is experiencing PMADS or Perinatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorder, please know there are resources and supports for you. Locally, in Austin, we love The Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Alliance of Texas PPHA, and nation-wide we love Postpartum Support International (PSI). 

ABG is Here for You

Your postpartum experience and your joy matter deeply to us at Austin Baby Guru. We are here to support you in planning for and navigating this interesting and complex time. Please reach out if you’d like to explore these ideas more deeply in a consultation or to book postpartum care in-person or virtually.

*Photo Credit: Image by rawpixel.com