After approximately 36-39 weeks of creating a life cell by cell and carrying this developing pearl within your very womb, you have bequeathed a miniature human independent life through your own toil and labor.
This life you have created and will continue to shape for the next several decades has dramatically shaped your body for the time being. There’s a 90% chance that you’re not going to slip right back into those pre-pregnancy jeans as you exit the hospital. And that’s really okay. Postpartum like pregnancy is a process, and one that can be relished, if given fair opportunity.
Immediately after giving birth, I declare that all mothers have the the right to a spa like retreat with their newly born. Islam tradition recommends a full 40 days post birth for private repose. This span of sanctuary not only keeps you and your petite safe from infection and excess labor, but it provides you two time to bond: breastfeeding, nap time, full viewings of A&E’s Pride & Prejudice. Hopefully someone is there to substitute you for a few weeks: a mother, a spouse, or a sister. Don’t try to remove their opportunity to serve, drink it in while offering ample gratitude.
But here’s the deal, even during the spa weeks, you have to get dressed everyday. Take a shower, put on a minimal amount of makeup (mascara & lip gloss). Sanitize yourself, to remember that you do maintain independent life, and are indeed more than a milk machine. And also for your baby’s benefit, for goodness sake you keep cleaning the pacifier every time it falls on the ground.
So start with a clean pair of clothes every day. They can be lounge clothes, but people are going to come to visit mother and infant, and you want to look presentable. Presentable, does include a nursing bra, highly recommended that nursing bra.
Below are a few other recommended items:
This Surfside Coverup is perfect for cloaking much more than a swimsuit. And the Well Though Out Tank, is indeed that. It’s conducive to nursing and supportive of your mother’s inheritance. Both pieces have an empire waist, and a peplum long enough to skim over your retreating signs of pregnancy.
These elegantly cozy Obi Loungers will be gentle friends as you transition from pregnancy to motherhood.
One of the easiest items to fit into post-pregnancy is a cotton dress. There’s a reason that the dress is the universal symbol for femininity. At your most feminine, post-pregnancy, this Panoramic View Chemise will serve you well. The accompanying Dove Robe will follow on, keeping your mother’s figure modest.
Now my queen, enjoy your kingdom, for in 40 days or less, the sun will rise on new responsibilities.
PS: Congratulations to Becky who introduced Charlie to the world, the 27th day of January, Two Thousand and Nine.
You are such a great writer!! I love your words!
Sounds great!
I’m on week 90(ish) with my baby boy and I think I somehow missed the boat on this!
Well, speaking as someone who is also the mother to a teenager–please, pace yourself! We’re only allowed so many hours of solitude between birth and when they turn 18. You don’t want to use up all your credits in the first month.
Thank you Reach. You’ve helped mothers everywhere breathe a sigh of relief. You mean we get to enjoy ourselves for 40 days? Great advice.
I want those pants! They look snuggly slash comfy slash fashionable. I just today bought PJs and lounge-wear for the hospital and shortly thereafter days. I made sure to get patterns that will make me feel cute.
Oooh – I do love that Muslim tradition. Let’s spread the word over here in the US….