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Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and therefore cannot prescribe, treat, or diagnose. I’m a mom and health coach sharing my knowledge and experiences for educational purposes. This does not take the place of any professional medical advice.
Bringing a child into the world is an exhilarating experience. Your focus shifts from birth preparation to coexisting with a tiny, beautiful human. During this time, new moms can easily overlook their own well-being. Self-care during postpartum is not just beneficial – it’s essential. The 555 Rule supports new moms in their transition to motherhood, emphasizing postpartum care in the first 15 days after childbirth. Let’s explore the rule’s benefits for first-time moms and how to implement practically.
The First 5 Days After Birth – In the Bed
Ideally the first 5 days are spent under the covers in bed. Your body, having undergone the rigors of childbirth, needs this extended rest to repair and recuperate. For the first five days, delegate all non-essential duties to partners, family, or friends. Your role is to feed your baby and yourself, and when not doing so, to rest. Any activity beyond this can wait.
During this delicate period, this juice (use code SHAREYL for 10% off) was paramount in my nutrient replenishment, and my tumbler was always filled with water and within reach.
And nipple butter was an absolute must from this point on while pumping or nursing.
The Next 5 Days – On the Bed
The next five days extend the recovery. While you’re no longer tethered to bed, the rule suggests you stay within its immediate reaches. You may sit up, partake in short, gentle walks around the house, or stand up to stretch your legs, but the core of your being is still rooted in your bed, primarily to protect your body from unnecessary strain.
Pace yourself slowly; imagine every step you take is a tender step closer to a full recovery. Use this time to bond with your baby skin-to-skin, to breastfeed without disruption, and to continue delegating those non-essential tasks to others.
From this point forward, your baby wrap is your best friend.Â
The Final 5 Days – Around the Bed
In the last leg of the 555 Rule, you’re encouraged to increase your mobility slowly. You may now spend more time in positions other than lying or sitting, and the aim is to avoid overexertion. Integrate simple stretching and light household chores such as folding laundry or preparing easy meals, and always listen to your body’s cues.
By the end of these 15 days, you should start to feel the stirrings of regained strength and a semblance of your pre-pregnancy energy levels, all without overwhelming your system with the abruptness of normal routine activities.
The 555 Rule is about setting the stage for recovery. By following these guidelines, new mothers may experience advantages that extend beyond just physical health.
Join my free Facebook group for new moms just like you! Inside, you’ll find a training video on helpful tips and tricks for breast pumping in less than 30 minutes. From the right bra to avoid clogging to the right valve that won’t fall off your flange – this training brings you through what I learned my first time around! And questions are always welcomed.💖
xo, Mary
P.S. Ready for part 2? Here it is.