The postpartum recovery period is a time of great change for new mothers. From recovering after childbirth to adjusting to the demands of a newborn, there are many challenges that come with this period.
One way to help navigate this time is to use the 5-5-5 rule in postpartum recovery planning. In this article, we will discuss what the 5-5-5 rule is, why it is important, and how to use it effectively.
Download the 10-page printable PDF to empower your partner to support YOU using the 5-5-5 guideline here.
What is the 5-5-5 rule in postpartum planning?
The 5-5-5 rule in postpartum planning is a guideline that suggests that new mothers should plan for the first five days, five weeks, and five months after giving birth. It is a way to break down the postpartum period into manageable chunks and to ensure that new mothers have the support and resources they need at each stage.
Why is the 5-5-5 rule important?
The postpartum period is a critical time for both mothers and babies. During this time, mothers need to recover physically and emotionally from childbirth, and babies need to adjust to life outside the womb. The 5-5-5 rule is important because it helps new mothers plan for the support and resources they will need during this period. It can also help to prevent postpartum depression and other complications by ensuring that new mothers have the help they need to care for themselves and their babies.
Need something for your mother-in-law? Check out this printable guide.
How to use the 5-5-5 rule effectively:
Plan for the first five days
The first five days after giving birth can be the most challenging. It is important to plan for this time by making sure that you have the support you need. This may include having family or friends come to stay with you, hiring a postpartum doula, or arranging for meal delivery services. You should also make sure that you have all the supplies you need for recovery, such as perineal ice packs, sitz bath salts, and pain relieving spray.
Even better, you can create a postpartum registry right here on Mother Muna for these items and care services. Creating a registry will not only help you, but it will help to remind your village that you are also a priority.
Plan for the first five weeks
The first five weeks after giving birth can be a time of adjustment as you and your baby get to know each other. It is important to plan for this time by setting realistic expectations for yourself and your baby. You should also make sure that you have support for breastfeeding, whether it is through a lactation consultant or a support group. Check out our postpartum care directory to find specialists near you or virtually that can help during your postpartum recovery.
It may also be helpful to plan for some time for self-care, such as getting a massage or taking a relaxing bath.
Plan for the first five months
The first five months after giving birth can be a time of continued adjustment as your baby grows and develops. It is important to plan for this time by continuing to prioritize self-care and by seeking out support from your community. This may include joining a new parent group, attending a postpartum yoga class, or seeking out therapy if you are struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety. Mother Muna's postpartum care directory is a great place to start looking for these types of services or groups.
The postpartum period is a time of great change and adjustment for new mothers. Using the 5-5-5 rule in postpartum planning can help to ensure that new mothers have the support and resources they need to navigate this period successfully. By planning for the first five days, five weeks, and five months after giving birth, new mothers can set themselves up for success and prevent postpartum complications.
If you are a new mother, consider using the 5-5-5 rule in your postpartum planning to ensure that you have the support and resources you need to thrive during this time.
Have you implemented the 5-5-5 rule after one of your pregnancies? We’d love to hear about it. Email [email protected] or find us on Instagram @mothermuna.
