How do you care for your body postpartum? Just “snap back” right? How many times do we see some version of this in magazines, on TV, or on social media? But is it really healthy?!?

Leslie Abraham, osteopath D.O., pregnancy and postpartum specialist, came on the Wholly a Woman podcast to tell us what it looks like to care for your body postpartum in a healthy, holistic way.

Here are the take-aways:
-Giving women the tools to their postpartum recovery helps them be the center of their story again
-It is NOT realistic to “get your body back” after having a baby. What you want to focus on is taking back control of your health and advocating for yourself
-Set up an entourage (community) to support you
-Heading back to the gym at 6 weeks postpartum is skipping ahead in your recovery and can lead to feeling worse
-Pelvic floor muscles need to be functional - they need to be able to contract AND relax
-In postpartum especially, choose whole foods (not processed, refined foods) to decrease inflammation and ensure you are getting the micronutrients you need. Continue taking your prenatal vitamin and you can consider collagen to help build cells as well
-Ask for help with food! Have a meal-prep party with your friends or family, ask for homemade meals, ask for help preparing healthy snacks
-Prepare for your 6-week postpartum visit with your provider: ask questions, ask referrals, and speak up for yourself if something is bothering you or feels wrong

Tag me (@nfppharmacist) and Leslie (@bonjourbaby.la) and let us know your take-aways!

To learn more and/or to work with Leslie:
Website: https://bonjourbaby.net/
Facebook Group - Bonjour Baby Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/724317574831792