6 Grounding Practices For The Baby Blues
For the postpartum days when everything feels a little upside down
It’s hard, mama.
You have your sweet babe in your arms, and your hormones are going wild.
You’re crying one moment, and the next you’re awash in the pure sweetness of the tiniest toes, the cutest nose, the wiggliest little body in your arms.
Here are some ways you can come back to yourself again and again and again — even though everything around you is spinning, and your world and routine are upside down:
1 – Find that friend you can text ANYTHING to.
You know the one - that friend who gets it, who won’t be appalled by anything you say.
Reach out to them — let them know there may be a torrent of words in the middle of the night, and all they need to do is let you know they saw it, they get it, and they’re there for you.
2 – Stretch.
It sounds simple, but postpartum bodies need gentleness. Whether you’re in bed or slowly pacing the room, move with intention.
Feel your body, feel your connection to self.
🖐🏽 Hand on belly.
🖐🏽 Hand on chest.
🖐🏽 Hand on heart.
Thank your body — even if it feels silly.
You’re still here. You did it. You’re healing.
And you WILL find your way through the hormonal shifts, too, mama.
3 – Remind yourself of what is comforting to you.
Textures? Get that big blanket and keep it close.
Music? Turn on those tunes.
Food? Stock up on chocolate or comforting goodies.
This is not the time for diets, mama.
Nourish your body, tend to your body, remind yourself this is normal.
4 – Create A Shorthand with Your Partner
It can be so hard to communicate what’s happening inside when you’re overwhelmed and sleep-deprived and unsure how to even put language to it.
Choose a sentence that holds mutual understanding:
“I just need you to be with me.”
“I’m really overwhelmed.”
Find a shorthand to communicate when words feel too hard. Decide on it ahead of time if possible.
Or—hand them this post, and we’ll let them know you’re going through something normal and overwhelming and hard to language — together.
Hey there, supportive partner:
Your beautiful partner just went through something massive, as you know.
They are healing. They are re-orienting to life with this little, just like you are.
Please remember:
You both just had a baby, yes. But, the physicality of birth and healing and nursing or weaning and and and can sometimes feel very lonely and she may feel worlds away from you, dear partner. This is not your fault. But you can hold this awareness and that is enough.
What she needs now is tenderness. Curiosity. Patience. Presence.
She may not have the words. She may just need to be held.
You may feel overwhelmed by her emotions. That’s okay.
She will be okay.
And so will you.
You’re going through something too — and we want to support you, too.
But in these first few weeks, your job is this:
Find support for yourself as you need.
Hold your partner close.
Tend to her. Ask what she needs.
Bring her water. Bring her food.
Think ahead for her.
Is she struggling to walk? Set up a snack station.
Struggling with pain? Keep her meds within reach.
Struggling with feeding? Tell her you see her — and that you’re here.
Sounds small? Sounds silly?
It’s not.
She doesn’t need you to fix it.
She needs you to be with her.
To offer care. To help her feel seen and loved.
You’ve got this.
We believe in you.
Ok, back to you, mama:
5 – Turn To Beauty is Small, Attainable Ways.
Read a poem. Or listen to a song that reminds you of who you are.
Poetry and music connect us to our bodies and slow down time.
They bring us into the moment.
They attune us to the miracle we’re living in.
They help us feel again.
6 – Study your baby, mama.
Not feeling connected yet?
You are NOT alone.
There can be grief when it doesn’t feel the way you imagined.
You are doing nothing wrong.
This adjustment period will pass.
Get close.
Study their ears, their toes, their eye color.
Hold their hand. Smell their little toes.
Say what feels true:
“I’m here, baby. I see you.
I’m going to take care of you always.
I know my love for you will grow.
I see your sweet toes. I see your button nose.
I’m learning your cry already.
I’m your mama, and I trust we’ll get through this together.
I’m here, baby. I’m here.”
You are doing this mama. One moment, one heart-meltingly beautiful and heart-shatteringly difficult moment at a time.