Bump & Beyond

Caring for Your Mental Health After Your Baby’s Birth

Back to Postpartum Experience

Self-Help for a Healthy Mind and Body

After you give birth, it’s important to take steps to keep your mind and body healthy. Try different things to figure out what works best for you, but here are some ideas to start with.

Eat Healthy

Exercise

Reduce Time on Social Media

It’s okay if your postpartum experience looks different from anyone else’s.

If you use social media, be cautious with ads and health tips—they may not be accurate or safe for you. Before trying any product or weight-loss plan after birth, talk with your healthcare provider.

Practice Relaxation

  • Use diaphragmatic breathing (breathing deeply from your belly).
  • Try meditation or mindful breathing.
  • Spend time in nature or just outside.
  • Try to make time for small, enjoyable activities, like painting your nails, brushing your hair, doing art, or taking a bubble bath.
  • Incorporate aromatherapy into your daily life.
  • Schedule a massage.

Join a Postpartum or Parenting Support Group

In the greater Boston area, we recommend the following as starting points for connecting with other parents of babies and young children:

  • The Family Nurturing Center in Dorchester: At FNC Dorchester, families can connect and learn through playgroups, classes, programs, and community events designed to empower caregivers as their children’s first teachers and advocates. Resources, referral services, and advocacy for families with young children are also available.
  • City of Boston Parent and Family Support: The City of Boston provides free resources to help families and children develop and grow, including parenting classes, family-friendly events, playgroups, and trustworthy information about child development.

Be Open About Your Feelings with Your Support People

Share your thoughts and concerns about intimacy, and any concerns you have about your body, with your support people or your postpartum healthcare providers.

Learn How to Appreciate Your Postpartum Body

Share with People Who Can Help

Small Moments Big Impact (SMBI) is a website made by pediatricians and parents with videos of new parents talking about their experiences. The goal is to encourage you to talk to your baby’s provider about what’s really going on with you. If they know, they can help you and your baby get what you need to be healthy and happy.

Worried About Postpartum Depression?

If you are feeling overwhelmed or hopeless, or like your issues are greater than you and your support people can handle, get help now!

Postpartum Support International also operates a non-emergency helpline in English and Spanish for live conversations about basic information, support, and resources:

If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, you can call 800.981.HELP (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), or visit BMC Community Behavioral Health Services for a walk-in appointment.

Learn More about Serious Mental Health Conditions That Can Happen After Birth

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