The Weight Can Wait: Prioritizing Your Mental Health Postpartum

10/24/2025

When you google "post baby," the search bar immediately attempts to guess your inquiry by offering the following words:



Belly

Body

Swimsuit

Workout

Breast Lift Cost



Companies and businesses make a hefty profit off of female insecurity, from Botox and implants to juice cleanses and fad diets. However, when a woman suffers from postpartum depression her sense of dread, relentless thought loops, and feelings of worthlessness cannot be cured with a trip to the Pilates studio.



Let's discuss the top three things you should focus on postpartum before stepping into the world of weight loss.



#1 – Reconnecting With Yourself



You contain multitudes. Beyond being a mother, a spouse, or a girlfriend – who are you? What do you enjoy doing? What brings you joy and connects you to your highest self?



If you want to get the most out of your maternity leave, these are the questions you should be trying to answer. The goal? To find fresh avenues primed for discovering our authenticity.



Now is the time to hone in on the things that bring you satisfaction. Knit your new baby a pair of mittens, listen to that juicy audiobook you swore you'd finish months ago, or make friends with your inner child as you fill in a coloring book!



Bake, paint, crochet, ride a bike, plan a picnic, stream a show … It doesn't really matter what you do, as long as your mind is occupied with bringing joy to yourself.



So much of life postpartum is defined by what we shouldn't do. "Don't overwork yourself, don't put in a tampon, don't eat poorly," it just goes on and on. Why would you give yourself more restrictions by obsessively counting calories and measuring meals? You deserve rest that feels freeing.



#2 – Recovering and Practicing Self-Care



Whether your delivery was vaginal or caesarean, childbirth is a stressful event that demands you set aside time for rest and recovery.



Symptoms like perineal soreness, afterpains, breast engorgement, and constipation are common – but that doesn't mean you have to suffer.



Now is the perfect time to try out that new face mask you got from Trader Joe's or finally book the massage you've been thinking about for months. Perhaps you make use of your local gym's sauna rather than pushing yourself to the limit on the StairMaster™.



It's understandable, you want to feel happy and confident in your own body so it can finally feel like yours again – but you must give yourself grace.



Honing in on proper nutrition and hydration is also important for every mother post-birth, but especially so if you're breastfeeding. You'll need to increase your calorie and fluid intake to support milk production and health.



We also recommend that you make use of a journal, tracking your moods and feelings can assist in your emotional recovery.



#3 – Bonding with Your Baby



Bonding is an essential aspect of your child's development and there are ways to strengthen your relationship with your little one and connect to yourself at the same time.



One great idea would be to put your new friend in a stroller and take a few laps around your local park, taking a break on a bench every couple loops to hold your baby close.



And as you move – groove! Music is powerful and dancing is a super fun way to burn calories. Curate a playlist with the most empowering, soul-stirring songs you know and have it playing while you take your walk, wash bottles, or change diapers!



A Final Thought



The truth is, your body was made to create and give birth to a human. That's a big deal! Every stretchmark and scar is a testament to the courageous journey your body underwent to bring new life into this world.



We know that life postpartum can be intense. We invite you to explore Birth Circle's infinite resources and save your favorites when you sign up for a free account.



Live events, tailored care, and affirming material for birthing bodies are only a few clicks away.