What is the 5-5-5 rule for postpartum?


Becoming a new parent is an exciting and joyous time, but it can also be exhausting! For mothers in particular, it’s important to prioritize recovery and rest after giving birth. One of the best ways to do this is by following the 5-5-5 “in bed, on the bed, near bed” rule. This involves spending the first week recovering in bed, the second week resting on the bed or couch, and the third week staying nearby your bed as you gradually get back into your normal routine. Let’s examine why these three weeks are so important for postpartum recovery.

In Bed for the First 5 days to a Week

The first week after having a baby is all about getting rest and allowing your body to heal. It’s important for all new moms, especially important for cesarean births, that you take this time to physically recover; this means staying in bed as much as possible to give yourself a chance to rest and heal properly. Make sure you have plenty of pillows on hand for support and comfort while sleeping (or trying to sleep). You may also want to invest in a few nursing pillows if you plan to breastfeed.

On Bed or Couch for the Second Week

The second week should involve more gradual movement around your house. While still taking it easy—no lifting heavy objects or running marathons just yet!—this is a good time to start getting up and moving around more often throughout each day. Spend time laying on your couch or recliner or sitting in bed with plenty of pillows while reading or watching TV with your partner or family. If you need help around the house, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance from friends and family who can help with cooking meals, cleaning up baby clothes, etc., so you can focus on resting as much as possible.

Near Bed for the Third Week

During the third week of postpartum recovery, try taking short walks outside when the weather permits (and make sure someone else is along with you). If walking outside isn’t accessible for any reason, try doing some low-impact exercises indoors like yoga poses or light stretching exercises that are designed specifically for new moms recovering from childbirth. This will help keep your energy levels up while also giving you an opportunity to practice self-care through movement and activity when appropriate during this stage of recovery.

Postpartum recovery is an essential part of becoming a new parent so spend extra time caring for yourself during those first few weeks after having a baby! Whether staying in bed during the first week, resting on your couch during the second week, or taking gentle walks outside during the third week - every bit of rest helps! Remember that small steps towards care add up over time so take things slowly - trust me; it'll be worth it!