Postpartum – A Time of Sacred Rest and Recovery

May 4

The first two to six weeks postpartum are unlike any other time in a woman’s life. They’re raw, beautiful, and often overwhelming.

As a Christian birth photographer and doula (and a mama of 7), I’ve walked alongside many families through this sacred time—and each journey reminds me of just how intentionally designed we are for rest, recovery, and community, especially after birth.

Psalm 46:10 reminds us: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Postpartum is a beautiful invitation into stillness. It’s okay to pause. To say no. To let others serve you. To lean into God's design for rest and renewal.

Whether you’re a first-time mom or walking through postpartum again, know this: your needs matter. You don’t have to earn rest—it’s already been given.

Let’s take a closer look at what this postpartum season holds and how we can prepare our hearts and homes for this time of healing.

What to Expect the First Weeks of Postpartum

Physical Healing:

Your body is recovering from a monumental event—whether your birth was vaginal or via cesarean. Soreness, bleeding, cramping, and fatigue are all normal. Don’t be surprised if you still look pregnant for a while. All those internal organs had to move out of the way to make room for baby, and now they have to navigate their way back to their typical space. Your body needs time to shift and shrink gently.

What’s happening:
After birth, your uterus is shrinking, your body is eliminating lochia (post-birth bleeding), and your pelvic floor is slowly recovering. If you had stitches, tearing, or a cesarean birth, healing can take even more time and care. Don’t rush yourself!
Let this time be one of grace and replenishment. Your body did holy, hard work.

Helpful Tips:

Use a peri bottle after using the bathroom to reduce discomfort.
Soak in a sitz bath with healing herbs or Epsom salts a few times a day or use the sitz bath mixture in your peri-bottle.
Wear loose, breathable clothing and mesh or high-waisted underwear.
Stay hydrated and nourish your body with warm, iron-rich meals and bone broth. Soft, warming and easily digestible foods.
Rest horizontally often to support pelvic floor healing.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” – Isaiah 40:29

Hormonal Shifts:

The hormonal rollercoaster is real. From the joy of holding your baby to the tears that seem to come from nowhere—this is all part of the processing and recovery postpartum. It's okay to feel a wide range of emotions.

What’s happening:
Estrogen and progesterone levels plummet after birth, while prolactin and oxytocin surge (especially if you’re breastfeeding). These hormonal swings can cause mood changes, anxiety, or unexpected tears. And not all tears are from sadness but can be from an overwhelming feeling of gratitude or just from feeling overwhelmed.

Helpful Tips:

Cry when you need to. When you’re feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed, joyful or tired. I repeat, cry when you need to.
Talk to someone daily who can offer support and prayer.
Avoid overstimulation (screens, too much talking, etc.) when possible.
Add daily moments of stillness, Scripture, journaling or worship music. Things that feed your soul.
“baby blues” aren’t always present in the first 2 weeks but can start to show up more around 3-6 weeks, starting these habits of sitting at the feet of Jesus while bringing all your thoughts and worries to Him will be helpful. Even when emotions feel heavy or unexpected, He is near and present in every tear.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

Feeding Challenges:

Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding, or a mix of both, the early days are full of trial and error. You and your baby are learning together. Seek support early and often—it’s a sign of strength, not weakness. A lot of lactation consultants with do a preliminary visit during pregnancy which is super helpful.

What’s happening:
Whether you're breastfeeding, pumping, combo-feeding, or formula-feeding—learning how to nourish your baby can be a steep and emotional learning curve. Even with breastfeeding 7 children, each nourishing journey has been different. Some are nursing champs from the get go and other’s need a little encouragement or even outside assistance to work through some struggles. It WILL get easier mama!

Helpful Tips:

Meet with a lactation consultant early whether nursing is difficult or not. Check out the Resource List for local recommendations. Most insurances now will cover up to 6 visits with a lactation consultant, so give your insurance a call and they can send you a list of lactation consultants to choose from.
Use a feeding log to help track feed times and patterns. Don’t obsess about this, but if it gives you peace of mind then definitely utalize it.
Keep a nursing basket nearby with snacks, water, and burp cloths. Or purchase one of those rolling caddies to keep next to your bed. They’re super helpful!
Give yourself grace if your feeding plan changes. We want baby to be nourished and mama’s mental health to be well.
The Lord created your body with purpose, but He also provides help.

“He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.” – Isaiah 40:11

Sleepless Nights and Unpredictability:

Sleep becomes fragmented, routines feel elusive, but even in the haze, God’s grace is new every morning. Remember, you were not meant to do this alone. Have a list of friends and family you can reach out to or hire a postpartum doula to help lighten the load for you. I’m sure you’ve heard of a meal train, what about a mama’s helper sign up sheet? Friends and family can take turns stopping in for a couple hours and do some laundry, dishes, warm up some food for you or even keep an eye on or hold baby while you nap or shower.

What’s happening:
Newborns have day/night confusion and need frequent care. Sleep deprivation can feel intense, and time becomes a blur. This is often when parents feel overwhelmed.

Helpful Tips:

Nap when you can, not just when the baby sleeps—let others hold or keep an eye on the baby so you can rest.
Dim lights and lower noise in the evenings to encourage newborn circadian rhythms.
Get outside during the day, Vitamin D will help the baby figure out when it’s day time vs. night time but also, Vitamin D will help mama feel emotionally better.
Say yes to help. Let others do dishes, meals, and laundry.
Don’t schedule appointments before 11am unless the providers are coming to your home like midwife check ins or newborn photographers. Trust me on this one!
Create small anchoring routines: tea before bed, prayer morning, noon and night (yes, all-day-long), Scripture on note cards, etc.

“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

The Importance of Postpartum Support and Sacred Rest

This time is not meant to be rushed. It's a season to be still, recover, and bond with your baby. But rest often doesn’t happen unless we plan for it.

In the Sacred Rest Workshop, we focus on preparing for this exact season—emotionally, practically, and spiritually. We dive into:

Nourishing & healing postpartum meals
Creating a postpartum haven at home
Inviting God into our healing journey
Setting realistic expectations for rest and recovery
Supporting mental and emotional health with Biblical truths

If you’re preparing for birth, don’t skip planning for postpartum.

This time is not just about survival—it’s about healing, bonding, and being deeply cared for. We want mama and baby to both thrive.

Let’s Prepare Together

If this resonates with you, I’d love to invite you to our Sacred Rest Workshop.

It's designed with intention, grace, and practical wisdom to help you walk into postpartum with peace. I just recently went through my 8th postpartum period (one was a miscarriage) and each one was similar but also very different. I actually feel like my last was the easiest recovery because I was more prepared and had a plan. I also gave specific tasks to my helpers which led to a more successfully resting period.

You’re not alone mama. You were never meant to be.

Want to learn more or register for the Sacred Rest Workshop? REGISTER here for a time of Sacred Rest
Spots are limited so I can pour into each family with care—reserve your spot today!