The 5-5-5 Postpartum Rule: The First 5 Days

The first 5 days of this rule consist on 5d post-birth of strict bed rest. This is actually hard for me, I don’t tear, I feel good, and there’s a LOT of things to do around the home. But regardless, the placenta always leaves a dinner plate-sized wound inside the uterus, and it needs time to heal! And the less time you rest, the longer it will take to heal.

Day 1 to 3 was easier to follow. My uterus was contracting back (shrinking) with pretty painful contractions (the more kids you have, the more painful these are) so I took Advil, after ease herbal drops, arnica homeopathy and used the heating pad (lmk if you want links).

Plus, she was feeding every 30min day & night because she was getting colostrum and was trying to get my milk to come in. So I was more tired and did nap on occasions. On top of that those 3 days she only wanted skin to skin cuddles (which is great for both).

And coincidentally, my big kids were also at school these days and so, it was peaceful and incredible to have that quiet bubble. It kinda felt like a vacation eating in bed and lounging w my baby. They just came to see me in bed before and after school, which was SO sweet.

Day 4&5 I started to itch leaving the bed, especially seeing how the house was getting messier but I forced myself to prioritize my recovery. We did lots of movies in bed with the big kids and daddy took them out to mini outings to burn energy.

The one main thing that saved me during the first 5 days was a specific pp meal plan that included everything I needed in a day (not just 3 nourishing meals but also snacks, juices, broths and soups). Hands down the best investment (let me know if you want a link + code).

And the other major thing was that my midwife came to my house for immediate mom & baby postpartum visits, so I did not have to leave the house to the dr or pediatrician (and won’t the first 15 days) allowing me to truly honor the 5-5-5 rule.

This is the Postpartum MEAL PLAN I did the first 5 days. Code MOMFRIENDS.