Key Takeaways:
- Rest is crucial. Your body needs time to heal after birth. Take it slow, avoid heavy lifting, and listen to your body. Light walks help, but don’t push too soon.
- Eat well and stay hydrated. A healthy diet with protein, iron, and fiber speeds up recovery. Drink plenty of water, especially if pumping milk.
- Watch for emotional changes. Mood swings are normal, but if sadness or anxiety lasts, talk to a mental health professional. Postpartum depression can happen to surrogates too.
- Do pelvic floor exercises. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles with Kegel exercises helps recovery, especially after a vaginal birth.
- Check-in with your doctor. If you have pain, fever, or trouble breathing, call your healthcare provider. Follow up a few weeks after birth to make sure healing is on track.
Bringing a baby into the world is an incredible experience, especially when you’re doing it as part of your surrogacy journey. But let’s be real—your body goes through a lot, and postpartum recovery isn’t always easy. Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, taking care of yourself afterward is key.
If you’re working with surrogacy agencies in Los Angeles, like Southern California Surrogacy, you probably already know how important it is to focus on your physical health and emotional health after delivery. This isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about healing the right way.
The First Few Days After Delivery
Right after birth, your body starts recovering immediately, but it needs time. If you had a vaginal delivery, you might deal with soreness, swelling, or even stitches. A warm bath or sitz bath (a shallow bath with warm water) can help ease discomfort. And don’t skip those pelvic floor exercises—yes, we’re talking about Kegel exercises. They help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which can get weak after birth.
For gestational surrogates, since you’re not keeping the baby, your body still goes through the same hormonal shifts as any other birth. That means you might experience baby blues—mood swings, tiredness, or even crying for no reason. It’s normal, but if those feelings stick around, it could be postpartum depression, and talking to a mental health professional can help.
Eating Right for Recovery
Your body needs fuel to heal, and a healthy diet makes a huge difference. Eating foods rich in iron, protein, and fiber helps with physical healing. Think lean meats, leafy greens, and whole grains. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water, especially if you are pumping breast milk for the intended parents. Staying hydrated keeps your energy levels up and helps with digestion.
Some surrogates struggle with constipation after birth (thanks, hormones!). Foods like prunes, oatmeal, and chia seeds can help. If needed, your healthcare provider might suggest stool softeners, but always check with them first.
Taking It Slow with Physical Activity
You might be eager to get back to your normal routine, but your body needs rest. Light walks are great for circulation and preventing blood clots, but avoid heavy lifting or intense workouts for the first weeks after delivery. Listen to your body—if something hurts, stop.
If you notice chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in your legs, call your healthcare provider right away. These could be signs of a more serious issue, like a blood clot.
Mental Health Matters Too
The postpartum period isn’t just about physical recovery—it’s emotional too. Even though you knew the baby wasn’t yours, you might still feel a range of emotions after delivery. That’s completely normal. Talking to other surrogates or joining support groups can help.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just not like yourself, don’t ignore it. Postpartum depression can happen to anyone, including gestational carriers. Reaching out to a therapist or counselor can make a big difference in your mental health.
When to Check in with Your Doctor
Your healthcare providers will likely schedule a follow-up appointment a few weeks after birth. This is a good time to ask about any concerns, like lingering pain, blood pressure issues, or if your hormone levels feel off.
If you had a C-section, keep an eye on your incision. Redness, swelling, or discharge could mean an infection. And whether you had a vaginal birth or C-section, if you have a fever or severe pain, call your doctor ASAP.
Making the Transition Smoother
Since you’re not taking the baby home, the surrogacy experience can feel different than a traditional postpartum phase. Some surrogates find it helpful to write about their feelings or stay in touch with the intended parents if the surrogacy contract allows it.
Remember, your body just did something amazing. Give yourself grace, take time to heal, and lean on your support system—whether that’s friends, family, or your team at Southern California Surrogacy.
How We Support Our Surrogates
At Southern California Surrogacy, one of the leading surrogacy agencies in Los Angeles, we make sure our surrogates are taken care of every step of the way. From connecting you with the best healthcare providers to offering resources for postpartum self-care, we’re here to help.
If you’re considering becoming a surrogate mother or need guidance during your postpartum recovery, reach out to us. We’ll make sure your surrogacy journey is as smooth and rewarding as possible.
Because you’ve done something incredible, now it’s time to take care of you.
