If you’re a new mom, there’s a lot to learn about taking care of your baby. And experienced mothers must juggle the needs of their new baby and older children. To stay on top of all this, you need to care for your own health.

Put a priority on sleep. Close your eyes whenever your baby naps. Ask a relative or friend to help out around the house for a while.

Check in with your doctor. It’s just as important for you to see the doctor as it is for your new baby. Have a postpartum checkup after giving birth. Your doctor will examine you and make sure your body is recovering.

Pay attention to your body. Your body will go through some changes after giving birth. You may experience:

• Cramping
• Constipation
• Discomfort in your breasts
• Off and on menstrual spotting or bleeding

Many of these changes can be relieved with self-care. For example, drinking lots of water and eating fresh fruits and vegetables may help constipation.

Know how you’re feeling. Many new moms feel sad at times during the first week or so after having a baby. These baby blues often pass about 10 days after giving birth.

But some new mothers develop a more serious type of depression. If you’re sad or upset most of the day for at least two weeks, you might have postpartum depression. Talk with your doctor right away.

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Find articles on how your body will readjust, how exercise can help you, and more at www.paramounthealthcare.com. Click on “Better Health for Life,” “Outcome Improvement,” “Healthy Pregnancy & Childbirth,” “Mom’s and Baby’s First Weeks,” and then “Mom’s First Weeks.”