Mommy makeovers can be a completely transformative experience, and leave many women feeling more confident, secure, and self-assured. However, it’s important to know the right way to recover, especially when juggling recovery and motherhood. Here are tips on how to recover from a mommy makeover in a healthy and stable way.

Preparation Is Everything

The first step of recovery actually takes place before the surgery. This can mean having all necessary prescriptions on hand, preparing a comfortable place to rest, and asking family members for help during recovery. Especially important can be ensuring that a loved one can care for the children since mobility will be limited for the first few days following the procedure.

Take It Easy

As with all surgeries, a mommy makeover is followed by a period rest to allow the body time to heal. For the first one or two days after the surgery, it’s important to rest as much as possible, with small breaks to get some movement in. It is just as important to set aside time to allow the pain medication to do its job and allow scars to heal before pushing oneself too hard after surgery. This may mean taking a break from spending time with children until energy is restored.

Expect Emotions

It is perfectly common for emotions to run wild after any intensive surgery, and mommy makeovers are no different, especially because the changes can be so drastic. The body has just been put through an invasive procedure and feeling overly emotional is a common occurrence. The best way to address these emotions is to remember that they are perfectly normal and will be reduced a few days after the procedure.

Keep Up With Pain Medication

With mommy makeovers, there will be more pain involved than non-invasive procedures; specifically selected prescriptions can make it significantly more manageable. Pain medication for surgical procedures are only meant to be taken short-term, but neglecting to take them or taking them incorrectly can put patients in unnecessary pain. It’s a good idea to set a phone alarm or write down when a dose was taken to prevent any issues.

Above all, remember that healing takes time, and it’s not going to happen overnight. Be realistic about what a recovering body and mind are capable of, and don’t push past those expectations.