A Gentle Guide to Postpartum Rest: The 5 x 5 x 5 Method
Embracing Postpartum Rest: The 5-5-5 Method
The postpartum period is a special time of bonding, healing, and adjustment. While welcoming a new baby is a wonderful experience, it’s also a time when rest and recovery are essential for a smooth transition into parenthood. The 5-5-5 method is a simple yet impactful approach to support your recovery in the first 15 days after childbirth. We live in a fast past world, that does not value slowing down to heal. So this may feel really foreign, you can take what you need from this piece - if you feel it is not possible for you, consider how you may be able to implement rest in your early days after birth.
Why Rest Matters After Childbirth
During pregnancy and childbirth, your body works hard to nurture and deliver your baby. Afterward, it’s time to let your body heal and adjust to its new state. Rest supports:
Physical recovery: Healing from childbirth, whether vaginal or cesarean, requires care and time.
Emotional wellbeing: Rest helps you feel more balanced and prepared for the ups and downs of early parenthood.
Bonding with your baby: Taking time to rest allows you to focus on connecting with your little one during this special period.
What Is the 5-5-5 Method?
The 5-5-5 method breaks the first 15 days postpartum into three manageable phases:
5 days in bed
5 days on the bed
5 days near the bed
This structured approach encourages you to take things slowly, easing back into activity while allowing your body to heal. It’s inspired by traditional postpartum care practices, such as the Golden Month or The First 40 Days, which emphasise the importance of rest and support during this critical time.
Breaking It Down
5 Days In Bed
During the first five days, focus on staying in bed as much as possible. Use this time to:
Bond with your baby through skin-to-skin contact.
Learn your baby’s feeding and sleep patterns.
Enjoy simple, nourishing meals to support healing.
Let family or friends handle household tasks.
Think of this phase as a “reset” for your body, allowing it to rest and repair while you soak in the precious moments with your newborn.
5 Days On the Bed
For the next five days, transition to spending time on a made bed. This small step offers a bit more flexibility:
Sit up comfortably and enjoy light activities, like reading or watching a movie.
Move around the room gently as needed, but avoid prolonged standing or heavy lifting.
Continue prioritising rest and nourishment.
This stage is about gradually increasing your activity level while still giving yourself plenty of time to relax and heal.
5 Days Near the Bed
In the final phase, you can begin to explore other areas of your home while keeping rest as a priority:
Spend short periods in other parts of the house.
Take naps when you feel tired to stay energized.
Listen to your body and avoid overexerting yourself.
This phase is about finding a rhythm that works for you and your baby while maintaining a focus on recovery and self-care.
Tips for Success
Communicate your needs: Share your 5-5-5 plan with your partner, family, and friends so they can support you.
Accept help: If visitors offer assistance, let them take care of tasks like cooking, cleaning, or running errands.
Prepare ahead: Stock up on easy-to-prepare meals and create a cosy space for rest before your baby arrives.
Connection: If you are concerned about connecting with the world and getting ‘back to it’ know that family and friends are a phone call away, and you will not get this bubble back - there is so much time to build connection and share your beautiful baby with the world.
Why the 5-5-5 Method Works
The 5-5-5 method helps you balance rest and recovery with the demands of new motherhood. By pacing yourself, you’re giving your body the best chance to heal while nurturing your bond with your baby.
This simple approach is adaptable to your unique situation, whether you have support from family or are navigating postpartum with limited resources. Remember, every small step you take toward recovery sets a strong foundation for the journey ahead.
Celebrate Your Postpartum Journey
Your postpartum recovery is an important part of your overall wellbeing as a new mum. By embracing the 5-5-5 method, you’re giving yourself permission to rest, recover, and thrive in this new chapter of life.
Take it one day at a time, and remember that you’re doing an amazing job—for yourself, your baby, and your family.
Hold The Mother is dedicated to honouring, and holding the Mother during life's biggest transitions. We are Melbourne based Postpartum Doulas supporting families within 30 minutes of Greensborough, Victoria.
We are deeply passionate about community building, connection and wrapping mothers in curated, accessible care. We have a range of services available to meet you at whatever stage you are at, supporting you on the mother of all journeys.
Postpartum Doula Support, Virtual Doula Support, Doula Mentoring, Postpartum Preparation Sessions, Mothers Blessings, Closing of the Bones Ceremonies, Events and Education Workshops, Social Events and Clubs.
For more information visit our Services page, and book in a Connection Call to explore how to work with us.
