After 40-ish long weeks of pregnancy, you’re officially a mommy! But your postpartum journey is just beginning… and can last up to eight months . Between your new baby and your postpartum recovery, you’ve got a lot on your plate!

We understand how impossible daily life can feel for new moms like you. We’ve put together this guide to help new mothers in California have the easiest postpartum recovery possible.

Important Statistics for New Mothers in California

Are you feeling huge pressure to stay up on relevant statistics? Most new moms feel this way… but don’t panic! We’ve gathered the most recent data new mothers in California should know.

• In 2020, 30.5% of live births in California were cesarean deliveries. It’s much more common than most people think!
• Since 2018, new moms have had widespread access to maternity care across California. Modoc, Glenn, Colusa, Sierra, Alpine, and Madera counties are the only counties with poor maternity care. If you’re in one of these areas, plan to travel farther for care.
• The most common cause of infant deaths in California is birth defects, making up just .09% of all infant deaths. Luckily, most birth defects are detected during ultrasounds early on.

What is the safest age to have a baby?

A recent study from the University of Seoul found 25 is the safest age to have your first baby. But every woman’s body is unique, and the safest age for you may be different. Consult your doctor for more information.

How many weeks do you get for baby bonding in California?

Eligible new parents get 12 weeks for baby bonding in California, under the FMLA and CFRA. Contact your employer or read this document from the California government for more details.

Postpartum and After Birth Recovery Guide

As you heal after birth, you can expect to have some discomfort. No matter what kind of a birth experience you’ve had, you should spend at least the first six weeks resting after giving birth.

Your body has spent many long months being stretched, strained, and stressed! Giving yourself this time to recover is absolutely crucial. Following your doctor’s postpartum recovery instructions is necessary, too.

You’re probably wondering “How can I improve my recovery after birth?” The absolute best way to support a quick and healthy postpartum recovery is to be prepared! Squaring away your must-haves in advance makes the post-birth experience far more enjoyable for you and your baby.

For your postpartum girdle, you have lots of options. Our Bodysuit Corset has maximum adjustability thanks to adjustable front hooks, no boning, plus removable/adjustable shoulder straps!

Or maybe you’re really looking forward to getting back into exercise after your body heals. New moms like you love our High-Waisted Postpartum Support Leggings . These offer graduated compression and won’t leave any seam marks on your skin. Plus they’re chafe-resistant and made of cool-touch fabric. The best part? Deep pockets!

Do you need more than 1 of the must-haves mentioned above? Save some money when you bundle, like with our abdominal binder and activewear leggings combo deal .

Did you know Bellefit supportive postpartum girdles and waist trainers are FDA-approved postpartum support products? They’re the easiest, safest, and most comfortable way to fast-track your postpartum recovery!

Click here to use our Girdle Style Finder to find the perfect postpartum girdle for you.

By purchasing your necessities in advance, you’ll save yourself the added stress. Bringing your baby home and accepting your need to recover will take up a lot of your mental capacity early on. Do your shopping now so you can be even more present during those precious early days with your new bundle of joy.

What should you not do after giving birth?

Don’t strain yourself physically. Don’t hide your struggles with returning to daily life, otherwise, you may exacerbate your baby blues. Don’t neglect your nutrition or hydration, as your body needs food and water to heal.

Most importantly, don’t do it alone! See our list of resources for new mothers in California and related articles below.

The Best Resources for New California Moms

There’s no doubt about it… being a new mom is intense. And you’re expected to juggle so many things! But you don’t have to do it alone. Below is a list of the most helpful resources for new moms in California.

Join a California postpartum support group:

• Find your local chapter of Postpartum Support International

• Find local services from Postpartum Support Center

Find an online community for postpartum recovery:

• Join the Private Warrior Mom forum to discreetly discuss after birth experiences
• Check out the Help for Moms community and helpline
• Read about postpartum experiences from real moms like you

Get government-funded support during your postpartum journey:

• Postpartum and after birth support guide from the Office on Women’s Health
• Maternal mental health resources from the California Department of Public Health