THE 5-5-5 RULE

The 5-5-5 rule is the best way to rest, recover & bond with your new baby. It can also help reduce your risk of things like postpartum depression, anxiety, & clogged milk ducts. The basics of the rule consist of 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed, & 5 days around the bed.

5 days in the bed: This is where you spend your first 5 days at home laying in the bed, focusing on resting, skin-to-skin, bonding, breastfeeding, napping, reading, & more resting! Ideally, your support person will bring meals, water, & anything else you may need to you.

5 days on the bed: During the next 5 days, you may start to sit up & do things on the bed, but continue to have lots of skin-to-skin & cuddle time with baby. This helps release oxytocin hormones, strengthening the mother-infant bond & breastfeeding relationship. If you have older children, this is a great way for you to spend time with them too! Read books, do puzzles, or maybe even color. The main thing to keep in mind is we don’t want to overdo it, you’re still resting & recovering!

5 days around the bed: Your focus is still on resting, but during these 5 days, you can stand up & move around the bed. If you feel up to it, you may fold some laundry or perform other light activities. We want to limit standing to 30 minutes at a time, & less if that feels like too much. Listen to your body!

The 5-5-5 rule is widely known & is one of the best ways you can take care of yourself & your new baby, but it is sadly not often utilized or practical for many families. Physical recovery & bonding are among the most important factors during early postpartum days, but I get it! Things around the house need to get done, dad has to go back to work, & there are siblings to care for.

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As your postpartum doula, I can help make the 5-5-5 rule a reality!