How to Prep Your Home for Post-op Recovery When You Have Kids
Recovering from surgery is a difficult experience for anyone, but when you're a busy mom juggling the responsibilities of raising kids, managing your household, and maintaining your career, surgery recovery can feel like a whole new level of stress. The good news? You're not alone. At Vital Massage & Bodywork, we understand that every client is unique and we’re here to help you make your recovery journey easier and faster by providing lymphatic massage therapy in the comfort of your own home.
In this blog post, we’ll cover practical tips for prepping your home for an easier recovery while still being able to take care of your family. We’ll also discuss how our mobile practice can fit seamlessly into your post-surgery plan.
1. Create a Recovery Zone
One of the first things you should do when preparing your home for post-op recovery is to create a designated “recovery zone.” This is an area where you can rest, relax, and heal without distractions or the added stress of running around after the kiddos. Your recovery zone should include:
A comfortable bed or reclining chair: After your surgery, you’ll need a comfortable place to rest and sleep. Ideally, this space should have pillows and bolsters for support, especially if you’ve had a tummy tuck or any other surgery that may require you to sleep in a slightly elevated position.
Access to essentials: Make sure the area is close to the bathroom, and have things like water, snacks, medications, and chargers within arm's reach. The fewer trips you need to take, the better!
Entertainment: Whether it’s a book, a tablet, or your favorite TV show, having things to keep you entertained while resting is key to avoiding boredom.
2. Organize Your Kids' Activities
As a busy parent, you're likely concerned about how to manage your kids' routines while you're recovering. To ensure your kids stay engaged and occupied without needing your constant supervision, try following these tips:
Create a fun and safe play area: Set up a designated space in your home where your kids can play independently. Stock up on toys, games, and crafts that will keep them entertained for hours. A few new surprises can help make the space feel special during this time.
Arrange for extra help: If possible, consider hiring a temporary babysitter or arranging for family or friends to help out during the first few days of recovery. Even a few hours of assistance can make a world of difference. Your loved ones will be glad to lend a hand while you take some much-needed recovery time.
Plan easy meals: You won’t be able to cook as you normally would right after surgery, so make sure you have easy-to-prepare meals or pre-prepped food available. Think about utilizing a meal delivery service or having a few freezer-friendly meals on hand that your family can easily heat up.
Explain your recovery to the little ones: Kids love to be involved and helping them understand that mommy needs her rest can make them feel included in the healing process. You don’t need to go into great detail about the surgery, but by telling them that they have to be “extra gentle” with mommy, you give them the opportunity to do their part in supporting your recovery.
3. Limit Clutter in High-Traffic Areas
Post-op recovery requires you to move around as little as possible, especially in the first few days. For your safety and to make recovery easier, it's essential to keep high-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, and kitchens clear of obstacles.
Declutter key areas: Make sure your home’s most-used spaces are free from clutter, so you can easily navigate them without risking trips or falls. Move furniture if necessary to ensure there’s plenty of space to maneuver.
Set up a simple cleaning routine: During recovery, you won’t be able to keep up with cleaning the way you normally would. Consider hiring a cleaning service for the first few days, or have older children help with light cleaning.
4. Prepare for Lymphatic Massage Therapy at Home
Lymphatic massage therapy is an essential part of the post-op recovery process, especially after surgeries like breast augmentations, tummy tucks, liposuction, or a Mommy Makeover. It helps reduce swelling, improve circulation, and speed up the healing process. However, with your busy schedule and responsibilities, you may not have the time to visit a massage therapist's office. That’s where Vital Massage & Bodywork comes in.
As a mobile practice, we come to your home to provide you with the lymphatic massage therapy you need, so you can focus on healing and not on transportation or fitting appointments into your packed schedule. Our experts will help you navigate the physical and mental challenges of post-surgery recovery.
If you haven’t already, check out our previous blog post, "From Booking to Recovery: The Complete Mommy Makeover Experience," where we break down the entire process of post-surgery care, including the role of lymphatic massage in speeding up recovery. You’ll get a full understanding of how this therapy works and how we can support your healing journey at every stage.
5. Keep Communication Open with Your Family
Your family and support system will play an important role in your recovery, especially if you have kids. Let your spouse, family members, or friends know exactly what you need and when you need it. Be clear about the days you may need extra help and delegate tasks like picking up the kids from school or cooking dinner.
As a mom, you’re used to being everything for everyone. But, communication will help you feel less stressed and give you more time to focus on healing.
Conclusion: Vital Massage & Bodywork Has You Covered
The recovery process after surgery can be overwhelming, but with the right plan in place, you can make it easier for yourself and your family. Creating a designated recovery area, organizing activities for your kids, and setting up a schedule are all important steps in preparing your home for post-op recovery.
When it comes to lymphatic massage therapy, trust Vital Massage & Bodywork to help you recover quickly and comfortably. Our mobile services come directly to your home, allowing you to focus on your healing while we take care of your post-op massage therapy. With our expertise and support, you can be confident that you’re in good hands.
Don’t wait for discomfort to slow you down. Book a consultation today and let us help you recover efficiently and comfortably at home.
