About a year ago, our world changed dramatically. Our daughter arrived two months earlier than planned. On a warm, sunny Wednesday in May, she changed our lives forever.
Looking back, I can say it was “wonderful.” At the moment, though, it certainly didn’t feel that way. Gone were my summer plans and last-minute house-cleaning projects. I had to fast forward to maternity leave, and somehow keep up with work just a week after giving birth. Thankfully, I work online over the summer. So the flexibility was helpful.
It was a “most wonderful” yet challenging season: wonderful because of our precious bundle of joy, painful because of recovering from major surgery.
I am thankful to God for bringing me through it, and I am forever grateful for the support of my sweet husband, my sacrificial mother, and my kind church family, whose visits, gifts, prayers, and words of encouragement made a whole lot of difference.
Tip: If you don’t yet have a Bible-believing church family, I strongly encourage you to find one. As you search, review the church’s mission and belief statements online. Do they reference the Bible to support their teachings? Do they uphold key doctrines like repentance, holiness, and salvation through Jesus? You can also message me, I’d be happy to support you.
1. Productivity Looks Different Postpartum
During those first months, productivity wasn’t about crossing off a long to-do list. It was partly about reflection, thinking about life, my goals, what truly brings me joy and my God-given life’s purpose.
I could do this during pumping sessions, breastfeeding, or even short rest periods. I made mental notes, and sometimes jotted down thoughts on my phone.
By the time I started to recover from the exhaustion, I had clarity and renewed focus on how I wanted to live out my God-given purpose.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a beautiful inspiration here. “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Her example reminds us that pondering and reflecting are deeply valuable practices, habits worth embracing in our own lives. I believe we can agree that Mary indeed fulfilled her life’s purpose.
Takeaway: Productivity can be mental and spiritual, not just physical.
2. Prayer is Your Secret Weapon
God is our constant companion. I wish I leaned on Him more. I wish I leaned on Him when the pain was intense, when exhaustion was overwhelming, and when I felt I had no control over my time.
Even a simple whisper, “God, help me, I don’t know what to do”, can be enough. Listen for His guidance. He gives ideas and inspiration tailored to you, helping you know when to rest and when to act.
We can all learn from the famous words of Martin Luther, who once said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer”. When asked about his plans for the day, this was his profound response.
Smith Wigglesworth also said, “I don’t often spend more than half an hour in prayer at one time, but I never go more than half an hour without praying.”
Both of these men lived highly productive lives for the glory of God, and that’s our goal too.
Takeaway: Prayer fuels clarity, peace and strength – all key components of productivity.
3. Let Podcasts Do the Work
Podcasts can become your quiet companion. Inspirational messages, sermons, or skill-building podcasts feed your mind while your hands are busy.
Listen while pumping, breastfeeding, eating, or winding down at night. Later, reflect on what you’ve learned and apply it to your life.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 10:17 that faith comes by hearing the word of God. To grow in faith and in strength, you can try listening to the audio Bible or audio books. These can go a long way in building your faith in God at such a unique time of your life.
Takeaway: You can learn and grow even when “doing nothing.”
4. Accept Help (and ASK for help)
When someone asks, “Can I bring you food?” or “Do you need anything?”- say yes, as much as you deem right. Let people care for you.
The wise King Solomon reminds us in Ecclesiastes that “to everything there is a season” – a time to give help, and yes, a time to receive help.
The postpartum season should be a time to receive help! So please, be gracious to yourself and accept support when it’s offered. Personally, this is one I’m still learning to practice.
Takeaway: Accepting help is not weakness, it’s part of sustaining your strength and productivity.
5. Rest: This Is Not Optional.
Rest. Rest. Rest. I wish I took this tip more seriously!! You know, It’s in resting and waiting on God that you gain strength and clarity. Only then can you press forward in your purpose.
In many cultures, postpartum rest is considered essential. For example, in Igbo culture (Nigeria), Omugwo, “mothering the mother”, provides new mothers rest and support, as relatives help with the baby, chores, and meals while also sharing generational wisdom. Practices like these remind us that slowing down is part of divine design, not a disruption of it.
This may not be practical for every mother, depending on the support you have available. But as much as possible, strive to rest both physically and mentally.
Takeaway: Rest is productive. It recharges your body, mind, and spirit.
Final Thoughts:
Postpartum productivity isn’t measured by how much you do. It’s about stewarding your energy, time, and relationship with God while caring for a newborn.
Be kind to yourself, lean on God, accept help, and allow your soul to be nourished. Your productivity, both mental and spiritual, will flourish in its own time.
