What is the 5-5-5 Postpartum Rule?
Anna TurcotteRest is absolutely essential for new mothers—this seems obvious, right? Yet, it’s often incredibly challenging to achieve. First, a mother must have the means and support to rest, and then she has to overcome the societal pressures that push constant “productivity.” But true rest for new mothers shouldn't be just a few days on the couch—it requires time and space to deeply heal and replenish.
We connected with Kayla Thorngate, a Registered Dietitian, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and Perinatal Mental Health Professional about the importance of postpartum rest. Kayla has three children and is also the founder of Nourished Mothers, where she supports women during the transformative early years of motherhood. Kayla described her family life as “wonderfully full” and each of her children has deepened her passion for maternal and infant health.
We specifically asked Kayla about her professional and personal experience with the 5-5-5 Postpartum Rule.
“The 5-5-5 rule is a simple yet powerful framework for postpartum recovery. It encourages new mothers to prioritize rest by spending the first five days primarily in bed, the next five days on the bed, and the final five days near the bed. This gentle approach aligns beautifully with the needs of both mother and baby. Skin-to-skin contact is of utmost importance in these early days, promoting breastfeeding success, stabilizing baby’s heart rate and temperature, and enhancing bonding. Meanwhile, the mother benefits from uninterrupted time to heal, establish her milk supply, and adjust to her new role. It’s a physical and emotional reset that honors the postpartum journey,” Kayla said.
The 5-5-5 rule provides a thoughtful framework for easing into postpartum recovery, but it also serves as a reminder that this time isn’t just about physical healing—it’s about slowing down and connecting with both yourself and your baby. In a world where the postpartum period is often hurried or overlooked, this approach encourages mothers to honor the pace their bodies and minds need. As Kayla highlights, it’s a time to heal, bond, and reset. It’s not just about recovery in the physical sense, but about laying the emotional groundwork for overall well-being, setting the stage for optimal maternal and infant health.
A new mom rocks her baby.
“Postpartum recovery is often rushed, especially in today’s go-go-go culture. The 5-5-5 rule offers a structured yet flexible way to slow down and allow the body and mind to recover fully. This period is critical for breastfeeding, skin-to-skin bonding, and mental health. It encourages mothers to lean on their support system and build a strong foundation for long-term wellness,” Kayla said.
As a mother of three, Kayla understands the realities of postpartum recovery, the importance of asking for help, and how critical the early moments of bonding are. We can all relate to how challenging it is to truly rest with a newborn, which is why planning ahead is so essential. Being clear about what you need is key. Consider making a schedule for family members, organizing a meal train, and even asking for help in hiring a postpartum doula instead of opting for traditional baby shower gifts. If you have other children, it’s helpful to talk with them about what the postpartum period will look like and how they can be involved. This is a special time for the whole family, full of big changes, and with preparation and delegation, you’ll be able to focus more on resting and enjoying these precious moments.
“With three children, I’ve learned the importance of adjusting expectations while still prioritizing rest. After our third baby was born last month, I leaned into the 5-5-5 rule more intentionally than ever. I stayed in bed for much of those first five days, savoring uninterrupted skin-to-skin time and allowing my body to recover. It was an incredible way to connect with my baby while also supporting breastfeeding. That said, life with older kids brings its own set of challenges. I modified the rule by enlisting more help from my partner and accepting support from family and friends. Even though I couldn’t always stay as close to bed as I’d like, I made rest a priority in every way possible. The flexibility of the 5-5-5 rule allows for real-life adjustments, and I’ve found that even imperfect adherence makes a world of difference.”
Kayla practices skin-to-skin contact while her baby wears a Bonsie.
A cultural shift in postpartum expectations is urgently needed to better support new moms. We are hopeful that, thanks to compassionate experts like Kayla, more mothers are receiving the care they truly deserve. After her own experiences as a mom, Kayla feels called to this line of work and has a profound understanding of how essential it is for new mothers to receive the lactation, nutritional, and holistic care they need.
“Since the beginning of my career, I knew I wanted to work with mothers in supporting their nutrition needs and breastfeeding goals to help them feel strong and nurtured during this pivotal time. But stepping into motherhood myself has been my greatest teacher. After navigating the challenges of postpartum recovery and breastfeeding with my first two children, I realized how much support women truly need during this time. I’m driven to provide women with the holistic, compassionate care they deserve—care that nurtures both their body and mind. Each of my postpartum journeys has shaped my approach, and now, with my third baby, I’m more committed than ever to helping mothers thrive.”
We are overjoyed that Kayla discovered Bonsie Skin to Skin Babywear and shares her expertise on the benefits of skin-to-skin contact with her clients and community.
Research has shown that skin-to-skin contact, also known as Kangaroo Care, offers a wide range of lifelong benefits. Here’s a reminder of the many positive impacts it can have on both mother and baby:
- It regulates your baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing patterns.
- It strengthens your baby’s immune system.
- It improves breastfeeding success by triggering your baby’s desire to root, increasing mom’s milk supply, and boosting the release of oxytocin.
- It decreases mom’s risk for postpartum depression and slows postpartum bleeding.
- It helps your baby absorb and digest nutrients.
- It reduces stress for mom and her baby.
- It improves your baby’s weight gain and growth.
- It improves brain development and parental attachment, which has long-term benefits into adulthood.
- It helps your baby conserve energy so they can focus on learning rather than just surviving.
- It fosters empathy and strengthens positive relationships.
All of these incredible benefits work together to improve your baby's health, your health, and strengthen your bond. THIS is why we are so passionate about skin-to-skin contact and sharing education from experts and parents who see the benefits first hand every day.
“I discovered Bonsie during this last pregnancy and was immediately intrigued by the focus on promoting skin-to-skin. When a friend of mine was selling a gently used Bonsie, I knew I had to give it a try with this baby. I’ve been so impressed with how soft the fabric is—it feels amazing against both our skin—and the design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also incredibly functional. My baby and I have shared countless moments of skin-to-skin bonding in his Bonsie, and it’s become a staple in our postpartum journey. I’m grateful for products like these that support both a baby's development and a mother’s recovery,” Kayla said.
Source:
Stanford Children's Health. Kangaroo care: The benefits of skin-to-skin contact. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pregnancy-newborn/kangaroo-care
