Five Ways to Navigate Boston to Your Postpartum Recovery Advantage

Estimated Reading Time: 6 mins

(Disclaimer: This article was written for moms who are going through the general postpartum ups and downs. If you are presently experiencing intense hardship, this piece, in no way, seeks to diminish your struggle. Rather, we advise that you seek professional assistance immediately.)

Summer is finally here; and while I no longer live in my home state of Massachusetts, I can’t help but reflect on those tough-turned-delightful warm days when the City of Boston (itself) became part of my postpartum recovery. As is the temptation for any native of a locale, one can miss out on so many gems that are right there in your proverbial backyard. I am no exception. Even having grown up in the City and with the nine years of homeschooling adventures that we enjoyed in Mass, I still skipped out on plenty of Boston’s lure…

Take the Duck Tours, for instance… I’ve watched them roll and sail by during many workdays and family outings; and I’ve heard the touristic quacks dozens of times… but I still haven’t taken the tour myself.

The Boston Tea Party Museum?... I’ve walked by. I’ve driven by. I’ve admired from the pier off the Boston Children’s Museum; but nope. I’ve never been inside.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum?... (This one is actually embarrassing!) First of all, I spent six years attending middle and high school just steps away from the Museum. Secondly, many of my classmates attended school fieldtrips there. I just happened to always be enrolled in other classes. Thirdly, in order to get to my afterschool tutoring program (where I also attended five years of summer camp), I had to walk by its front door at least 96 times (I just counted). Fourthly, during undergrad, I lived a short 7-minute walk away and could see the building from my seventh-floor apartment window …. Not to mention all the times I hung out at The Fens - just across the street or walked the adjacent Emerald Necklace. All that to say, I (shamefully) still haven’t taken the visit.

(Hyperlinks provided for your exploration and discovery.)

All that is to say that sometimes the most accessible amenities and resources are the ones we overlook; and if you haven’t already visited, here’s your sign to spend some time at my favorite spots for recalibrating during postpartum recovery.

• North Point Park (Situated on the border of Cambridge and Boston, along the Charles River)

  This cute, tucked away park contains a playground, splash pad, and a walking path that will lead you on a pretty awesome stroll beneath the Zakim Bridge. The path guides you along a footbridge from which you can watch the Duck Boats both drive in and sail out of the Charles River.

• Hot Tip: If you keep walking past the skate park and the Zakim, you’ll end up in a seemingly random concrete park where the metal rails have a moveable mechanism that, when struck, sound out musical notes.

• Why This Is Helpful: Sometimes during postpartum, just getting outside can feel like a boring or pointless task. This locale has a good blend of nature, architecture, and innovation that can help stimulate your mind in a refreshing way.

• Museum of Science Boston (Located just a two-minute drive from North Point Park on the Boston/Cambridge line)

  Whether you’ve got older children while postpartum with your newest baby OR it’s just you and your infant, this place is a life-saver. You can literally spend hours in one area, resting your feet and nursing your baby while your bigger children play. Having a family outing or date night at the MOS is almost always appropriate.

• Hot Tip: Purchasing a membership is so worth it. Even when we moved out of the city, we’d make frequent trips. There really is something for everyone, and membership access means you get to experience more of it for less money. Even the babies have their own section near the museum atrium. (You can purchase a basic or premier membership with access for 2, 5, or 8 persons. Plus, all memberships include two hours of free parking per visit.)

• Why This Is Helpful: Sometimes, knowing that you have a “free pass” can alleviate the decision-fatigue that often comes with motherhood. Need a change of scenery? “Let’s just go to the Museum. We’ve already paid for the pass” is often a good answer… and there is ALWAYS something new and exciting to experience here.

• John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum (Dorchester)

  If you love modern history (especially modern political history), the JFK Library & Museum is both intellectually stimulating and a breath of fresh air. Its waterfront location and high ocean-facing façade gives it an edge-of-the-world vibe that has a calming effect.

• Hot Tip: The window-filled pavilion is a great spot to chill for a moment and maybe nurse your baby.

• Why This Is Helpful: Sun and water views are often helpful for regulating your mood. This museum gives you both, with the option of enjoying from indoors on inclement days.

• Castle Island/Fort Independence (South Boston)

  I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t enjoy some leisure time at Castle Island. Even if you’ve got to endure a bit of traffic while making your way out to the Fort Independence parking lot, and even if it seems that all of Boston came out to play, the ocean breeze and views are worth it.

• Hot Tip: (1) If crowds aren’t your thing but you need to be outside, avoid visiting on the weekends OR park your car facing the Atlantic and watch the planes heading in for landing at Logan International. (2) The walking path goes out into the bay and back onto land. If you need some exercise, this approximately 2-mile path is a good option.

• Why This Is Helpful: Sunlight, fresh air, and exercise are among your basic needs for postpartum recovery. Spending time at Castle Island provides easy access to all three.

• Wollaston Beach (Quincy… Just outside of Dorchester)

  For some reason, I’d often forget about this one; but once the thought of it returned, I’d immediately be on my way for a beach fix. If you’re located on the South Shore side of Boston, Wollaston’s got just about as much of that expansive beach feel as you’re going to get. To be honest, it’s pretty big for a city beach, and accessing this spot is probably the easiest in comparison to the previously mentioned spots. 

• Hot Tip: Need to get out of the house? Pack whatever snack, lunch, or dinner that’s next on the menu, grab a blanket and/or lawn chair, and head out the door. This was my go-to lunch or dinner spot whenever I needed to both feed the babies and clear my head.

• Why This Is Helpful: For the same reasons as in number four. Salt, wind, and the sound and sight of waves crashing… your body and mind probably need them. All of my thoughts seemed to come into focus when I looked out to sea at Wollaston.

What’s your favorite spot in or around Boston that just “does it” for you during postpartum recovery? Email me at jovia@mynenen.com and tell me about it.