People spend a lot of time planning and preparing for birth, but do they also plan for the postpartum time? I like to help my clients create a Postpartum Care Plan. In this plan, we go over what the family plans to do for the first 2 months after the birth. What does momma usually do and who will do her job while she rests? What each stage of rest looks like.
Some of the ways families prepare for this time are by making extra meals each time they book and sticking one in the freezer. Batch cooking is also popular where you make 10 different meals at a time and put them all in the freezer. Or, you have 4 friends make 5 of the same meal each. Then, you meet up and change the food. That is a good, quick way to fill your freezer. A lot of families a meal train where they are supplied ready to cook meals by friends and family. Depending on the type of birth the mother experienced also depends on the type of healing she does. These is general advice for a vaginal delivery. Mom needs time to rest to heal. I always suggest Prepare for the 5-5-5 rule: 5 days in the bed, 5 days on the bed, 5 days near the bed. This gives you a solid two weeks of focused intentional rest. Chinese medicine suggests eating only warm or room temperature foods for the first 2 weeks. There is an awesome cookbook for guidance called The First Forty Days. With the intention set on nourishing foods and rest, the family can know that is how they can support mom. I also like for mom to have only 3 goals a day. The goals could be take a shower, sleep with the baby sleeps, and Dad or other helper is on call for baby from 8pm-8am. Some things I tell moms to have one hand to help with healing are: a sitz bath and herbs, padsicles, peri bottle, depends/pads, heating pad, ice pack, tinctures, arnica, ibuprofen or a more natural alternative, robe, comfortable gown/pajamas, nursing pads, nursing bra, non slip house shoes, anything they would use for lounging. Some mommas continue to drink Red Raspberry Tea after birth to help the uterus shrink back down. When recovering from surgery, your doctor will send you home with incision care instructions. WebMd says, "Take it easy. A C-section is a major surgery. Don’t lift anything heavier than your baby for the first couple of weeks, and keep everything you might need within reach. Support your stomach. Hold your belly when you sneeze, cough, or laugh to keep it still." The greatest difference in healing plans is, after a vaginal delivery, you can to be still, walk a little as possible, and keep your legs together. After surgery, they encourage you to walk within 24 hours. "This can help ease gas pains, help you have a bowel movement, and prevent blood clots." As with both types of birth you can expect: vaginal discharge, afterpains/mild contraction, breast swelling or soreness, hair and skin changes, and mood changes/feeling blue. Cherished Mom is an awesome local resource that offers postpartum help and even tests to see if you need further assistance. There is a guide for caregivers to know what to expect as well as ongoing support groups. Postpartum planning is also about planning for the logistics of baby. Some other ways the parents can prepare is by asking themselves, who will we call when we need a calming voice? What about when we need help or advice late at night? Where will baby sleep? sometimes that doesn't go as planned. Maybe your idea is a crib and baby sleeps mostly in a bassinet or on your chest. Babies can sleep in a swing during naps or in a Moses basket. How do you plan to feed the baby? I always recommend my clients take a Newborn Feeding class. They are SO helpful. Usually if you've been around babies, you know a lot about them, but you may not have been taught as much as you need to about feeding a baby. What duties will each person do to care for the baby? Maybe mom feeds and dad burps. Maybe dad feeds and mom does the diaper changes. Will dad mostly rock the baby? Planning for baby to be in your arms brings up all new challenges after giving birth. Will baby be circumcised? Will you give baby a pacifier? When will baby transition from formula or breastmilk to solid foods? What about vaccines? Where will the baby go to the doctor? The hospital likes to have some of this information decided when you are admitted. The last phase of postpartum planning is of course how will you deal with having guests. Because everyone wants to meet the new little person. It is a great idea of get an idea ahead of time if you can of who is coming to meet the baby and who is planning to help. A good rule of thumb is every time someone asks if they can visit, say, "yes, but bring us food." If you feel comfortable, discuss the realities of having a newborn and what support will look like from grandparents and people who will be visiting regularly. Let them know it will be ok with you if they wash some dishes or vacuum. They might want to help, but won't want to overstep. Maybe make a list of ways visitors can help and stick it to the fridge: trash, dishes, laundry, pets, kids, make beds, restock diaper changing station. Or ask them to hold the baby while you do these things so you can get a break (if baby is older!!) It is OK to set some rules. Afterall, your house and your baby! How many days/weeks after the baby arrives do you want to start receiving visitors? What are the best times of day for them to visit and what is the maximum amount of time they should stay? What do you want visitors to know/do before entering? (Take off shoes, wash hands, use hand sanitizer, not wear perfume, change shirt after smoking) If you aren't expecting to have a lot of help, maybe assign responsibilities: Who will make dinner, do laundry, pay bills/finances, shop for groceries/other errands? A great tip is to create a Living Room Basket for baby with everything baby would need in 24 hours: diapers, wipes, creams, water and snacks for momma of course. Another great idea is to make a designated place for your car keys, purse, and diaper bag! Life gets messy with a newborn, especially on little sleep. The last thing is to give some thought to what you will do with older children during the day. Who will be available to help with them, driving them places, and making them food? Maybe make a list of their needs. If you think this information is helpful, maybe you will consider hiring me as your Postpartum Doula!
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