How to plan for a positive postpartum from someone who didn't
As a woman, I can attest to the fact that preparing for childbirth can be a mentally and physically demanding experience. It's easy to get so caught up in the planning and preparation for the big day that we forget to consider the aftermath. I, for one, focused so much on the nitty-gritty details of my homebirth that I overlooked the importance of having a plan for my postpartum recovery.
In hindsight, I'm convinced that a little bit of forethought and planning could have made all the difference in my postpartum experience. To avoid making the same mistake twice, I've put together a list of things I'll be doing differently in my next pregnancy to ensure I'm well-cared for and my family doesn't have to suffer in the aftermath of yet another life-altering event. After all, I believe that the birth of a child should be celebrated, not just endured!
1. Food, food food!
Oh my goodness those first few weeks are like a famine after a flood. I would literally eat any crumb I could get my hands on! The most precious gift I received in those first few tender weeks was absolutely in the form of carbs and fats. Meal prepping seems daunting but you’ll thank your past self when you bust open that freezer and a pre-made heat & eat lasagna stares back at your tired face. So, enlist a friend- maybe a few to help you do a cook up of easy to heat & eat meals. Make a mix of family sized portions & single serve. For some great postpartum recipes that pack a good nutrition punch click here. Another great option is a meal train, this is an easy way to ask for food from friends and family without feeling too awkward. Get your Doula or bestie to set one up online and send the link to all your nearest & dearest that’ll be visiting in the weeks that follow….. which leads to point 2.
2. Boundaries around Visitors.
For some women, having people over to swoon over your beautiful new baby sounds delightful! But I think we can all agree for most of us postpartum is messy & personal space is a must while you’re adjusting to a new way of family life. This is one area I think I excelled in because I quickly worked out how exhausting entertaining people in my home was while learning to breastfeed. I followed these simple rules. 1 week of just us, 1 visitor every second day thereafter and no longer than 2 hours at a time. I would message whoever was visiting prior to let them know we had plans following their visit and if we could wrap things up at a certain time. I made this clear to my husband incase people tried to push it, so he could easily step in for me. Obviously everyone will have there personal preferences, but if you start with this it’ll help you define more clearly what you need around visitors and boundaries.
3. Prepare for a positive Birth.
Yep, sounds obvious but let me tell you- the more prepared you are going in to birth regardless of outcome the less likely you’ll enter your postpartum feeling stressed, anxious and depleted. There are many ways to prepare for Birth, but at the centre of all of it is EDUCATION - and the practical type that actually helps you! Which is why enrolling in a Birth course that resonates with you & your unique learning style is essential for both you and your chosen birth partner. As a Hypnobirthing mum myself, I know first hand how helpful birth education can be in the bonding process between you & your birth partner. This process of learning together comes in handy when you’re learning how to care for a newborn and navigate Motherhood. I still use my scripts some nights to help me wind down and prepare for sleep after a hectic day. Ultimately, you want to enter this next chapter of your life feeling positive and hopeful and a memorable and empowered birth is a great stepping stone to a peaceful postpartum.
