Your Postpartum: Plan for a better postpartum

Postpartum isn’t the end but too often it is seen as an ending. The end of pregnancy, the end of life as you knew it, the end of sleep, the end of who you were. It’s just the end.

Postpartum is a beautiful beginning of a tremendous transition…
And it takes planning and preparation to have a nurturing experience that leaves you feeling whole and healed.

Here are 8 areas to look at while preparing for postpartum:

1. Postpartum nutrition
2. Visitors
3. Your recovery (both emotional and physical)
4. Taking care of baby
5. Self care
6. Relationship care
7. Home care
8. Essentials for recovery

Let’s breakdown these topics a little bit.

1.Postpartum nutrition is vastly different than any other time in your life. Your digestive system has shifted and changes have been made. This is normal but it means we need to adjust how and what we eat to maximize our nutritional absorption. Learning about postpartum nutrition is a vital part of your postpartum healing experience. You cannot make a physical and emotional recovery if your body doesn’t have the tools (nutrients) to do so

2. Do not feel badly about setting boundaries regarding visitors. These boundaries are meant to protect you and baby physically and emotionally. This can range from no visitors at the hospital, you reaching out when you’re ready, setting time limits for visits, not allowing visitors to hold baby, etc. It will be whatever feels right for you and you can always change your mind if you find what you’re doing isn’t working.

3. Postpartum is more than just waiting for the bleeding to stop. There is a lot that goes on physically and knowing what to expect can help you be aware of what resources you may need in your recovery, like pelvic floor physio. The emotional changes and shifts that occur can be quite shocking, so knowing what to expect like what the baby blues are, knowing your perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and mental health professionals in your area.

4. When it comes to baby there are things to consider, like where baby will sleep or how it will be fed. With these decisions comes the need for education in whatever choice you make. One recommendation I always make is to learn about safe co-sleeping, even if it’s not in your plan. If choosing to breastfeed, take a breastfeeding class. If bottle feeding learn about safe procedures, like sterilization and formula prep.

5. It’s hard work taking care of a baby, and even harder to take care of your self. Consider ways you can take care of yourself, especially in those early days. It can be as simple as napping, showering or enjoying your favourite warm drink. Don’t let social media tell you what selfcare means. It is whatever feels good for you.

6. Maintaining a healthy relationship while adjusting to life as parents is tough. Discuss ways to stay connected, like in-home date nights or expectations when it comes to intimacy.

7. The one who gave birth should be resting and recovering in those early weeks. Before baby comes home make a list of priorities in the home and how they will get done. Then give yourselves a lot of grace if things fall to the side. Accept or hire help if that’s an option as well.

8. Make sure you gather all the necessary items for recovery. Pads, peri bottle, cozy clothes, stool softener, heat or ice packs, any pain management as directed by your care provider.

This is a very basic overview of what to research and learn about before bringing baby home. Your postpartum plan can be as flexible or as detailed as you want, but I do recommend planning so that you can have the best experience possible.

For a more in-depth guide check out Your Postpartum: A guide to postpartum planning. A guide I created to make postpartum planning easier.

What more than that? Check out my postpartum planning session here.