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When you think about having a baby, the part that scares you the most is the strenuous labor and delivery. However, if you ask a new mom, they will tell you it’s just the beginning of everything. Postpartum is no easy feat, and requires planning to sail through it smoothly. Here are some tips from experienced moms on how to make a foolproof postpartum plan. Read on!
1. Plan For Your Parental Leave
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To what extent do you and your spouse plan on dividing caregiving duties? There is no one-size-fits-all rule here; parental leave policies may vary from company to company, with some businesses being more accommodating than others. Plan out a hard time off from work with your significant other after discussing your alternatives with them.
2. Plan For Your Rest And Healing
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Some believe that giving birth represents a transition from a yang (full, warm) to a yin (empty, chilly) state of being energetically. This is because your digestion & metabolism have slowed after being confined since your organs have been crushed and compacted (1). We can aid this transition by ensuring new mothers have access to hot meals and lots of rest. To minimize the discomfort of constipation, stock up on warming foods like bone broth, congee, and lots of soups. To aid in postpartum tissue repair, discuss with your doctor if you should take iron or vitamin C supplements before giving birth.
3. Plan For The Visitors
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Making preparations for an extensive support network will ease the burden afterward. Find a friend or relative who can stay with you for a short while after giving birth to help with the baby and household chores so you can focus on healing. Make sure you have a plan for anyone else who might drop by to see your baby. The postpartum period is an ideal time to introduce a new strategy. Pregnant women might avoid feeling obligated to host visitors if they communicate their preferences and expectations to their partners and extended family members well before the delivery.
4. Plan For Baby Feeding Support
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Plan beforehand whether you’ll breastfeed, pump, combine, or formula-feed your baby. Breastfeeding requires fewer calories per day than in the third trimester, so stock up on prenatal vitamins, lactation teas, and nutrient-dense snacks. Begin investigating products now and ask local parents for advice if you intend to use formula. Discussing how you and your spouse will handle feeding and diaper changes is also a good idea right now.
5. Plan For Support At Home
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Refrain from assuming you’ll be able to care for everything at home, from cooking and cleaning to taking care of your pets. You may be in the throes of a severe nesting phase right now, but when the baby arrives, even a little walk with the dog will take an eternity. It’s essential to plan ahead if you require help with household chores, such as cleaning, cooking, or walking the dog, for at least the first 40 days. You must allow yourself to accept aid, no matter how shoddy it may be.
6. Plan For Your Mental Support
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Consider the possibility that having a postpartum doula assist you or having a midwife pay you a visit at home can ease the adjustment period following your delivery. Not taking things personally and accepting that “hey, you know what, it’s what I deserve” is the key. Scheduling an appointment with a therapist you’re already comfortable with for a week or two after giving birth may be a relief, providing a safe environment and a regular time to talk about what’s happening.
7. Plan For Returning To Work
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It’s hard to predict how you’ll feel toward work after giving birth, but it can’t hurt to start planning a possible return to work if you want it. You may need to ease back into it, go back to work part-time, or rearrange your schedule so you can get home in time for bed. Keep in mind how critical it is to put your health first before returning to work. The cost of raising a family prevents many parents from staying at home. But they can do everything they can to improve their health and happiness.
Caring for a newborn when you are still recovering is never easy, but it is important to know that you are not alone. So now that you know what you need to do to make the journey smooth, carrying on with the new responsibilities will no longer haunt you. So what is the best part about being a mom? Let us know in the comments section!
