Baby is here!....Now what??....
There is so much anticipation throughout pregnancy for the arrival of your little one that the Postpartum period can often be overlooked. In the Birth World, we often refer to this time as the “Fourth Trimester.” Being a mom isn’t ingrained in women from birth, it is something that is learned one day at a time. And no matter what way your human entered this Earth, you are also healing from delivery! There are so many different elements to the initial postpartum adjustment period. Today, we’re here to shed some light on a few different important areas in hopes that it will help you navigate this journey whether this be your first, or fifth time bringing a child into the world!
Prepare yourself ahead of time!
Taking a Birth Class is often something couples do, but have you ever considered learning all about Newborns? At How 2 Mom, we are proud to partner with Leisel Teen, L&D RN who provides budget friendly ONLINE courses! That’s right, everything is completely online and at your own pace so that you and your partner can study up about what’s to come in the comfort of your own home.
Her newest course, Newborn Basics 101, can be found on our shop page! The information she provides about caring for your little one is so helpful, we sure wish it would have been around when we started navigating the motherhood world!
Also, have you considered Placenta Encapsulation? Hear me out! Although a strange concept to most, it’s a service we offer because so many women have had positive postpartum experiences as a result. In case you are unfamiliar, the placenta is your body’s temporary organ that delivers nutrients and oxygen to the baby during pregnancy, and it also removes waste for the baby. Some moms choose a service, which How2Mom offers, called placenta encapsulation. It is the process where we take the placenta, dehydrate it, and put it in little capsules, much like a vitamin pill. Many women report that consuming their placenta pills improves their mood, decreases their chances of postpartum depression or baby blues, and helps with energy levels, milk supply and overall recover. The theory is that the placenta contains nutrients and minerals, iron being one of the highest levels.To learn more, visit our Placenta Encapsulation service page.
Understand the Reality of Postpartum
Many women fantasize about what the postpartum period will look like. Bonding with baby, seeing your partner as a parent, ogling at every one of your little human’s features, and constantly snuggling. While all of this is going to happen of course, there is the raw side of postpartum that many women don’t expect! Becoming a mom doesn’t just happen overnight! There are so many adjustments and we want to encourage you to give yourself GRACE during this time. It is hard! We won’t sugarcoat that. Motherhood is not for the faint of heart! But this is a season; a beautiful one you will look back on with nostalgia once you get through it and your babe turns into a toddler, then a child, then a teen before your eyes. You won’t be up all night and a semi-functioning sleep deprived mom forever. We promise!
Also, if you are choosing to breastfed your little, we want you to be prepared that breastfeeding is HARD. Not for everyone, but a lot of women don’t anticipate that although natural, the process may not come naturally. You may require support and you need to give yourself and your baby time to learn this skill. It is amazing, and worth it, but it’s a daily effort until you both really get a hang of it. Again, this hard won’t stick around forever!
Accept Help
So many women put a lot of pressure on themselves during the initial postpartum days. Remember a lot is happening during this time, even if it doesn’t seem like it. You will feel like you are busy all day, yet it will seem like nothing has been done.
Having a baby is a HUGE responsibility. We repeat, it is so important to give yourself GRACE and accept help from loved ones and professionals during this time! Though it can be hard to relinquish some tasks to others, you’ll be the best mom you can be if you’re not completely frazzled and exhausted trying to do it all yourself. You’ve heard the saying, “it takes a village!” We HIGHLY recommend Postpartum Doulas to all of our clients. These care providers are a miracle workers. Having someone professionally trained to help you and your newborn adjust during this hectic phase is worth every penny!
And if you’re interested in having some help with the day-to-day life chores, check out our Resource Directory! You’ll find some AMAZING local companies who are there to help with a variety of tasks like cleaning, organizing, ect. You won’t be disappointed or regret these decisions.
Acknowledge Mental Health
Make sure you are taking your mental health very seriously. Though this time is shown in the movies as blissful, that isn’t always the case. Between 10-20% of women who have given birth will experience Postpartum Depression (PPD) or Postpartum Anxiety (PPA). Both of these are very different than simple hormonal fluctuations or “baby blues.” If you feel that you are struggling, please reach out to your healthcare provider and seek help. This is so important for the overall health of yourself and your family.
*If you or someone you know thinks they are struggling with a postpartum mood disorder, we encourage you to check out our Resource Link page for resources or look into Synergy E Therapy. Online virtual therapy in the comfort of your home can be a tremendous help.
Check in with your Partner!
You are a team! As we have mentioned giving yourself grace, do your best to give your partner just as much too. Though they didn’t give birth to your baby, this is a huge adjustment period for them as well!
Rest assured, your love is still strong despite the fact that you may argue over something as simple as what toppings go best on a pizza! This is NORMAL. Every couple go through an adjustment period and both of you are likely going to be running on empty for at least a short while. One idea we have found helpful in our marriages is to compliment on the “little things.” Feeling appreciated can go a loooong ways during this journey and hearing a simple “thanks” from your partner can reset the tone for the day! Also, communication is huge! Let each other know what you’re feeling, and what you need. Don’t assume they know!
Let's talk food...
You need to make sure your body is properly nourished during this time so that your can best provide for your baby. There are a couple of different recommendations we often discuss with clients to make sure they stay well-fed. The two websites below give great recipes for those freezer meals we suggest. We’ve also provided other ideas and resources to help keep you fed!
3) Pinterest – this can be one of your best resources! From recipes, to workouts, to support for PPA/PPD. Pinterest really has it all.
4) Have a Meal Train! Family and friend’s LOVE to support parents with a new baby. It’s just human nature. Starting a meal train can make sure that your are getting good, homemade meals prepped with love. When times/days are organized, you won’t end up with a whole fridge full at once and too much to eat! This concept may seem presumptuous to some, but again, people want to help and this gives them the perfect idea, one that will truly help you during this time!
5) Freezer Prep! We can’t recommend this enough. During your third trimester, try your best to stock your freezer with some simple, go-to meals for these postpartum days when you don’t have enough steam to even consider the idea of cooking.
Limit Visitors at YOUR comfort level
It’s been said that everybody loves a baby, and it’s mostly true! You’ll find people coming out of the woodwork now that your little one has arrived. We’re here to encourage you to NOT feel obligated to be a host! Your primary job right now is taking care of baby and yourself. You don’t need to feel like visitors can stop by at all hours of the day, back to back. It may not sound like it now, but this will be exhausting. Most have great intentions, but hosting a friend and watching them hold your baby is NOT helpful.
Try to set up a schedule ahead of time for when people are visiting and limit the number of visitors you have in a given day. Also, coordinate visits with meal drop off or voice what you need from them to help you recover. Maybe it’s to take a nap while they hold your baby, or the laundry needs to be switched over? Again, everyone means well and is so excited but having constant flocks of visitors and feeling like you have to host will be exhausting. Set your limits to whatever your feel comfortable with as a new parents!
Appointments
Your newborn baby will have numerous pediatrician appointments during this postpartum phase.. Depending on how you birthed your baby, you will also have appointment(s). If you delivered vaginally you will have a 6 week checkup and if you delivered via c-section, you will have a 2 week and a 6 week checkup. Another appointment(s) to consider would be a consultation with a Pelvic Floor Therapist. Your body has been through a lot, and giving it some attention during postpartum may help you recovery sooner and properly, which is something I wish every mom knew and did for themselves! Again, check our Resource Directory for our therapist recommendations.
Having a baby carrier for your infant can help make these days feel more manageable. Whether it’s to have free hands for a chore, help your baby snuggle in for a nice long nap, or maybe to enjoy a short walk after a couple weeks of recovery. We love the Moby Wrap because it’s nice and snug and mimics what it felt like for baby in the womb. Total comfort for both of you!
We wish you all the best on your Postpartum Journey. As always, please reach out if you have any questions or are in need of support from a motherhood community! We are here to help mamas in whatever way we can.
Check out our other Blogs about Postpartum!
Love,
Medical Disclaimer: All content and information is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and does not establish any kind of client relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Seek advice from your medical professional.
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