Preparing for Postpartum

The postpartum period is one of the most important times we face as a parent. Oftentimes we’re so focused on pregnancy, we forget to prepare for the fourth trimester. I’m sharing 3 simple ways to prepare for your postpartum period. After all, you’ve waited so long to meet your little one, let’s make it enjoyable.

And trust me…this barely scratches the surface!

1. Ask for Help

My first pregnancy made it loud and clear to me that I had a super-woman complex. I had to do it all – run to doctors appointments, live like I still had my son in utero and entertain loved ones that came to visit from out of town. I wanted to do all of that, but it wasn’t in the best interest for my health. In fact, my body yelled at me! I got mastitis 3 times, had to see a breast surgeon and was in pain.

For all the sacred times in your life, I can’t urge you enough to really sit back, if you can and take your time recovering. Whether your a SAHM, or on maternity leave for a few weeks asking help from family and friends shows strength, not weakness. 

Ideas

• Meal trains or meal prep that you can freeze are easy ways others can help
• Put a list on the fridge telling visitors what you’d love help with (walking the dog, taking your older child to the park,  holding baby so you can shower, taking out the trash, laundry…whatever you’re comfortable with). People want to help; they just need to be told how.
• Keep people that aren’t “helpful” away or have someone be the gatekeeper for you

2. You Time

I might get a laugh out of this one, but hey – I’m going to say it anyway. You need to still feel like you, for 15 minutes or more…try to find the time and space for self-care. You baby is amazing and beautiful, but mama (and papa) need to have time to be themselves for a moment. If you can find someone (partner, anyone) to watch your little one so you can take a bath, get a massage, run to the store, do a meditation, SLEEP…whatever makes you happy – truly! Please do it. Lack of self care and sleep deprivation can make you feel lousy emotionally and physically.

3. Find Your Community

Whether your a first time parent or not, having a community of likeminded people to support you is vital. Easy ways to do this start with your phone in hand. Now you can connect with other mothers on social media through Facebook groups. Fitness classes geared towards mothers like yoga and stroller classes are also a great way to find other mothers that are “in it” too. Lactation support groups, baby wearing groups, church groups like MOPS are all great ways to find another mother to relate to.  Having someone to empathize with you and offer helpful advice can make a world of a difference. It diminishes the feeling of isolation.

Ideas

• Fitness classes that allow you to workout with baby (yoga, stroller fitness classes, running groups- anything centered with moms)
• Lactation support groups
• Baby wearing meetups
• Facebook moms groups

I’ll have more posts on this topic as I LOVE postpartum care, but I’d love to know what got you through your postpartum periods.

What nourished you? What didn’t work? I’d love to know. You’re experiences can help another.