Jacksonville Birth Photographer- How To Plan For A Blissful Postpartum Period

You’re in the home stretch. Any day now your entire life will change in the most beautiful way as you welcome your newest family member. Taking the time before baby arrives to create a postpartum plan will help you have have the best experience possible. Here are my quick tips for postpartum planning.

There is no right or wrong approach to when you will allow visitors. Some birthing people would like to be surrounded by friends and family from the earliest possible moment. Others may want days to weeks to focus solely on their newly grown family. Whatever choice is right for you, make a plan before baby arrives. Be sure you and your partner are on the same page. Letting your loved ones know your plan in advance will help to eliminate calls and texts asking when they can come to visit with you and baby.

If you’re planning on breastfeeding or chestfeeding your baby be sure to connect with a lactation consultant before birth. This will save you from having to scramble to find a good fit for you that accepts your insurance after baby has arrived. Speak with a few different consultants to make sure you have connected with someone you’re comfortable working with. Either program their number in to your phone or have their business card on hand so that you can call them any time without having to dig up their information again.

Let’s face it- none of us are our best selves running on a sleep deprivation. Create a plan that allows everyone, especially the birthing person, to be as rested as possible. If you have other children you may want to plan in advance to have friends and family help with them on a regular basis during those first weeks. Plan for where baby will sleep and who will attend to babies needs and when. Be sure there are times that the birthing person is not responsible for all of babies needs so that they can rest themselves.

There are many ways you can prepare for your food needs before baby. Preparing some meals that can be frozen and then heated easily helps to stock your freezer. Beginning a meal train is a great way to receive valuable support from local friends and family. Loved ones who are not local can still help by sending food through Uber, DoorDash, or Grubhub. Creating a plan and communicating that this is a great way to help support your family before baby is born will allow your loved ones to plan in advance how they can best help. Once baby is born your meal train can be scheduled easily.

Take time before baby arrives to become familiar with resources for postpartum depression that appeal to you. Have a list of providers that specialize in postpartum depression and that accept your insurance where you can easily access it. Hope you never need it- but be prepared in case you do.

Create a chore chart for household chores that allows the birthing person to rest and for the rest of the family to contribute fairly. Begin your new routine before baby arrives in order to get your new routine working well in advance. If you have other children practice their new chores with them in the weeks before babies arrival. Let friends and family know what areas you can use help with and create a schedule for when they will come to help.

Simply put- postpartum doulas are life savers. From coming to check in with you, providing resources, helping with breastfeeding, assisting with household chores, to even caring for your new babe while you get a shower or catch up on rest the care they provide is priceless. Even if you’re not sure you will need one, take time now to speak with a few local postpartum doulas and to find someone you connect with. Keep their information handy. This way you will know exactly who to call if you find yourself needing additional support.

Get familiar with the support available in your community. Many midwives and birth centers offer postpartum support groups. There are also national organizations that may have local chapters near you. Facebook mom groups are a great way to find out what your community offers. Create a list of the community resources available to you.

If you have other children, be sure to spend time preparing them for what to expect. Explain the birth process to them in a way you are comfortable with. If they will be present for the birth it helps to watch birth videos with them so they are not scared by what they will see and hear. Explain to them why their parent will be making sounds. Explain to them where baby will sleep and how the baby will need to be cared for. Let them know how they can help. Take some time to demonstrate and play practice with a doll or stuffed animal.

Make a list of upcoming needs for your pets. Decide who will be the one to attend to their needs such as walks, grooming appointments, vet visits, training classes, etc. Assign someone other than the birthing person to be responsible for the daily needs such as feedings, play time, etc.

Being the parent to a new baby is incredible- but it’s not everything. Be sure to plan some time each day just for you. Schedule out when you will attend to your own needs so that they aren’t pushed to the side. Have a plan in advance to have time for your own interests when you’re ready. Having a new baby at home does not mean your needs should go unmet. That includes personal time to nourish your mind, body, and soul. The better you care for yourself the better you will be equipped to care for your new babe.

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