The weeks following the birth of your baby, the mother is recommended to do as little as possible.
Rest, heal, recover physically and emotionally from the birth, and take care of her newborn should be the sole focus. And this is actually a lot of work!
In our modern world, sometimes I wonder, how can women be expected to rest and stay in bed when they don't have the support system around them to do so? How can you rest when the sink is full of dishes, and the fridge is empty ? Not mentioning the other siblings that are adjusting too, and that need to be taken cared of as well! Of course, partners will actively participate and support the new mum, but I truly believe it takes more than two - exhausted - people to look after a newborn! As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child.
In order to recover and to adjust into this new life, I always encourage couples to prepare a postpartum plan. This will actually help the family to have a smoother transition and to feel more confident as new parents.
Many parents prepare the arrival of their baby with a written birth plan. This is a wonderful opportunity for expecting couples to share their birth wishes, and preferences regarding the birthing and the newborn care immediately after birth. This is also a great tool to prepare for any situation arising on the day.
Here is the thing, the birth is not the end of the journey, it's only the beginning!
The postpartum plan can touch on many various topics, from visitors after birth, to food and meal logistic, to baby feeding preferences or return to work.
Discussing these with your partner beforehand can be a great way to feel more relaxed and confident when baby is here.
And when doing your postpartum plan, you can also prepare your support network and make a list of people who will be here to guide and accompany you when needed!
Make a list of professional who will be help if/when you are facing a difficulty: lactation consultant, physio, doula, counsellor...
And why not making a list of friends or relatives that could be present, helpful and supportive? Who would pick up their phone in the middle of the night when baby is unsettled, who would be here to simply listen, who is going to have a baby in the coming months - or just had one?
It is in fact proven that building a good network minimise feeling of anxiety and reduces the risks of postpartum depression.
Now, my postpartum plan is available for you below! Download it, discuss it, and enjoy it!
I hope this will be helpful and make this unique transition period smooth and blissful
Take care, Claire
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