Planning for the postpartum period is often forgotten about during pregnancy. There is so much emphasis on buying all the things, babymoon trips, maternity photo shoots, gender reveals, baby showers and registries...AHH! It's a lot. But postpartum can be a lot too. There are a few things you can do during pregnancy to help prepare for a smoother transition into your postpartum journey.
Prep meals.
Seriously friends, prepping freezer meals (or even better, having someone else do this for you as a baby shower gift!) is going to be a game changer once that sweet wee babe is home with you. Trust me. You and your significant other are going to need to eat and the last thing you're going to want to do, is make dinner. Freezer meals, either dumped in the crock pot, instant pot, skillet or whatEVER will save you time, energy and, if you get hangry like me, potential arguments. This is super essential for postpartum healing and the health of your relationship with others in your house because evvvveryone has got to eat!
Create a bathroom basket.
No matter how you gave birth, whether by cesarean or vaginally, you're going to need some things readily available in the bathroom that you normally don't need. A peri bottle (I highly recommend this one by Frida Mom), pads, adult briefs or C-panties (for a C-section mama), witch hazel wipes or pain relief spray. Some of these things may be provided to you from your birth location. Bring home a few extra mesh undies, you won't regret it, and they're super cute anyway soooo it's a no brainer.
Start a mealtrain.
Ok, so I've already established that food is super important (can you tell it's one of my favorite things?) but what better way for you to be supported after bringing your new addition home! Creating a mealtrain can be super beneficial and gives people a way to help you. And listen, most people want to help they just don't know how! So tell them. No shame. You can specify what meals you like, any food allergies, what time is best for drop off and even leave an option for people to send gift cards for meal delivery services. No, this isn't an invitation for everyone to come and meet your newborn and invade your space if you don't want them to. You can set boundaries according to your preferences right on your mealtrain page too! I've delivered meals to people's porches where they leave a cooler out during the meal delivery window, GENIUS!
Post your support list.
Having a list readily available with important phone numbers in the event of a postpartum emergency is super important. Contact information for the pediatrician and after-hours clinic, your provider, therapist or best friend should be written down (I know, old school, right?) and put on the inside of a kitchen cabinet door or on the refrigerator. You can always create a note in your phone and share it with your significant other, but if they are ever not with you, that list should be available to anyone who walks in your door in the event of an emergency.
These tips are just a starting point for having an easier start to your postpartum journey. The biggest takeaway from all of this would be: don't be afraid to ASK. FOR. HELP.
Seriously though.
Needing help is not a crime, ask for it. Most people want to help and don't know how. So tell them! Taking the dog for a walk, folding laundry, making meals, taking your older kids to activities or school, cleaning the dishes, sweeping the floor, restocking your bathrooms and more are ALL great ways that people can help you during this time. Newborns don't exactly come with a playbook, and sleep is oftentimes a distant memory, but it won't last forever. So make the most of it and get the help you need!
Oh! You could hire a postpartum doula that will do all of these things and MORE (promote postpartum healing and rest, teach you newborn tricks, etc). I know someone who could be a great fit (hint, hint).
Peace friends,
-Doula Nicole
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