Postpartum Plan
Hi Friends!
I wanted to talk about something near and dear to my heart: Postpartum Plans!
I recently read a quote from Motherhood Understood that I loved.
A postpartum plan isn’t about what stroller you need or the best nipple cream. It's a document putting supports in place to mother the mother, protect your physical and mental health, and let our partners know all the things they need to know to help. The postpartum plan is for every expecting mom and her partner. We all need to be educated and prepared.
I am a huge proponent of postpartum plans for all parents-to-be and new parents, and here’s why. Your brain works better, thinks more thoroughly, more linear before you are sleep deprived and trying to keep a newborn happy. This plan - it can cover any or all of the following things:
Things to buy/make before you have your baby
People you can rely on for support once the baby arrives
What types of things you’d let people help you with
Grocery or meal delivery websites/apps/phone numbers
Names and numbers for pediatrician, lactation consultant, postpartum doula, counselor, etc. Including having credible sources to reach out to for questions
Agreed upon guidelines you’d like to hold post delivery on visitors - who, where, when, how long, etc.
A checklist of symptoms/signs to watch for with mom’s emotions/mental health
A checklist of symptoms/ signs to watch for with mom’s pelvic health / abdominal recovery
A list of activities / items parents can have on-hand/reach for to practice self care
I’ve been having a lot of conversations in light of #COVID19 and shelter-in-place regulations with clients who are pregnant or newly postpartum, and how this plan has helped them, or how they can better create/use the plan during these times. Some of my biggest suggestions have been asking parents to think about how to bend and shape the plan (or the list above) to meet their needs while still practicing safe social distancing.
Tips include:
Things to buy and make may take being more creative, using things on-hand, meal-prepping with groceries you already own, ordering from websites less frequented than Amazon.
Asking people to drop things off on your front porch/doorstep - including food, groceries, diapers, wipes, formula, nursing bras, etc.
Many healthcare professionals and postpartum support workers (including myself) are offering virtual sessions/support - via text or phone or video calling. Take advantage of these services. We might not be able to come to your home right now, but we can still give you love, advice and support while you’re in the thick of newborn days.
I’m happy to share more tips, suggestions, ideas or support - just reach out.
Sending my love,
Amanda
