Preparing for the Postpartum Period

The postpartum period can sneak up on us and catch us off guard. We spend countless hours preparing for the labor and the delivery but not as much for the postpartum period.  Those inital days and weeks can be very challenging even for the experienced mom, so I recommend a little preparation and planning to ease the transition. Here are a few suggestions.

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT
1) If you plan on breastfeeding, set up a postpartum doula or lactation consultation ahead of time to meet with you in your home after the delivery

• Ask your provider for a recommendation during a prenatal visit
• There are plenty of doula organizations D.O.N.A and ICEA (to name a few) that have lists on their website for postpartum doulas.
•  The international lactation consultant association also has a listing by area

HOUSEHOLD HELP
2) Get cleaning and laundry help set up ahead of time.

• Due to the needs of a newborn and sleep deprivation, it's very difficult to keep a home organized and clean.  
• Sometimes it can be very distracting to have the dishes and the laundry pile up. 
• The postpartum period isn't a time to be stubborn. Take as much help as you can get (even daily) from hired help or from family for the first 6-14 weeks to do household chores and cleaning. 

MEALS
3) Get meals set up ahead of time.

• Mealtrain.com is a website that will allow your friends and family to organize meals. Most people are happy to help out in this way and it let's them feel involved and part of the birthing experience.
• Make meals in your last few weeks of pregnancy that can be easily heated up and freeze them like lasagna, sauces, baked goods and soups
• Don't be afraid to buy frozen meals. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods sell great frozen (even organic) meals.

FINANCES
4) Put some money aside. Sometimes, it's not possible, but if you start putting even just a little away week by week of your pregnancy, it can help.

• Financial stress can contribute to postpartum depression. 
• Keeping a little money aside can be a stress relief even it it's not needed.

SOCIAL SUPPORT
5) Find a community

• Connecting with other new moms can lead to a better sense of self-efficacy as well as decrease the baby blues and postpartum depression.
• The National Mother's Center Association has a list by area of Mother's Centers, groups and actives by area.
• Holistic Mom's Network is another national group that has local chapters
• La Leche League also has local chapters, groups and actives to be a part of 
• Ask your birthing facility or provider about support groups