Preparing for Post Birth –
Putting effort into the initial postpartum period is in my opinion equally as important as preparing for pregnancy and birth. Sometimes it is even more important due to circumstance or birth outcome. Too many focus solely on the labor, delivery and perhaps the “stuff” that goes with having a baby while completely forgetting to look at all incredible change that occurs with having a new baby 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
Below is a listing of important information to think about, investigate, understand and/or plan for. Make a note of people in your immediate life that can be a resource as you go through the list.
Look carefully at class descriptions you may take in your local area, some are very thorough and others do not go into information you need in detail.
Here’s to postpartum preparedness!
Common Physical Changes for the Mother
Uterine Change and Bleeding
Breast Expectations and Breastfeeding Norms
Hormones and Symptoms
Recovery Requiring Attention
Vaginal Tearing, Episiotomy, Cesarean, Extreme Soreness or Swelling, Hemorrhoids
Nutrition
Common Psychological Changes
Mother and Father/Partner Changes
Processing the Birth Experience
Processing Becoming a Family
Postpartum Mood Disorders
Peer and Professional Support Resources
Understanding Your New Baby
Babymoon
How Baby’s Feed
Attachment
Infant Development
New Family Dynamic
Coping with Sleep Deprivation and Exhaustion
Managing Stress
Grieving the Changes
Siblings and Pets
Knowing How to Get the Right Support
Postpartum Doulas and Practical Support
Making Your Best Decisions
Defining Parental Roles – Financial, Baby Care, Changing the Status Quo
Choosing a Health Care Provider for your Baby
Early Infant Health Care Decisions – Vaccinations, Circumcision, etc.
Parenting Philosophies
Developing Your Parenting Style
Where Baby Will Sleep
Boundaries with Family and Friends
When to Seek Professional Help
Relationship Care
Realistic Expectations
Sexual Intimacy
Practicalities of Life
“Dating”
Priorities
Single Parenting
Arranging Practical Support
Making a Community
Parenting Needs
Unexpected Outcomes
Processing a Difficult Birth
Babies with Medical Needs, Coping and Advocating
Dealing with Loss, Grief, and Trauma
I offer a Postpartum Strategies class privately in the Colorado Springs area that goes into more detail on many of these topics. My Bookstore lists several helpful books as well.
Tags: baby, babymoon, birth, breastfeeding, child birth, family, infant, parenting, postpartum, postpartum nutrion, resources
