As you hunker down for labor and delivery, it might feel like the marathon is coming to an end, and you can finally embark on parenthood. But the truth is, the postpartum period is another marathon you can’t forget to prepare for. Below, we discuss a few ways to prepare for your postnatal experience, focusing on your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Invest in a Postpartum Doula
A postpartum doula is one of the most important things you can invest in. If you hired a doula for pregnancy and childbirth, ensure you ask about their postnatal care services.
Chances are, they will offer an in-home service that aids in household responsibilities, breastfeeding support, and meal preparations. You can also customize these services per your needs, as many doulas understand the importance of postnatal care and want the best for your health and healing.
Create In-Home Care Stations
It’s easy to spend so much time preparing the nursery you forget to prepare for your new needs postpartum. During the nesting phase, create in-home care stations throughout your home that make life easier. Each primary room you may spend time in can benefit from a small cart or basket of essential supplies, and this will keep you from running around the house looking for things.
A postnatal experience is supposed to be restful, slow, and nourishing. Create stations that aid in your ability to achieve this and mitigate chaos. The following are examples of items you might include in your stations:
- Nursing pads
- Diapers and wipes
- A change of clothes for yourself and your baby
- Feminine care products
- Water bottles
- Nipple balm
It’s essential to note an in-home care station is customizable and personal. Include as much or as little as you might need.
Stock Your Freezers
Stock your freezer as full as possible. Why? Because ready-to-eat meals will save you time and stress and nourish your body as you heal. Many new parents can relate to never knowing what to eat, not being in the mood to cook, or lacking adequate nourishment for proper mineral re-balance post-delivery.
Use disposable baking supplies to prepare a casserole or a favorite meal and store it in the freezer so that it’s as simple as choosing what sounds good and heating it. Your body, baby, and family will appreciate this ease.
Set Clear Boundaries
Stations and meals are only small parts of preparing for your postnatal experience, but being intentional with your boundaries is another thing you should consider. This means being firm about when and who you accept visits from and how soon after you’re home you open your doors.
Additionally, it’s critical to be clear with everyone about these boundaries and never feel guilty for setting them in the first place. This is about your mental well-being, just as it is about your physical healing.
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