creating your postpartum plan

 

You'll be holding your baby in the next 6-10 weeks. So far, our focus has all been on preparing for birth. Now, please take some time to prepare for the first days and weeks after birth.

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You’ll get a shopping list of things you need to purchase after your next appointment. Of course, your family is probably buying you a bunch of stuff for the baby. Another part of the postpartum plan is to think through how the first few days at home with your new family will look.

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Recovery:

For the first three days, I  want you to be in bed- literally - in bed. You can get up, walk to the bathroom, and then go straight back to bed.

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Sleeping:

Your baby needs to be with you night and day. Most clients like to have a bed insert to keep the baby isolated from your blankets and pillows. Others like to have a bedside cradle or bassinet.

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Breastfeeding:

Your baby needs unlimited access to breastfeeding round the clock. While your body is giving your baby colostrum, your baby needs to eat about 10-12 times per day. Once your milk transitions to mature milk, your baby needs to eat about 8-10 times per day. They may have one long nap per day. I highly recommend taking a breastfeeding class. 

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Food & Water:

Did you know it takes more calories to feed a baby rather than grow a baby!? You will need to eat three full, healthy meals and at least that many snacks every day. And you’ll need to drink about 1/2 of your body weight in water. Good nutrition and hydration will help you heal. But since you’ll be in bed, food and water have to appear on the bedside table magically. So, please make sure everyone in your home realizes that if they put something in their own mouth, they need to bring you something to eat and drink at the same time. You may want to make some meals ahead of time and freeze them for easy dinners.