 Discover the advantages of planning for postpartum and how it can positively impact your well-being and the well-being of your baby.
Understanding Postpartum: What to Expect The postpartum period, also known as the fourth trimester, refers to the time after childbirth when the birthing person's body undergoes physical and emotional changes as it recovers from pregnancy and childbirth. Understanding what to expect during this period can help new parents navigate the challenges and transitions that come with it. Physically, postpartum parents may experience symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, soreness, breast engorgement, and fatigue. Emotionally, hormonal changes can lead to mood swings, postpartum blues, and in some cases, postpartum depression. It's important for parents to know that these experiences are normal and temporary, and that seeking support and planning ahead can make the postpartum period more manageable. The Importance of Postpartum Planning Postpartum planning involves preparing for the physical, emotional, and practical aspects of the postpartum period. It is crucial because it helps new parents prioritize their own well-being and the well-being of their baby. By having a plan in place, parents can ensure that they have the necessary support, resources, and information to navigate the challenges of the postpartum period. Planning for postpartum can help parents address their physical recovery needs, such as scheduling medical check-ups, arranging for postpartum care, and establishing a healthy routine. It also involves preparing for the emotional changes and challenges that may arise, such as seeking counseling or joining support groups. Additionally, postpartum planning includes making arrangements for social support, such as enlisting help from family and friends, or considering professional services like postpartum doulas or lactation counselors. By actively planning for postpartum, families can reduce stress, increase their confidence, and improve their overall well-being during this important period of transition. Physical Benefits of Postpartum Planning Engaging in postpartum planning can have numerous physical benefits for new parents. By prioritizing self-care and addressing their physical recovery needs, birthing people can promote healing and regain their strength more effectively. This may include establishing a healthy diet and exercise routine, scheduling regular medical check-ups, and addressing any lingering physical discomfort or concerns. Postpartum planning can also help parents navigate common physical challenges such as breast/chestfeeding difficulties, sleep deprivation, and managing postpartum weight. By having a plan in place, parents can seek timely support, professional guidance, and resources to address these issues, which can significantly impact their overall physical well-being. Mental and Emotional Benefits of Postpartum Planning Postpartum planning not only addresses the physical aspects of recovery but also focuses on the mental and emotional well-being of new parents. By acknowledging and preparing for the emotional changes and challenges that may arise during the postpartum period, parents can better cope with and navigate these experiences. Having a postpartum plan in place allows parents to identify potential sources of support, such as counseling services, support groups, or trusted friends and family members. This can help reduce feelings of isolation, anxiety, and postpartum mood disorders. Additionally, postpartum planning can involve creating a self-care routine that prioritizes mental and emotional well-being, such as incorporating relaxation techniques, journaling, or engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. By taking proactive steps to address their mental and emotional health, parents can enhance their overall well-being and create a positive postpartum experience. Social Support and Postpartum Planning Social support plays a crucial role in the postpartum period, and including it in the planning process can greatly benefit new parents. By enlisting the help of family, friends, or professional services, parents can ensure they have the necessary support network to assist them during this transitional phase. Postpartum planning may involve discussing and arranging for practical support, such as help with household chores, meal preparation, or childcare. It can also include identifying emotional support systems, such as trusted individuals who can provide a listening ear, offer advice, or simply be there to provide comfort and encouragement. Having a solid social support system in place can alleviate stress, reduce feelings of overwhelm, and promote a sense of community during the postpartum period. It allows parents to focus on their own recovery and bonding with their baby, knowing that they have a network of support to lean on when needed.
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After I had my first child I didn't want anymore. The whole experience was unfortunate. I didn't enjoy my pregnancy, I was horribly constipated the whole first trimester and I didn't have the most informative or supportive medical providers. One of the OBs had a sign in his office that read, "Home Delivery is for Pizza".
I was induced and I wasn't even a week late. I was admitted to the hospital at 10 am, they told me we would have a baby in my arms by that night. That night came and went, and so did another. I was running on low-sodium broth and lemon ice. I was convinced my body didn't work. Why didn't I go into labor on my due date, why did they have to try to force this baby out of me, why was the induction not working? Back labor. Epidural. Finally, my water broke on its own as my midwife was unwrapping the amnio-hook, something in my body did something they wanted. After several hours of pushing my baby was born, I think it was wonderful, I look happy in the pictures but I don't really remember it myself. Maybe it was the drugs, or maybe I was just tired but that set the tone for the next year. A few years later I would find out I had postpartum depression. This was how I became a mother. When my firstborn, Edie, was three I got pregnant again. I didn't forget my first pregnancy and birth but was set to change things for this pregnancy and birth. My first change was the midwife and medical practice. My next change was not listening to all the horror stories people would tell me. I would stand there politely as strangers and co-workers spewed their trauma but I didn't listen. Some other changes were that I read more good books about pregnancy. I read more Ina May Gaskin and others who talked about how childbirth was natural and that my body could totally do this. I was a different person during this pregnancy, I wasn't scared of labor and birth. I was still scared of postpartum depression but talked with my midwife about what we could do if it reared its ugly head. We had a plan in place and that took some of the fear away. My water broke before contractions started, and I waited for my husband, Nick, and my neighbor to come home from work. Nick and I went off to the hospital and my neighbor watched Edie until my mother-in-law could come. At the hospital things were good, I was calm. My midwife was right there as I walked into the hospital. We hung out in triage until they could take me to a room. I was contracting but wasn't bothered by it yet, I felt so much more at peace in this experience. In about six hours I had pushed out Jackson. He breastfed great, he slept, Nick and I ate Wendy's and watched Law & Order. What a great birth! These two experiences were so radically different. One I felt like shit after, the other I was a glowing breastfeeding goddess during postpartum. It was during this time that I was feeling that others might have experiences like my first and it could scar them, at the time I was still scarred. How could I help that not happen? What could I do? I started looking into becoming a childbirth educator and then I found out about doulas. It was like a lightning strike! I wanted to do that! I started researching doula training and found one not far away and signed up. I read and read and read all the books on the reading list and more. I was so excited, I devoured all the information I could. I trained and certified as a birth doula, then a postpartum doula, then a lactation counselor, then trained to be a childbirth educator, then a placenta encapsulator. I wanted to help all the families I could have the best experience they could. Edie is now 15 and it seems like a lifetime ago that I had that experience. I look at the new mother I was and want to go back in time and hug her. She needed support, guidance, and education. I want to be her doula so she could start her journey as a mother feeling empowered not invisible. I am grateful for all that experience taught me and what it has made me into but I don't wish that on anyone and that is why I'm a doula. |
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Kind Words From Clients"I cannot recommend Jessica highly enough! My husband and I wanted a doula for my first birth, but didn't know any in the area and found Jessica online. We met with Jessica for the first time and immediately connected. We were impressed by her warmness, respectfulness, and knowledge. She emphasized how important it is to feel like it's a good match as the doula will be there for such an important and intimate day! After we left our meeting, my husband and I already had our minds made up to work with Jessica." -B.M. |
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