.jpeg)
The postpartum period is one that comes with so many emotions and changes. So much effort is put into devising birth plans, and while I do feel like they’re necessary, it is just as important to focus on that which you can control.
Planning for the 4th trimester can reduce stress and anxiety and make the transition home with a new baby more efficient.
Factors to consider include: daily meals, relief visits from family, housekeeping, sibling or pet care, and mental health support. There are many ways to align resources while being cost efficient.
Coordinating a nutritious food train for the first 2 months can be very helpful to new parents. Having loved ones cook your favorite meals during your pregnancy and freezing them can serve as no prep meals for busy days. Ordering from a meal prep service or caterer is another good idea to ensure that mom is eating healthy meals postpartum. Consider meal prep and healthy food options as baby shower gift cards for your registry.
Enlist your village before paying for overnight help or a postpartum doula/ sibling care. Be sure to align schedules so that you can extend the duration of your family’s help. For example, have them stagger their visiting dates so that one comes in as one is leaving. Remember they’re there to make your life easier not to be entertained. Have a list of ways to be helpful on hand in an easily accessible location.
Talk over the logistics of household chores and see if there are loved ones that are willing to assist prior to hiring a housekeeper. Stock up on paper goods such as toilet paper, hand towels, etc. If you have pets, consider where they will be during your labor and postpartum stay. Some of my client have had help from family or friends and some have paid for boarding as a last resort.
Lastly, there is so much talk about postpartum depression however, postpartum anxiety and OCD are common as well as other postpartum mood disorders. Keeping a journal to assess mood fluctuations from day to day is a useful tool. Find postpartum or breastfeeding support groups online or in the community so that you can have likeminded conversations. I also highly recommend having a mental health professional who you can see for mental health checkins.
These are some ideas that could tremendously benefit a family as they prepare to transition into parenthood.
Inquire about my postpartum services today by clicking the link below!