For those of you who have attended our weekend antenatal classes, you will know that our focus goes far beyond labour and birth. Whilst we spend a full day discussing topics such as the stages of labour and when to call the midwives, we also spend a full day thinking about the immediate postnatal period. And this part of the journey is often one that gets overlooked. With an emphasis on preparing for birth, many books and classes don’t fully prepare people for the first few days and weeks after a baby's arrival. It is such a joyful and transformative time. But it can also feel daunting and overwhelming too. At our Edinburgh classes, we encourage people to think about these crucial beginnings and come up with a postnatal plan to help them manage this new chapter. So what is postnatal planning and why is it important?
What Postnatal Planning Involves.
Consider Feeding Options: How are you planning to feed your baby? Will you pump or top up or mix feed? When might you consider this? Which formula will you use? If you plan to breastfeed, consider the role of your partner and how you can get support around the house while you feed. Find out where your local breastfeeding support groups are and where you can get help. You can always get in touch with the girls at Grow+Gather for ongoing support and advice with feeding.
Nutrition and Hydration: A balanced diet and adequate hydration are vital for recovery. Plan for easy, nutritious meals and have plenty of water available. Try and prep some meals beforehand and freeze them if you can. Consider who might make you food too.
Rest and Sleep: Rest is crucial for healing and coping with the demands of a newborn. Arrange for help with household chores and older children if applicable. Think about when and where you can get your naps in and what you need to do to make this a priority.
Emotional Support: Postpartum emotions can be overwhelming. Identify a support network of family, friends, or local professionals. Don't hesitate to seek help if you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed.
Practical Help: Enlist help for day-to-day tasks. This could include hiring a postpartum doula, having a family member stay for a few weeks, or arranging for meal delivery services.
Education and Resources: Equip yourself with knowledge about newborn care, postpartum recovery, and what to expect in the weeks and months after birth. Why not consider some really awesome antenatal classes to prepare you before baby’s arrival…!
Self-Care: Incorporate time for self-care, whether it's a few quiet moments for a cup of tea, a short walk, or a relaxing bath. Caring for yourself is not selfish; it's necessary for you to be able to care for your baby.
Why Postnatal Planning Matters
Physical Recovery for the Mother: Childbirth, in whatever form it takes, is a physically demanding process. Postnatal planning helps ensure that you get the rest and care needed for recovery. Ensure you know how to access out of hours healthcare support if you need it.
Emotional and Mental Health: The postnatal period, also known as the fourth trimester, can be emotionally challenging. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the demands of caring for a newborn can contribute to postpartum depression or anxiety. A postnatal care plan encourages you to think about how you might manage these challenges should they arise.
Infant Care and Bonding: The initial weeks after birth are so important for bonding and getting to know your new arrival. Postnatal planning ensures that both parents have considered the information and support you might need during these early days.
Support System: Having a support system in place can make a significant difference in the postnatal period. This includes family, friends and healthcare providers. A plan can help organise this support, ensuring that the right kind of help is available when needed.
The first few weeks with a newborn is a beautiful and incredible thing. But it’s also tough. You’re tired and recovering and getting to know yourself as a mum and your partner as a parent as well as trying to get to know a new human that you brought into the world! We consider our births so much and are keen to prepare for our labours as best we can. I think we should take some of that preparation into the postnatal period and have a really good think about what help we might need and how we can access it. Reach out for help if you need it. Don’t compare yourself. Eat well. Know that eventually you will feel more confident and you will sleep again!
We are always happy to hear from new parents so please do get in touch if you need us. We can come and see you at home for some breastfeeding support or for any other support you might need. Please get in touch with us.
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