Welcoming Your New Baby: Unforeseen Challenges and Essential Prep
Bringing a new baby into the world is an exciting and transformative journey. It’s filled with anticipation and joy, but also a fair share of changes and adjustments. To help you navigate this transition with confidence and ease, here are the top five areas you’ll want to focus on as you prepare for your new addition. Postpartum Recovery PrepYour body will need time to heal after giving birth. Prioritizing your own care is crucial during this period. Think about how you’ll ensure you get enough sleep and rest, nourish yourself with healthy meals, incorporate gentle movement into your routine, and make plans for returning to work when the time is right. Questions for Your ProviderIt’s a good idea to jot down and ask your provider all your important recovery questions well before your baby arrives. This will help you gather the necessary tools, supplies, and set realistic expectations for your postpartum period. Sleep and RestSleep is essential, especially now. Reflect on how much sleep you needed pre-pregnancy and how much you need now. Don’t forget to consider your partner’s needs, too. Think about how you’ll manage to get that necessary sleep. Aim for at least one good 4-hour stretch every 24 hours, especially after the first week if nursing is going well. Will you take split shifts? Naps? Can you count on outside support? Decide where you’ll be sleeping during the newborn stage, the infant stage, and beyond. And think about how these arrangements might change when you or your partner go back to work. NourishmentHow will you handle meals in the first few weeks? Do you want to have food prepared ahead of time for the first 3-6 weeks? Consider these options:
If you’re organizing a meal train, who’s in charge? What do they need from you? Don’t forget about meal services and postpartum doulas who specialize in postpartum meals. Make a list of easy, nutritious meals you can prepare or have prepared for you. My postpartum meal planning guide and workbook can be a great resource. Plan who will handle each task around food. Decide these things before your baby arrives and remember to plan for the immediate postpartum period, 6+ weeks postpartum, and when you return to work. Tasks to consider:
Schedule time to make and freeze meals, and if you have a meal train organizer, coordinate with them. I have a resource that may keep you on track as you plan your nutrition during recovery. MovementRecovery is unique for everyone. What are your biggest concerns? How will you address them? Discuss these with your provider, other professionals, family, and friends. Think about some gentle activities or exercises you’d like to do. If you need more ideas, a postpartum fitness coach can offer personalized movements that will aid in your recovery. Plan when you’ll start or resume these activities. Always consult your provider to determine what’s appropriate for your situation. Consider what you’ll need in place to be able to do these activities—like a babysitter, daily reminders, group classes, private instruction, or a routine. And be mindful of signs that you’re overdoing it, such as excessive bleeding. How I Can Help?It’s completely normal to sign up for support before your baby arrives. I offer private consults for preparing for parenthood or postpartum prep as well as weekly support for the first 6 weeks, then monthly support, and throughout your postpartum recovery. Join my monthly support program for personalized advice and support tailored to your needs. Support can be in-home and even virtually. Set-up a call to see how I can customize a package to fit your needs. Stay TunedExciting news! My Infant Sleep Workshop is being turned into a comprehensive course. This will allow you to learn at your own pace and on your own time. Stay tuned for more details! If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out. Wishing you a smooth and joyful transition into parenthood! Warm regards, Deb
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