This postpartum list is to help moms regain some sense of normalcy. Being a first-time mom and speaking with many first-time moms it’s safe to conclude that Postpartum is difficult. The combination of birth recovery, nursing, and changes in relationships to list a few. Here is the list to help you prepare for postpartum.
1. Meal train
2. Family and Friends Support
3. Making sleep a priority
4. Me time
Meal train
Having nutritious food during postpartum can help with your mood and take off the pressures of preparing food.
I first time I heard of a meal train was during the recording of the Sister Sista podcast episode Becoming Mom. Our guest was raving about how helpful it was to have family and friends drop off food- with no strings attached. Yes, it’s like your own personal Ubereats. Another option is having a meal delivery service. Now that is something to ask for on your baby registry.
Family and friend support
Having a strong support system often gets overlooked. Knowing when you need to speak to a medical professional. Having conversations with your partner or support person about what you need and how you are feeling. Communication is key because we can’t always tell what a person is going through by their physical state.
Where is this village of supporters? This is not an easy question to answer because at times we will have to be strong advocates for ourselves to speak to a medical professional to get an assessment. Look for local prenatal or maternity or mental health facilities. Want to surround yourself with other mothers look for mommy and me activities at your local community centers, churches, and daycares.
Making sleep a priority
A reality check – newborns need to eat every 2-3 hours regardless of the time of day. Newborns also tend to confuse night and daytime. Regardless of what their parent needs a newborn will have their demands. Please ensure to make sleep a priority as lack of sleep can lead to negative feelings paired with hormones from child birth can lead to a very angry new mom.
If it is possible, have a family member, friend, or babysitter (a person you trust) watch your newborn when you have a nap. Pull down those blackout curtains and reduce noise distractions and have a restful snooze.
Me time
Is it crazy to be thinking of the time to yourself after having a baby? No. It’s necessary to want to have adult conversations, to laugh and smile and feel like yourself again. Postpartum is a long journey and many mothers feel very alone and lost during this stage. Getting small doses of self-care, and time to focus on hobbies can help new mothers feel normal.
How will you find time to refocus on yourself and your needs? Start by having conversations with your partner, support person, family, and friends. Can you get someone you trust to watch your newborn while you work out, do yoga, read your favorite book or have a calm soak in the tub? Taking the time to try new things and figure out what works best for you. We at times have to be creative when the resources or support isn’t available. Taking nap times, early mornings and late nights to refocus on yourself are all valuable options.
The Sister Sista podcast episodes which shine a light on postpartum care and new motherhood include Mind and Motherhood and Becoming Mom.
Final thoughts
You may have noticed a reoccurring theme. SUPPORT. Yes, we all need different forms of support at different times in our lives. This is no different for new mothers in postpartum. I have had so many discussions with new mothers and mothers of multiples on the Sister Sista Podcast about the importance of communicating what we need as mothers and having a strong support system. New parents are leaning on each other as they figure out how to care for this new life.
