Resources and Preparing for Postpartum from a Mom of 3
Being postpartum is quite the experience. You leave the hospital or start to recover at home after a home birth not really knowing the baby in your arms, but knowing them at the same time. Either in pain, or just tired from the marathon of birth. It is not an easy time but it is SO sacred. I didn’t really understand how sacred postpartum was until my third baby. I read more books, prepared more for the birth, delivery and postpartum than I ever did before. I was so prepared and really enjoyed the postpartum experience in a way I never had! So here are some of my best tips for having a sacred and beautiful postpartum - that which you deserve!
In the notes section of your phone create a list of people who can help you. Write next to their names what they can help you with!
Add all of your doctors and support people to your phone WITH their support / practice / etc. next to their name - for example - AMANDA (Therapist). This makes it super easy to find and call these people if you need their help!
Prepare at least 5 freezer meals to have in case you are too tired to cook, or don’t have a friend bringing you a meal that day.
Create a mealtrain for yourself and share with your family and friends so you have meals prepared for the first 40 days-ish
Make yourself a daily ‘checklist’. For me it was take supplements, take a shower, take a nap, devotional, green smoothie, etc. DM me at @emilyrose_parkins on IG and I will send you my notes template!
Make yourself a ‘to do before baby comes’ list. This can be anything from dying your hair to painting a room!
Read the book - The First Forty Days. It is full of recipes, and advice for having a peaceful and sacred postpartum period.
Prepare your post-baby clothes. Your nursing outfits, your bigger shirts, and comfy supportive pants.
9. Create a list of things you’ll watch, read, or listen to while you’re nursing, or cuddling your new baby! Spend as much time as you can resting those first 40 days so you can heal and prepare for a healthier postpartum period. Add shows you want to watch, books to read, podcasts to listen to! Things that are encouraging, uplifting and will not bring you anxiety or scare you!
10. Prepare breastfeeding baskets. These were lifesavers for me! Here are some things I put in them: headbands, snacks, water bottles, book, pen, notebook, shirts for myself, clothes for myself, hydration supplement.
11. Make your doctor appointments. Schedule your appointment with your PCP, dentist and other yearly appointments before the baby comes. This way it’s on the calendar and planned and when things get busier you have plan.
12. Make sure all of your bottles and breast pump parts are sanitized and ready to go!
The most important part of being postpartum is resting, connecting with your baby, and healing. This is a time of slowness. A time to embrace your fluffy belly. Your comfy bed. Relaxing. Fueling your body with nourishing warm foods. Allowing others to take care of you. Embrace it, Mama!