What I wish I knew…

There is so much focus on preparing for birth and the brand new baby — the hospital/birth center bag, breathing and labor techniques, the birth plan — but not nearly enough about what comes after. The postpartum period can be one of the most beautiful, vulnerable, and transformative times in a person’s life. While nothing can totally prepare you for every twist and turn, there are things you can do now to make the transition gentler.

Here’s what I’ve learned– and what I wish someone had told me sooner — about preparing for postpartum.

• Build your support system early

Have your help lined up before you go into labor, and be specific about your needs. Hire your birth photographer and postpartum doula, have a meal train service set up, have a list of friends and family who want to support you after birth.

• Stock up like you’re hibernating

Fill the fridge, freezer, and pantry with comforting essentials, but that are also not time consuming in preparation. Frozen meals (from the store or home made is fine, it’s important that you stay nourished), snacks, pads, peri bottles, witch hazel, and comfortable clothes.

• Create a nest, not just a nursery

Set up your own space for feeding your baby, healing, and resting. This space does not have to be in your bedroom or baby’s nursery, it can be anywhere you’re most comfortable, and you can have more than one space if you’d like! These are typically spots where you will spend a lot of time. I like to stock these areas with the feeding essentials, changing essentials for baby (and an extra shirt for mom), and cloth baby wipes (in a wipe warmer). A few small snacks… just in case. And– a water bottle with water… for mom.

• Know that your emotions may surprise you
  
  You may experience a wide range of emotions during this time, from joy to overwhelm to sadness– and that’s normal. If it feels too heavy, please be sure to reach out to a friend, family member, or medical professional. The postpartum period is a delicate season, and you deserve the support you need.

• Set boundaries with love

It’s ok to say no to visitors. It isn’t unreasonable to want to minimize or have no visitors for a period of time after birth. You’re still healing, and baby is still adjusting. Your loved ones will understand.

Preparing for the postpartum period isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about creating a space for rest, for healing, for joy and for the messiness of it all. Which ever path your journey takes you, know you are not alone. Soften your expectations, gather your people, and remember– this season won’t last forever, but the love you build now will carry you for a lifetime.