Most people who give birth likely put together some form of a birth plan. Whether that's a detailed plan of exactly what you wanted, the form that the Midwives handed to you or even just a mental checklist of what you wish for your labour. Birth plans are almost always taken as a given, but what about postnatal plans?
I have long thought that the postnatal period is often brushed over with haste when it comes to antenatal education and thinking ahead. Although this is changing, I still believe that more attention and care should be put into the postnatal period - particularly in many Western countries where hustle culture is subscribed to. In other cultures across the world the first four to six weeks postpartum are viewed as sacred weeks where parents should be cared for and wrapped up in a support system that allows space for healing, adjustments, peace and bonding.
Sounds wholesome right? So why don't we approach the postnatal period with similar care? Well, maybe we should!
One way of putting more thought into the postnatal period may be to create a postnatal plan.
What goes into it?
It can cover wishes around breastfeeding, how you plan on getting food into the house, who is going to do housework, how will your partner (if you have one) bond with baby, what emotional support is available, whether or not you want visitors, do you have friends or family who could help out, are there any local baby groups or support groups and so much more.
There in undoubtedly value in creating a plan for what you'd like those first precious weeks to look like and having some idea of what support may be available should you end up wanting it.
This is something a Doula may be able to help you with, whether it's in a one hour power session or whether you'd like a postnatal Doula to provide you with continuous support throughout this time, don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help if you think it might benefit you and your family. The saying that it takes a village is often true. For most, it's much easier to care for your baby if you too are being cared for.
There are also some wonderful resources available online. For example, the ABM (Association of Breastfeeding Mothers) website has lots of information for people who wish to breastfeed.
Just as with birth, the aim of a plan is to try and give you the best possible chance of a smooth transition and ensure that you feel as supported as possible.
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