Preparing for Postpartum

I'm sure you have a list - every new mom does. All the things you'll need after your baby is born - a crib, sheets, skirt, stroller, clothing, swaddles, pacifiers, whatever. There is a lot on that list. But there are a few things you may not be thinking about... how do you prepare for life postpartum? Not just what things will you need for a new baby, but what will you need for you? Here are a few questions to help you think about what you might need!

Trust your Instincts

How do you plan to get enough sleep postpartum? This is pretty difficult. Babies don't sleep the way adults do, or the way we expect them to! Check out our newborn sleep options post for ideas.

What is important to you when physically recovering from the birth? No matter what type of birth you have, it's hard work. You're left worn out and a bit bruised, or recovering from major surgery. What do you need? Your mom? A postpartum doula? Help with the housework? Someone to cook for you, or remind you to drink plenty of water? Don't forget to take care of you!

How will you provide nourishment for the family immediately following the birth? Will you have meals frozen? Someone to help? Your partner prepares meals? A service? This is an important one! Don't forget a nice water bottle - you'll need to keep hydrated.

How about help with your household? Laundry, cleaning, errands, shopping? Can your partner handle this? A family member or friend? What can you get set up ahead of time?

What are your sleeping arrangements? Co-bedding? Co-sleeping? Baby sleeps in his/her own room? Be flexible here, and make sure that you know you may change your mind after the birth and it's okay to listen to your instincts!

New babies have some funny hair!

Will you have visitors right away? In the hospital? At home? Or do you prefer time to bond as a family unit? If your partner has time off work, you may wish to simply take time to bond before you see visitors. This one is completely up to you and your personality, but again, prepare to listen to your instincts!

You may be surprised by a lot of things. Day 3 and 4 postpartum can bring on the blues for many moms. It's not unusual for your milk to not "come in" for 5 days - your baby's tummy is tiny and colostrum is plenty. You'll have hormonal ups and downs. You may feel like your hair is falling out (that's normal; you don't lose hair as rapidly during pregnancy). You may change your mind about what you thought you'd do! You'll definitely hear plenty from all sides about parenting... prepare to do your research, stick to your guns, and do what YOU think is right. And come on in to Daisy Baby and hang out - we don't judge, we just want to see you!