Crafting a postpartum plan doesn't have to be complicated, but it can profoundly impact your transition into motherhood.
While the common strategy of having your partner take time off and relying on family support might seem adequate initially, it often overlooks crucial aspects that can severely impact your postpartum experience.
At Lowanna, we understand the importance of having a postpartum plan in place. That's why we've curated simple considerations that you can easily review over your morning coffee or commute home. Here are some essential aspects to consider when crafting your postpartum plan:
Visitors
- Who do you want to visit in the first 3 days? First 2 weeks? First month?
Rest
- What are your obstacles to rest? How will you address them?
- How will you create space to nap during the day?
- How will your partner facilitate their rest while they are still home from work? Will they wake up to help with feeds?
Food and Nourishment
- Where will your meals come from? Breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
- Who will do the groceries? We recommend starting meal prep while you are in the third trimester.
Companionship
- Who can you call to tell how you are feeling and who will listen without judgment or advice?
- Who can you call if you want to take a shower/nap and need to hold the baby?
- Who would you trust to take your baby out for a walk?
Household Help
- Make a list of household chores that you would normally do around the house. Categorize into Essential, Preferable, and Forgettable.
- Work out who is going to do what. Outsource what you can.
- What will your partner do? Will you engage Household Help?
Health Support
- Think about the people you will need for self-care expertise, wellness information, and expert care.
- This can include Doulas for postpartum care, Lactation and Sleep consultants for feeding and sleep challenges, and a Physio to assess pelvic floor and abdominals.
Crafting your postpartum plan may seem daunting at first, but taking the time to consider these essential aspects can greatly contribute to a smoother transition into new motherhood.
At Lowanna, we offer birth and postpartum planning as part of our all-in-one postpartum care package, ensuring that you have the support you need every step of the way.
