I have quite a few friends and relatives that are having their first babies now. I love talking pregnancy and babies, so many friends know they can come to me with questions and get honest answers based on my experiences. I was thinking today about the post partum experience (the fourth trimester is real!) and how often new moms are overwhelmed and under supported. I want to share with all of you some of my tips to a successful post partum.
1. Save money. Not only are you probably going on mat leave and going down to 55% of your wage, but also some of best post partum investments called for creative budgeting. Oh, and somehow Amazon purchases sky rocket when you’re up at strange hours feeding a baby.
2. Have a Midwife. This isn’t possible for everyone, especially if you are high risk,but having a Midwife is a great support system for 6 weeks post partum. They have immense knowledge, are great lactation support and come to your house for the first few appointments. Trust me, that last part is a life saver. The last thing you’ll feel like doing is hauling your baby into the doctors office.
3. Hire a housekeeper. I suggest this to literally everyone I know with small children. It is worth stretching the budget for, trust me! I didn’t do this until my first baby was almost 6 months old and I wish I had done it sooner. I swear it also saved my relationship. Once a week I have someone come for 2 hours. She changes the bedding, washes the floors, cleans the kitchen and the bathrooms. The amount she can accomplish in 2 hours is far more than you can. She isn’t interrupted by a crying baby or hungry toddler every 5 minutes.
4. Meal prep. How you do this is up to you. I personally don’t like cooking very much, so my preferred method post partum is to get one of those meal delivery services (hello fresh, good food, chefs plate, etc). Again, it’s a bit of extra money, but the food comes pretty much prepped for you, and my favourite part is the mental load it reduces. No more thinking about what to make! It’s there for you. Also, see if your grocery store has online ordering!
5. Babywearing. This is a must. Do your research and try a few different types of carriers. I have a Boba SSC that I love for long walks, but around the house I really loved the huggaloops stretchy wrap. Babywearing is a seriously magical thing. Seemingly inconsolable babies fall asleep while being worn, and you now have two hands to cook, tidy, or, you know, enjoy not having a tiny human screaming at you.
6. Research sleep options. Seriously, do it. Everyone and their brother are going to beat it into you that babies are only safe sleeping on their back in a crib or bassinet. That might work for you and your baby, but chances are high that it might not. I strongly recommend looking into safe co-sleeping options and guidelines. I’ve co-slept with both of mine, it was the only way any of us got enough sleep to function.
7. Establish your supports, both personal and professional. Discuss with friends and family what you need from them. Also know where you can go for breastfeeding support (lactation consultant, local support groups online and in person), find baby groups where you can go and talk to other moms in the same life stage. Use the knowledge and wisdom of other women in your life (like me! I love talking to women about pregnancy and motherhood!).
I’m positive I could come up with a million other things, but these were major ones that made a world of difference for me. Having a baby is equal parts exhausting and amazing. There are so many phases and stages, both difficult and rewarding. Trust yourself and know that if your baby is fed and clothed, you’re doing fine! Go easy on yourself mommas, you’ve got this.
Musings of a Small Town Mom 