some helpful thoughts
As unique as we all are, there are sometimes similarities across babies and families that can lend help or perspective to the early days. Here are six tried-and-true words of postpartum wisdom that have been a huge help for many families.
build a network of support before your baby arrives
Your network of support can include community groups, others who also have babies, or supportive care providers. Meeting up or introducing yourself prior to your birth is ideal so that you are not a stranger when it comes time to reach out. If something feels wrong or you have a question or concern, you'll have expertise or wisdom at your fingertips for some peace of mind or help getting right back on track.
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safeguard the very early days
You can safeguard and protect the early moments with your newborn baby by restricting company in the first few days after birth. This precious time can be reserved for you and your family to hold and welcome your new arrival and to get your recovery and those especially important first feedings under your belt. You can stay in your pajamas and post a note on your door to explain why you might not be answering. Or that you are keeping visits short while you get to know your new little one.
At the same time, you don’t need to feel shy asking for or accepting offers of help that you could really use. You can think of it as something you're doing especially for your baby. Food drop-offs are always the most welcome. And if a neighbor asks if they pick up some groceries for you? That would be wonderful! Or you have a dog that would love to be taken out for a walk? Yes, please. |
have breastfeeding support in place for day three & four
If you are breastfeeding, an especially comforting and crucial time to have good breastfeeding support is around day two to day four postpartum. These are the days that you may feel on the edge of your seat as you look for your milk to transition from being the rich and concentrated colostrum to the more abundant mature milk. After getting a few days of breastfeeding under your belt, too, you'll know what questions you want to ask and be able to address any concerns that may have come up. Breastfeeding is a learned art. Good support and guidance can fit nicely hand-in-hand with the early days of that learning.
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Respect the transition from womb to world
For your baby, the early weeks are a time of gentle transition into the outside world, away from their perfect environment in utero where every need was being met instantly & around the clock. In the early days and weeks after birth your baby’s wants and needs are the same and you can trust that meeting those needs day and night will benefit you both. You and your baby can hit your stride with “early and often” feedings and holding your baby whenever you or they want. By introducing small, smooth changes at first and gradually shifting over to life outside the womb over several weeks, this transition can be pleasant for you, too. There is no spoiling of a baby in the very early weeks -- and no bad habits are being formed. By taking it gradually and with love, you are contributing to a healthy, trusting relationship and a solid foundation for the months and years to come.
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look forward to your six-week ‘sweet spot’
At around the sixth week postpartum things start falling into place and everyone is beginning to feel a little more settled. These first 40 days, sometimes called the ‘fourth trimester,’ are a time of transition into the more predictable patterns or daily rhythms of later months. Days and nights are likely becoming more discernible and feedings methods are usually well established. You and your baby have gotten to know each other. And baby's first smiles are a sweet reward!
Managing one day at a time & prioritizing what you do each day can help you get there. Days and nights may seem long and exhausting at first, but that period may soon feel like a short span of time in the overall scheme of things. And you don't have to go it alone. You can search out help and support if you need it during these first six weeks so you can achieve the equilibrium you're striving for. |
nap often in the very early days
It is normal and good that your baby wakes to feed at night, but this is certainly a huge adjustment for most new parents. When considering ways to combat exhaustion, it’s helpful to:
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