This is part 3 of my 4 part series! Check out 1 here and 2 here.
My mother-in-law says that postpartum is all champagne and strawberries! And while I love snuggling a newbie as much as the next girl, I never really think it's champagne and strawberries until it's over. In retrospect I think it's dreamy and amazing! While I'm *in* those first few weeks, I think it's HARD. With each baby I was able to learn to enjoy the little things, take my postpartum period as a little break from real life. Someone else gets to do the dishes, laundry, and grocery shopping. My only job is to take care of my new baby (and watch Netflix!). Changing my mindset made my recovery time much easier to manage. I was happy to spend my days napping, nursing, and enjoying my little miracle. (Did I really just push this human out of my body?!) Here are 3 things I think every mama needs during her postpartum period.
1. The phone number of a great lactation consultant: If you decide to breastfeed your baby, being in touch with a lactation consultant, preferably an IBCLC, can prove very helpful to you and baby. In the event you needed help with breastfeeding you know who to call. Breastfeeding is normal and natural, but it can be challenging for some for a variety of reasons. A LC can help you troubleshoot small issues or work your way through harder, more complicated issues should they arise. Most of the time breastfeeding goes off without a hitch, but there can be a learning curve and knowing who to call will help you so much. (Read more about what they offer and find one in your area here.)2. Paper plates: For. Real. My birthday is on Earth Day and I consider myself pretty green and earth friendly, but after baby comes paper plates are a MUST. They make life easier and postpartum is all about making life as easy as possible. Paper plates mean less/no cleanup for your partner and you aren't worried about dishes piling up in the sink. Do it. Trust me. I'm a professional. 3. A support person to check in on you: Postpartum is a wonderful and joyous time, but it can also feel very isolating and hard. Some women have baby blues and some move into full-on postpartum depression. Neither are your fault or mean you are a bad mom or weak or falling apart. Find someone who you trust to check in on you. Visit with them, talk to them, open up to them. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Even if your emotional state is perfect in every way, it's nice to visit with a close friend and oooo and awww over your new family member. Open the curtains, let the sunshine in your house, drink some decaf coffee together and chat, laugh, and let people love on you. For you postpartum may be champagne and strawberries in the moment, in retrospect, or not at all. It's all normal and ok. I know we get so tired of hearing "enjoy it while they are small" but it's true, it goes by so fast. Enjoy the little moments and take your postpartum recovery seriously and day by day. You've got this, mama!