Last Updated on September 2, 2024
When parents prepare for the birth of a child, in the rush to prepare for the baby, people often overlook the needs of the mother. More than likely you have taken care to arrange the crib, diapers, wipes, baby clothes, and even a photography session, but neglected the crucial work and care you will need yourself in the early stages of bringing the baby home, especially as a new parent.
Physical Support
Food.
Leading up to the birth of your child, it is essential that you assess what food you will need in order to support your health and that of your newborn. Food is essential for postpartum healing, especially after such labor-intensive experiences as childbirth and pregnancy.
In addition, if you choose to breastfeed, a healthy and well-rounded diet is critical for a good milk supply for lactating parents. It is worth noting that a healthy pregnancy requires an additional 300 calories per day, but a sufficient milk supply demands as much as 500 additional calories per day.
One of the best ways to prepare for the postpartum haze that can make meal preparation a challenge is to plan ahead. Many recipes can help to make the task less daunting, and the food may be frozen for later use.
Also, there’s a variety of meal services that do most of the work: delivering meals to your door so the shopping, prep, and measurements are already taken care of. Often, these services offer deals to first-time customers that offset the costs, and make the initial days of postpartum recovery more manageable for new parents.
Cleaning.
For soon-to-be moms who have already experienced postpartum recovery, you may well remember feeling overwhelmed. The once-easy task of cleaning may feel unattainable as the days and nights melt together, and you are enmeshed in survival mode: trying to keep your new baby alive and happy, while simultaneously trying to sleep so you don’t go insane.
Cleaning is often the last thing on your mind; you are lucky just to clean yourself. In order to preserve yourself when you enter such a state, we suggest getting housekeeping assistance, especially within those first few weeks of postpartum recovery.
This is especially worthwhile for mothers of multiple children, because it alleviates undue stress. Getting help with the housework is worth it if you had a difficult childbirth and are recovering from any complications, such as a C-section.
If you have difficulty justifying this luxury to yourself, think about the fact that you just had surgery, are not supposed to lift anything heavier than your baby, and you are probably sleep deprived.
Sleep.
When people say to sleep when the baby sleeps, they really mean it, but this can be quite difficult. When mothers don’t obtain a sufficient amount of sleep, they are more likely to experience the negative symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety.
To combat this, try trading off with your partner to get more sleep. It can also be beneficial to arrange with close family or friends to come over and watch your baby while you get a few extra hours of shuteye.
Sometimes a few extra naps can be the key to achieving a new and positive outlook on the situation. Because sleep is vital for new parents, don’t be afraid to reach out for help, and perhaps even arrange for scheduled naps before the baby even arrives.
Mental/Social Support
Informed Support.
Feeling anxiety and postpartum depression after birthing a child happens more often than many people are aware, impacting about 10-20% of childbearing women. The many hormone surges going through your body contribute to this problem.
Due to the fluctuations in hormones and your resulting emotions, getting access to expert lactation care is vital. In addition to selecting a pediatrician for your new infant that can respond to any problems or concerns you may have, it can be healthy to join a group or organization that can provide additional support.
If you are a breastfeeding mother, it can be wise to find educational resources, professional lactation support, and insurance covered breast pumps. For example, The Lactation Network’s International Board Certified lactation consultants (IBCLC’s) can teach you the proper techniques for nursing and milk storage and help you recognize any abnormalities, like mastitis or clogged milk ducts, that you should watch for to identify any potential problems during your breastfeeding journey.
By consulting with the lactation care professionals, you are more likely to continue safely on your breastfeeding journey, which can ultimately lead to many long-term benefits for both the infant and the lactating parent.
Support Network.
Whether you breastfeed or not, having a good, uplifting, and informative support network is indispensable for any parent, and especially a new mom. The early stages of bringing a new baby home can be further aided by a strong support network.
Perhaps you might ask for a close group of friends to deliver meals for a week or two. Another notion would be to have a loved one come stay with you, both to help care for older children and contribute to housework.
Maybe even compile a schedule with friends to stop by once a week to check in on your mental well-being. The support you can arrange is all but limitless, if you have the right people to “staff” it.
Conclusion
It is crucial during this time of dramatic change, recovery, growth, and learning not to be afraid to ask for more help, support, and patience as you navigate this new phase of life and motherhood. The support can be the key to helping you attain a higher level of health and happiness that wouldn’t otherwise have been possible.
The role of a new mom can be quite a test, but with proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, and solid support and breastfeeding resources, you may persevere and learn to thrive in this new and beautiful chapter of your life.