Post Natal Plan - What is it and do I need one?
Yes - you 100% need a Post Natal Plan.
A Post Natal Plan is how you are going to manage with the changes and demands of the postnatal period.
The postnatal period is defined, by the World Health Organisations, as the first 6 weeks after birth. Come again? I don’t know about you, or any mother on the planet, who felt ‘normal’ or ‘themselves’ 6 weeks after birth.
I want you to know that when I am talking postnatal, I am talking about anytime after birth. You may need this plan in place for 6 weeks, 12 weeks or a year. Everybody’s body is different. You implement this plan for as long as you need.
Okay, so what’s in a Post Natal Plan?
Who is going to be your number 1 person to call when you need a break. This might be your mum, dad, sister, mother in law, best friend. You need someone that you have discussed with prior to the birth. Tell them that when you call for help… you need it!
You may plan on breastfeeding, sometimes this can be difficult and not come naturally! Deciding where you will turn to for breastfeeding help prior to birth can ensure you receive the help you need, quickly. But if breastfeeding doesn’t go to plan, also do the research on what formula you might like to use.
Discuss shifts or delegation of duties between you and your partner. Are you going to do blocks throughout the night? Are you going to do the nights but hubby is on washing duty for the first month. Are you going to get a cleaner for the first 12 weeks? Don’t wing this!
Cooking - either pre-prepare a freezer full of meals or get a meal delivery plan for the first few weeks. You and your partner will be too tired to cook. Trust me.
Have a list of people to call if you aren’t feeling well mentally, have this handy and easily accessible. If you do suffer from post-natal depression or anxiety you want to have already don’t the research on who you want to speak to.
Plan self care. Schedule it in like an appointment. This is a must, without guilt. You need time to yourself to be the best mama you can be.
Go to your 6-week check up. Book it in before birth. It is something you will forget / deem not important
Get your visitor guidelines ready. People will overstay their welcome. Expect you to make them coffee and wash up when they want to see the baby. Send out a message, email outlining a time limit and to please either bring something to eat or complete a chore while they are here. IT TAKES A VILLAGE.
Other tips:
Continue with your prenatal vitamin, or something similar. Your body is recovering, if breastfeeding, you require more nutrients than while pregnant. Extra nutrients are needed more than ever!
See professionals to help with recovery - a postnatal physiotherapist, chiropractor, naturopath. Your body will need it.
Allow yourself to rest! Other cultures take 14-60 days FULL rest after baby. For some reason we pride ourself on pretending we didn’t just have a baby! Allow yourself to rest, allow your mum to cook or clean. Allow your friends to take your older toddler for the day. ACCEPT THE HELP. If it isn’t offered - ASK!
I have put together a template to help put together this information. This can be found bellow
Kim xx
