Postpartum Tips
Postpartum Tips and Resources
We prepare ourselves so well for our pregnancy and birth, but oftentimes we are ill prepared for the immediate postpartum period. It is so important for us to respect not only our bodies but our new baby and growing family through the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life. In many cultures the postpartum period lasts 40 days, during which the mother rarely if ever leaves the house. She is taken care of by close friends or family members who prepare special foods for postpartum strength and healing, provide massage, and offer a shoulder to lean on an an ear to listen. While it can be difficult to achieve this type of postpartum here in the states, it is possible with planning to come very very close.
- Look into local Red Tents or Care Calendars- these coordinate community members to provide meals and other assistance, such as pet care, light cleaning, running errands, childcare, etc during times of need. Enlist a friend or family member to create one at a baby shower.
- Prepare large meals that freeze well during the last few weeks of pregnancy. Eat some, then freeze the rest into family and individual sized portions with re-heating instructions for use after the birth.
- Have a house preparation/cleaning/organizing shower to prepare for not only the birth but to make life easier postpartum as well.
- Make frozen maxi-pads for postpartum perineal relief. Simply wet a maxi- pad with water or sitz bath tea, wrap in plastic wrap or put into a ziploc and place in the freezer. These feel great on a swollen and tender perineum after the birth.
- Know where your Arnica homeopathic pellets are. If you do not have any, buy some at your local health food store. Arnica is great for bruising and swelling.
- Purchase pre-made sitz bath herbs from your local herbalist or prepare some yourself using Comfrey, Lavendar, Witch Hazel, Calendua, Yarrow, Uva Ursi and Sea Salt.
- Purchase pre-made perineal spray from your local herbalist or prepare sitz bath tea and fill a peri bottle with it.
- Make sure to have liquid Chloraphyll or ChlorOxygen on hand for blood building after the birth.
Keep in mind that the 1st week is often times the hardest for everyone in terms of breastfeeding, postpartum discomfort and exhaustion. Give yourself time to heal and get to know your new baby.
This list by no means encompasses all that we can do to prepare for the postpartum period but should be a good start for ensuring a fabulous postpartum transition.
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