18. Fourth Trimester :: A Holistic Approach at Preparation ::
Hey sister! Welcome back to our sacred space. Today, let's delve into the often overlooked and undervalued period known as the Fourth Trimester – a time of profound significance in a woman's life journey. I'm particularly passionate about this subject because it's evident that there's a significant void in education and preparation surrounding postpartum care.
In our American culture, the concept of the supportive village, so prevalent in many other societies, is sadly lacking. In contrast, in various cultures, revered elders traditionally nurture and guide new mothers through the delicate postpartum phase. However, here in the United States, this crucial period tends to be sidelined and disregarded. It's disheartening to witness how many mothers find themselves thrust back into the demands of work mere weeks after giving birth, while partners often return to their routines within days, leaving little time for essential bonding and recovery.
Amidst the excitement of welcoming a new life, many well-intentioned loved ones shower new parents with gifts, often in the form of adorable baby clothes. While these gestures are undoubtedly heartfelt, what might truly benefit the new family is support in the form of childcare for older siblings, assistance with household chores, and the provision of nourishing meals during this pivotal postpartum phase.
Did you realize that how you navigate your postpartum journey can significantly impact your experience of menopause? It's a remarkable yet often overlooked connection. The Fourth Trimester, or the postpartum period, remains a "forgotten frontier" for many women. In our American culture, the emphasis on a woman's postpartum healing is sorely lacking. However, how a woman is nurtured, supported, and loved during this transformative time ripples out to influence society as a whole.
The notion that rest, support, and care after childbirth are fundamental human rights is indisputable. Yet, it frequently clashes with the economic and social realities here in America. Nevertheless, I challenge this societal norm and propose a shift—a shift that can begin with you. You have the power to alter the narrative surrounding the postpartum season, not only for yourself but for your lineage.
It's time for a cultural transformation, and you can be the catalyst within your family line. Let's redefine the norms and advocate for the essential care and support that every new mother deserves.
Initiating change begins with a shift within yourself. Perhaps you're grappling with the pressure to embody the ideal of a "super mom." Maybe you're reluctant to burden others with your genuine and significant needs. Or it could be that the intensity of your desire for this baby makes it difficult to admit when you're struggling and in need of assistance. Yet, I urge you to challenge these preconceived notions.
Before delving into the heart of this blog, take a moment for introspection. Consider these questions, allowing yourself to explore your thoughts and emotions. Feel free to jot down your reflections in a journal:
- What societal expectations or internal pressures do I feel compelled to meet as a new mother?
- How do I perceive and prioritize my own needs amidst the demands of caring for a newborn?
- In what ways can I redefine my understanding of strength and seek support when needed?
-What has been the most challenging part of past postpartum experience(s)?
-Have I felt supported in my past postpartum experience(s)?
-Why do I think the postpartum is so challenging in our culture?
So, let’s start with the basics!
What Is the Fourth Trimester?
In essence, it's the period spanning the three months (or potentially longer) following your baby's birth. It symbolizes the profound transition from the protective cocoon of the womb to the vibrant world outside, for both mother and child. This isn't a phase where productivity should take precedence; rather, it's commonly referred to as a "lying-in" period. However, cultural perspectives vary widely regarding the duration and significance of this postpartum phase.
In the United States, many women are afforded a mere six weeks of maternity leave, barely scratching the surface of this critical period. In stark contrast, numerous cultures recognize the necessity of a prolonged postpartum recovery, with some prescribing up to a year of rest and rejuvenation.
Indeed, childbirth marks the passage, while the Fourth Trimester serves as the season of reintegration. Yet, it's disheartening to observe how prevalent the association of postpartum time with Postpartum Depression has become in American society. It's time to challenge this narrative and recognize the Fourth Trimester as an opportunity for healing, growth, and connection, rather than a predisposition to despair.
Why Is This Postpartum Time So Important?
Firstly, did you know that how you're supported and how you recover during this time can impact your experience of menopause? The postpartum season encompasses significant physical, emotional, social, and spiritual changes. It's a pivotal moment that not only shapes the health and well-being of the mother, baby, and family unit but leaves a lasting imprint for years to come.
For the newborn, this period marks their transition to life "earthside." At this stage, the baby is intimately connected to you, mama, in every sense. From the rhythm of your heartbeat to the sound of your voice, the baby finds solace in your warmth and comfort. Yet, stepping into the world exposes them to new sensations—louder noises, brighter lights, and the sensation of hunger. Despite this, the baby still perceives the unity of the mother-baby dyad, an unbroken bond that defines their early experiences.
The Fourth Trimester is an opportunity for intimate connection, ideally through skin-to-skin contact. It's a time to establish breastfeeding, to unravel the mysteries of each other, and to forge a bond that will endure a lifetime. This delicate phase requires an environment of tranquility and uninterrupted support, akin to the sanctity of the birthing process itself. It's a period of profound transformation, where a new family unit is formed and a fresh family dynamic begins to take shape.
Physical Realities for Mom
For a first-time mom, the notion of returning to a "pre-pregnant" state becomes a thing of the past. Your body undergoes a whirlwind of transformations, and it's a journey where there's no turning back. These changes unfold rapidly, presenting a myriad of challenges, particularly if your birthing experience was arduous or if you find yourself navigating the postpartum period unprepared.
Physiologically, your uterus begins its remarkable journey of shrinking back to its non-pregnant size. Meanwhile, your cervix, which dilated to accommodate your baby's passage, gradually returns to its former dimensions while maintaining a slight opening to allow for the normal flow of lochia. Your vagina undergoes adjustments, your breasts undergo changes to facilitate lactation, and sleep disturbances become a common companion. Amidst all this, your hormones are in flux, contributing to a rollercoaster of emotions.
Your abdomen feels different, your pelvis aches, and your tailbone is tender from its pivotal role in accommodating your baby's journey into the world. Even your internal organs undergo a process of readjustment, descending back to their pre-pregnancy positions.
It's worth noting that days 2-5 postpartum can be particularly intense. You may experience a profusion of bodily fluids—bleeding, leaking milk, and sweating—as your hormones continue to shift. Emotionally, you might find yourself on an unpredictable rollercoaster, with tears and sweat flowing freely. Additionally, you may encounter uterine "afterpains," which, while generally manageable for first-time moms, can intensify with subsequent births.
Emotional Realities for Mom
The immediate postpartum period presents a myriad of challenges for many new mothers. The emotional landscape during this time is complex and deeply personal, making it difficult to quantify or predict the level of stress one may experience. Indeed, how someone feels just hours after giving birth can vary significantly from how they feel three days later.
It's crucial to acknowledge that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to navigating this phase. Emotions run high, often influenced by hormonal fluctuations that are a natural part of the postpartum journey. However, it's essential to recognize that these intense feelings are transient and will eventually subside.
Planning for your postpartum season can be immensely beneficial in alleviating stress and ensuring you have the support you need for a more stable emotional experience. By proactively arranging for assistance and creating a nurturing environment, you can better equip yourself to navigate the emotional ups and downs that accompany the postpartum period. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and can make all the difference in your postpartum journey.
The postpartum period can pose unique challenges, especially if the transition from pregnancy to parenthood feels abrupt or unexpected. If you resonate with this experience, you're not alone. Many mothers find themselves grappling with mixed emotions, longing for more time to prepare mentally and emotionally for the arrival of their little one.
In my most recent pregnancy, I had envisioned my baby arriving precisely at 40 weeks and 1 day. Throughout the journey, I savored every moment, relishing in the joy of carrying new life. However, as my due date approached, I found myself not quite ready to bid farewell to the precious time of pregnancy.
On January 25, 2022, at just 39 weeks pregnant, I felt the first contraction. Initially, I hoped it was merely a Braxton-Hicks contraction or perhaps the onset of prodromal labor, as it resembled more of a mild period cramp. Despite the intermittent contractions every 20 minutes or so, I held onto the possibility that labor might stall or that it was simply a false alarm—a scenario I had never experienced in my previous pregnancies.
Nevertheless, as the day progressed, the reality began to sink in: my baby was indeed on the way. Yet, amidst the anticipation and excitement, there lingered a bittersweet feeling—a sense of sadness and the need to process the sudden arrival of my little one, even though I wasn't quite prepared to let go of the pregnancy journey just yet. This not-so-ready-to-birth sentiment colored my immediate postpartum days, prompting a period of reflection and adjustment as I welcomed my newborn into the world.
Approximately 80% of women will encounter the "baby blues" within the first 2-3 weeks after giving birth. For about 10-20% of women, postpartum depression may persist for up to a year following childbirth. Additionally, around 1 in 5-6 women will grapple with postpartum anxiety, adding another layer of complexity to the postpartum experience.
It's essential to acknowledge that postpartum psychosis, while rare, is a severe condition occurring in only 0.1-0.2% of births. Typically emerging suddenly within the first two weeks after delivery, postpartum psychosis demands immediate attention and intervention due to its seriousness.
Regardless of the severity or rarity of these conditions, it's crucial to prioritize your mental health and well-being. If you find yourself struggling in any way, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Encourage your partner to advocate on your behalf if they notice any concerning changes in your mood or behavior. Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, and there are resources available to assist you through this challenging time.
What Is Happening for the Baby?
Respiratory: During pregnancy, the baby's lungs are immersed in amniotic fluid, primarily engaging in practice breathing movements. The placenta and umbilical cord serve as the vital lifeline, delivering all the necessary oxygen to sustain the baby's development. Oxygen saturation levels in the womb are lower compared to those experienced after birth.
Upon delivery, a remarkable transition occurs as the baby's lungs are cleared of amniotic fluid and filled with oxygen from the surrounding environment. It's not uncommon for newborns to take up to three minutes to initiate independent breathing. However, it's important to note that as long as the baby remains connected to the placenta, they continue to receive a steady supply of oxygen, ensuring their well-being during this critical period of transition.
Circulatory: During fetal development, the placenta and umbilical cord play a pivotal role in meeting all of the baby's nutritional and oxygen needs. However, once the baby is born, a series of remarkable changes occur within the circulatory system.
Initially, there are specific shunts in the baby's heart that must close, and blood circulation begins. Some areas of the baby's body, which received minimal blood flow while in the womb, now require increased perfusion post-birth. This underscores the critical importance of delayed cord clamping, as it allows the baby to continue receiving their full blood supply until these areas are adequately perfused. Prematurely cutting off the baby from their complete blood supply could potentially result in lifelong health issues due to inadequate blood flow.
Moreover, there are veins and arteries within the umbilical system that must close off after birth as they are no longer needed. This closure ensures the efficient redirection of blood flow within the baby's body, marking another vital aspect of the postnatal transition.
Digestion: During gestation, the baby's nourishment and waste removal are facilitated entirely by the amniotic fluid, placenta, and umbilical cord. However, once the baby is born, a fascinating transition occurs within the digestive system.
In the immediate post-birth period, it's not uncommon for there to be a temporary absence of bowel sounds for up to 15 minutes as the digestive system gradually becomes active. The passage of meconium, the baby's first bowel movement, and the production of urine are positive indicators that the digestive system is beginning to function effectively. These early signs reassure caregivers that the baby's gastrointestinal tract is transitioning smoothly into its role postnatally.
Temperature: In the womb, the baby enjoys a stable and ideal temperature environment, typically around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. However, after birth, newborns are unable to regulate their own body temperature effectively. Therefore, it becomes crucial to ensure that the surrounding environment is adequately warm.
Maintaining a room temperature between 77-82 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal for supporting the baby's thermal comfort. Additionally, promoting skin-to-skin contact, whether with the mother or father, can help regulate the baby's body temperature more effectively. This close physical contact not only provides warmth but also fosters bonding and emotional connection between the newborn and their caregiver.
Senses: During gestation, the baby's sensory experiences are relatively muted and constrained. The womb provides a warm and comforting environment, but it's largely dark and insulated. Sounds are muffled as they pass through layers of the mother's body, the uterus, and the amniotic fluid.
However, once the baby is born, their sensory world undergoes a dramatic transformation. Suddenly, there are bright lights illuminating the surroundings, an array of new scents wafting through the air, and a mixture of loud, unmuffled voices filling the atmosphere. The baby encounters new flavors through breastfeeding or bottle feeding, experiences various movements, and encounters novel sensations on their delicate skin. This sudden influx of stimuli can be overwhelming, creating a sensory overload as the baby begins to navigate the rich and vibrant world outside the womb.
During the early stages of life, babies are engaged in constant learning, with their brain waves primarily in the delta state, indicating subconscious imprinting. This underscores the significance of providing a slow, quiet, and peaceful transition for the newborn. Minimizing external stimuli, such as limiting the number of voices, avoiding bright lights, and restricting handling to only the mother and immediate family, allows the baby the space and tranquility needed to navigate this crucial period of adjustment.
Traditions Around the World
Have you ever considered how post-birth customs vary across cultures and nations? It's fascinating to discover that in many parts of the world, the period following childbirth is revered with distinct traditions quite unlike those in America. Let's explore a few captivating examples of postpartum practices from around the globe.
The Island of Palau: In the island nation of Palau, new mothers are honored through a beautiful celebration known as “Ngasech.” Following a period of ritual cleansing lasting between 4 to 10 days, the “Ngasech” ceremony marks the elevation of the postpartum woman to her revered role of motherhood. This special occasion is characterized by chanting, feasting, and the adornment of flowers, symbolizing the significance of the mother's transition.
While these rituals may seem unfamiliar to us, they serve as a poignant reminder that our own version of "cleansing" in the postpartum period could simply involve staying home with our baby, focusing on nursing, and cherishing those precious moments of bonding.
Indonesia: In Indonesia, it's customary for most women to remain within the family compound and refrain from resuming their regular responsibilities until the baby reaches 42 days old. On this significant day, the baby is formally named, and the entire village partakes in a beautiful ritual followed by a joyous feast.
In America, replicating this extended period of seclusion may not always be feasible due to differences in living arrangements and familial structures. However, it's worth considering the importance of allowing yourself ample time to recover and bond with your newborn. While staying home for an entire month might not be realistic, arranging to stay home for at least a week or two weeks after your baby's arrival can provide valuable opportunities for rest, healing, and bonding. Even a brief period of seclusion can offer essential moments of connection and adjustment for both you and your baby.
India: In India, Ayurvedic tradition emphasizes the importance of providing new mothers with a period of rest and pampering during the first 22 days postpartum. During this time, the mother's elevated role is honored, recognizing her as a cherished figure within the family. This period of rest not only allows the mother to recuperate physically but also strengthens the bond between mother and infant.
Central to this tradition is the prioritization of breastfeeding, as the relaxed environment and reduced stress contribute to smoother nursing experiences. Additionally, ensuring rest and protection for both the mother and baby's delicate nervous systems is paramount. To maintain this tranquil atmosphere, very few visitors are allowed during this precious lying-in period, allowing the mother and baby to establish a peaceful and nurturing environment conducive to their well-being.
Latin America: During La Cuarentena, a cultural custom translating to "quarantine," some women observe a six-week period of dedicated postpartum care. Throughout this time, new mothers abstain from sexual activity, certain foods, and strenuous physical exertion, prioritizing their focus on breastfeeding and nurturing the newborn. In this tradition, other family members play an integral role by assisting with tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for older children, allowing the mother to fully devote herself to her recovery and bonding with the baby.
Japan: For three weeks following childbirth, it's customary for the new mother to recuperate in the comfort of her parents' home. During this time, she remains in bed while other family members step in to assist with household chores and caregiving duties.
Isn't it fascinating to explore these cultural traditions? I find it quite intriguing! It's enlightening to observe the diverse practices from various countries and cultures, especially in contrast to our own.
Regardless of cultural differences, one universal truth remains: during the postpartum period, all mothers benefit from warmth, nourishing foods, ample rest, social and emotional support, bodywork, and ceremonial rituals. These elements play a crucial role in nurturing both the mother and the newborn during this significant time of transition.
Pillars of a Healthy Postpartum
Nourishment: In the postpartum period, prioritizing warmth and nourishment is essential for optimal recovery and well-being. It's crucial to focus on consuming warm, easily digestible, and nourishing whole foods and teas to support the body's healing process. Incorporating warming foods and teas, such as soups, into your diet can help promote internal warmth and comfort.
Additionally, it's important to recognize the increased caloric needs during the postpartum season, as you are not only recovering from childbirth but also breastfeeding. In fact, the caloric requirements during the postpartum period often exceed those of pregnancy. Therefore, it's vital to ensure you're consuming adequate calories to support both your healing and lactation needs.
When planning your postpartum meals, aim to include gentle proteins, such as poultry or legumes, and incorporate foods rich in essential nutrients like Vitamin A from orange-colored foods, B vitamins and fiber from green vegetables, and healthy fats. Preparing ahead of time and having convenient meal options on hand, such as crockpot meals, restaurant gift cards, and non-perishable snacks, can be incredibly helpful during this busy time.
Consider creating Mother's Bowls, inspired by "The First Forty Days" book, which provide a nourishing and balanced meal option. Additionally, keeping smoothie ingredients like spinach, protein powder, yogurt, and berries on hand can offer a quick and nutritious option for busy days.
Broths and soups are particularly nourishing and hydrating choices, providing essential nutrients and supporting overall recovery. Furthermore, incorporating collagen or gelatin, mineral-rich foods, and beef liver capsules into your diet can aid in rebuilding blood, supporting tissue repair, and promoting overall wellness during the postpartum period.
Deep Rest: Deep rest is paramount in the postpartum period, as the intensity of childbirth leaves a profound impact on both our immediate recovery and long-term health, influencing how we navigate future milestones like menopause. However, our culture often fails to prioritize rest, perpetuating a toxic cycle of constant hustle and busyness.
To counteract this, I found solace in implementing the 5-5-5 "rule" when creating my postpartum plan. This simple guideline involves spending the first 5 days primarily in bed, followed by 5 days in the immediate vicinity of the bed, and finally, 5 days gradually expanding activities within the home. During this time, it's crucial to focus on creating a warm and nurturing environment conducive to rest and healing.
Enlist the support of family members or friends to bring nourishing food and drinks to your bedside, allowing you to prioritize self-care without the added stress of meal preparation. Use this precious time to indulge in pampering rituals, reflect on the birthing experience, document your birth story, and process any emotions or thoughts needing attention.
Above all, grant yourself permission to take a holistic break from the demands of the outside world, embracing this period of rest as a vital opportunity for mental, emotional, and physical rejuvenation with no expectations or pressures.
Social & Emotional Support: Social and emotional support play a crucial role in the postpartum journey, yet many of us in America lack the natural support networks found in traditional village settings. However, with thoughtful planning and proactive measures, we can create a nurturing and restful postpartum experience.
Research shows that depression and anxiety issues often stem from a lack of community support and family involvement. To counteract this, it's essential to strategize your maternity and paternity leave, ensuring you have ample time to rest and recover. Compile a list of supportive family members and friends who can assist with tasks during your lying-in period, and consider activating social support systems through community organizations or church groups.
Consider innovative approaches like bartering with other expecting mothers or organizing a "nesting" day instead of a traditional baby shower, where friends and family come together to prepare freezer meals and stock up on essentials like bone broth. Additionally, have a close family member or friend organize a meal train for you, allowing you to control the flow of visitors while still receiving much-needed nourishment.
Furthermore, don't hesitate to explore paid support options such as postpartum doulas, bodyworkers, massage therapists, acupuncturists, cleaning services, lactation consultants, childcare for older children, or pelvic floor therapists. Remember, it's essential to lower the bar and prioritize self-care during this period. Trust that things will eventually fall into place, and focus on embracing the support and nurturing environment you've cultivated for yourself and your newborn.
Bodywork, Ceremony, and Ritual: In the realm of bodywork, ceremony, and ritual, there are numerous ways to honor and heal both the body and the spirit during the postpartum period. Consider sharing your birth story with a trusted friend or family member as a means of processing and reflecting on your experience. Indulge in the soothing benefits of an herbal bath, which can provide relaxation and rejuvenation for both body and mind.
Explore ancient practices like Vaginal Steaming and Bengkung Belly Wrapping, which are believed to offer therapeutic benefits for postpartum recovery. These traditional rituals focus on restoring balance and vitality to the body after childbirth.
Embrace the opportunity to partake in a Sealing Ceremony, such as the Closing Ceremony, which symbolizes the closing of the body's energetic pathways after childbirth. Alternatively, consider hosting a Tea Ceremony or a dedication ceremony at your church to honor the arrival of your newborn and mark this significant milestone in your life.
Remember, there are countless beautiful ways to celebrate and honor this new chapter. Whether through ancient traditions or modern rituals, find what resonates with you and allows you to embrace the transformative journey of motherhood with grace and reverence.
Creating Your Postpartum Plan
Creating your postpartum plan early in your pregnancy, rather than waiting until the last minute, can make a significant difference in your overall experience. By dedicating intentional time to curating this plan and organizing your resources, you can ensure that you're well-prepared to navigate the Fourth Trimester with grace and ease.
I urge you to take the time to educate yourself about the Fourth Trimester so that you can share this knowledge with your family and friends. This period is precious and fleeting, and once it's gone, you can never reclaim it. Therefore, it's worth every ounce of effort to prepare diligently for it.
As you explore postpartum traditions from other cultures, approach them with an open and curious mindset. Consider what resonates with you personally and be open to implementing aspects of these traditions into your own postpartum experience.
Visualize what you want for yourself during this transformative time. Identify the aspects of your postpartum plan that are non-negotiable and those that are flexible. By preparing to make things easy on yourself and setting realistic expectations, you can set yourself up for a smoother and more fulfilling postpartum journey.
Make a List:
Here's a breakdown to help you prioritize tasks and responsibilities during the postpartum period:
Delegate What Has to Be Done:
1. Arrange for someone to handle household chores such as cleaning, laundry, and dishes.
2. Delegate meal preparation and grocery shopping to family members or friends.
3. Assign someone to assist with caring for older children or pets.
4. Ask a trusted friend or family member to help with errands and appointments.
5. Consider hiring a postpartum doula or caregiver to provide additional support.
Write Down Things That Can Be Delayed for a Few Weeks:
1. Non-urgent appointments such as routine check-ups or non-essential meetings.
2. Household projects or renovations that can wait.
3. Social engagements and outings that aren't time-sensitive.
4. Non-essential paperwork or administrative tasks.
Erase What Can Be Put Off for a While:
1. Non-urgent tasks that can wait until the postpartum period is over.
2. Long-term commitments or obligations that can be postponed.
3. Projects or responsibilities that can be delegated or eliminated altogether.
4. Anything that doesn't directly contribute to your well-being or the care of your newborn.
Postpartum Plan Journaling:
Duration of Rest:
- How long I will stay in bed:
- How long I will stay in my room:
- How long I will stay at home:
Reasons for Rest:
- This is my “WHY” for resting:
Comfort Essentials:
- Things I will have on hand to stay comfy:
Examples: nursing bras/tanks, leggings, comfy underwear, nursing pads, water bottle
Activities and Entertainment:
- Things I will have on hand to do:
Examples: Books/Magazines, Journals/Babybook, Shows/Movies, Crafts, Podcasts
Support Contacts:
- Contacts of those who can help:
Examples: OB/Midwife, Lactation Consultant/Support Group, Online Support, Doula
Meal Preparation:
- Meals I will prepare ahead of time:
- Who I will delegate to organize a meal train:
- Who will the meal train link be sent to:
- Favorite snacks and drinks to keep on hand:
Supportive Companions:
- Someone to be with me:
Write down three willing friends or family members who will come be with you
Postpartum Stations:
- These are where I will create “postpartum stations” around my home:
Books About Postpartum
By Kimberly Ann Johnson
The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother
By Heng Ou, Amely Greeven and Marisa Belger
Build Your Nest: A Postpartum Planning Workbook
By Kestrel Gates
A Sacred Beginning: Nurturing Your Body, Mind, and Soul during Baby's First Forty Days
By Sarah Brangwynne and Sasha Rose Oxnard
Important Decisions to Research
I'm listing these topics here because many factors during pregnancy and childbirth can influence hormone levels and impact your postpartum experience. This list is not exhaustive, but it covers important areas to explore after the birth of your baby. Each topic directly affects you, your baby, and your postpartum journey. I encourage you to approach these subjects with an open mind, curiosity, and a willingness to listen to your intuition.
Who Catches Baby?
Rubbing Baby and Removing Vernix
Cord Clamping and Cutting (Immediate, Delayed, or Physiological)
Suctioning Baby
Skin-to-Skin
Hat and Blanket vs. Naked
Active Management of the Third Stage
The Newborn Exam
Weighing and Measuring
Antibiotic Eye Ointment
Hep B Vaccine
Vitamin K (Shot, Oral, or None At All)
Baby’s First Bath
Circumcision
Diapers and Clothing
Swaddling
Tongue and Lip Tie Assessment/Revision
Breastfeeding Guidance and Support
Favorite Postpartum Items to Support You
As a mother of five, I've accumulated a wealth of experience in preparing for postpartum seasons. Here's a short list of essential items that I've found indispensable during this precious time:
After Ease Tincture: to ease the afterpains
Period Underwear: an alternative to pads and depends
Boppy Pillow: helpful for a sore tailbone
Peri-Bottle: for warm water or warm herbal sitz baths
Postpartum Herbal Bath Blend: for healing herbal baths with baby
Washable Chux Pads: for blood, milk, and sweat to save your sheets
Ease the Ache: for postpartum hormone rebalancing and period cramps
Water Bottle with Straw: hydration is so important
Milk Flowin’ Salve: for clogged ducts
Breast Balm: relieve sore nipples
Resources
It's advisable to conduct research and compile a comprehensive resource list during pregnancy, including names and phone numbers of trusted individuals or services. While you may not need to reach out to them immediately, having this network readily available can provide invaluable peace of mind during the postpartum period if any concerns or questions arise.
Support Groups
Education
Breastfeeding Education
Prenatal Yoga
Village
Postpartum Doula
Lactation Consultant
Chiropractor
Craniosacral Therapist
Pelvic Floor Therapist
House Cleaner
Meal Train
Trauma-Informed Counselor
That's a wrap! I hope you found the information helpful and that you've been able to take notes, reflect on the journaling prompts, and gain valuable insights for preparing for your postpartum journey. Remember, you're not alone, and there's a wealth of resources and support available to you as you navigate this transformative time.
I look forward to connecting with you again in this space. Until then, take care, and may you be blessed abundantly on your journey ahead. God bless!
Stay Wild & Free,
-Brandy
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