Why should I create a postpartum care plan?

I'm back with Frequently Asked Friday!

Today's question centers around postpartum care and why it should be prioritized.

There is a super simple answer to this one:

Because you deserve to be cared for.

Prioritizing postpartum support ensures a smoother transition during the postpartum season.

What can a postpartum plan look like?

 1. Hiring a Postpartum Doula

This is actually a personal nonnegotiable for me for my future postpartum seasons. I know that having a postpartum doula is a game changer. Having someone care for you AFTER you've given birth is such a powerful way to care for yourself. You deserve to be held during these tender times. As a postpartum care provider, I offer in home massage, meal prep, moxibustion, womb steaming, baby care, light house keeping, and even overnight care. Reach out if you'd like help building your support plan or if you are currently looking for a PP doula!

 2. Reaching out to Lactation Consultants in your area

If breastfeeding is part of your plan, I recommend having a lactation consultant visit you and your baby to help you get things started. After my baby was born I had a lactation consultant come to my home to do a feeding assessment, just to ease my mind. My child was latching well, but I had never nursed a baby before. I had no idea if I was doing it "right." The LC gave me the peace of mind I needed. A set of eyes that knows exactly what to look for can really help prevent a speed bump from turning into a road block. You don't have to wait until there's a problem to see a lactation consultant, plan to see one within the first week!

 3. Scheduling Pelvic Floor Therapy

Regardless how your baby is brought into the world, vaginally or caesarean section, there is a LOT happening down there! A pelvic floor therapist can address diastasis recti, incontinency, frequent urination, prolapse, pain during intimacy, low back pain, caesarean scar discomfort, etc. Realistically everyone who gives birth should check in with a Pelvic Floor Therapist in the postpartum season. It's also a wonderful idea to seek pelvic floor therapy prenatally to prepare for child birth.

Ask your midwife/provider/doula/mom friends for a recommendation for a pelvic floor therapist.

 4. Find a local postpartum support group

Look around for a group of moms in the same season as you. Connecting with other women who can relate to the late nights, the around the clock feeding, and the immense love you feel for your tiny new person, is such a magical thing!

I cohost a Postpartum Support Circle on the fourth Thursday of the month! We would love to see you there!

See ya next week, feel free to send me your questions!

Light & Love,

Meah Beans