Stepping into the unknown.....

The birth has happened and the baby is born...... now what?

I firmly believe in the power of a positive birth experience and it's ability to empower women in all parts of their lives and relationships. It is the best start to a connected and confident journey with your child and partner.

The childbearing year is surely a journey. One that is traveled step by step where awareness opens up in stages that mirror the phases of pregnancy and the postpartum period. It makes complete sense to me that a woman and her partner focus on the pregnancy and decisions to be made as her body and baby grow full with love and anticipation of the "big event."

I honor that journey and the time it takes for each woman to reach those stages in her own time.
I speak with clients about all those things that come up as a result of this huge change in her life, the change in her identity, her concerns, fears, excitement, and joy surrounding the impending birth.
I also connect that present journey to the needs and support required after the baby arrives.

Many women don't give the postpartum part of the journey as much thought and find themselves overwhelmed or surprised at the immediate role of parenthood.
I hear many women say that they thought they would get to rest after the birth and then be able to begin parenting. This is not the case, mothering begins before the birth and continues with waking every few hours to feed, change, and soothe baby.

Depending on how long/short or complicated/uncomplicated your birth is, moms may be caught unawares by the new demands of their newborns.

This is where having competent, loving, and compassionate support for postpartum comes into play. Whether this support comes from a non-judgemental family member, friend, or professional postpartum doula, it is something a new family should not do without.

Having someone who is educated in breast feeding, bottle feeding, newborn care, healthy nutrition to aid in recovery and breastfeeding, blues, postpartum depression, reading your baby's cues and space organization is invaluable.

Many times after the birth the focus of all is now on the baby alone. Mothers need mothering during this postpartum period to enable them to maximize their energy, recovery, and ability to best take care of their newborn child.

Having a community in place prior to the birth of your baby is great as well.
Socializing with other moms due around your estimated due date via classes for pregnant moms, online communities, and clubs is a good way to make friends with other expectant moms.
This allows for an established network during the postpartum period. Other new moms you can take walks with to the park, call when you are having a rough day, consult with around parenting issues.

Being gentle with yourself during this transition is very important. You have just had a baby and are learning how to care for this new being. Adjustments in your relationship with your partner are normal and can be exciting, but patience is required and compassion for the partner's transition is needed as well. You are on this journey together. Allow for the acceptance of help and ask for what you need. Keep your connection with your partner and yourself by communicating clearly and know that telepathy isn't something most of us can do. : )
The surrender required in pregnancy and birth carries over to the rest of your journey. Strength comes in the form of asking for what you need and accepting all that is given from open hearts, and establishing boundaries where needed.

If your family isn't nearby, can only be present for a short time following birth, or aren't the energy you need postpartum, then I highly suggest you have postpartum doula support. Having an experienced woman there for you and your new family is invaluable.

Ways to prepare for this postpartum transition are available.

Drink---

Red raspberry leaf tea daily ( good to do as a woman for your entire life---it is a uterine toner)
Coconut water (high in electrolytes)
Lots of water with lemon or lime squeezed into it
Organic milk, soy milk, hemp milk, or almond milk
Fresh vegetable juices ( green ones sweetened with apple are excellent for elasticity of tissues, helps a perineum stretch and recover following delivery.
Fruit smoothies ( organic fruits are preferable )

Eat---

Small meals often
Lots of greens
Organic when possible
Cook meals ahead of time and freeze for consumption later

Sleep---

When you are tired
Try to listen to your body's signals for rest

Arrange support

Schedule times/days for family and/or friends to come to your home and help you
have specific tasks for them to do i.e., cook meals, watch baby while you shower, nap, brush your teeth
Hire or have your friends or family hire a postpartum doula as a gift for you ( better than one more onesie! )
Have some recommended names of lactation consultants, chiropractors, and massage therapists

Books

Our Babies Ourselves by Meredith Small

Mothering the new mother by Sally Placksin

The Year after Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger

Your Amazing Newborn by Dr. Marshall Klaus and Phyllis Klaus

Becoming a Father by William Sears

The expectant Father by Armin Brott

I wish you the best in this journey and have the utmost confidence in your ability
to grow your baby and your family without sacrificing yourself in the process.

The love you give yourself radiates out to everyone in your life!

I am happy to provide information to anyone regarding this period and my postpartum doula services.

Be Well,

Dana