You?ve taken a prenatal class, packed your hospital bag and installed the carseat. You?re all set and ready to meet your baby! But have you thought about what you?ll do when they actually get here"
Just like creating a birth plan can help set you up for a positive birth experience, creating a postpartum plan can help ease your transition into parenthood.
What is a postpartum plan"
A postpartum plan is a set of preferences for the early weeks and months after your little one arrives, which can include decisions like parental leave, feeding, sleep, household chores, self-care and mental health concerns.
Whether you write it down or simply discuss it with your partner or support system, considering your options early can help parents feel more prepared in the first days and weeks postpartum and ensure that they?re on the same page. ?As with birth plans, seeing it more as a guide versus something that’s completely set in stone is key,? says Alex Weinberger, a certified doula and co-owner of several Ontario doula agencies.
Why should I make a postpartum plan"
Once your baby arrives, you?ll be caring for a newborn while recovering from giving birth, all on very little sleep. Since life with a new baby can be unpredictable, it?s important to consider not only your preferences but also your options if things don?t go according to plan. This helps to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Weinberger explains that oftentimes, her clients also have very differ...