Kiddipedia

Kiddipedia

Bringing a new baby home is a special momentous occasion that can be filled with excitement, love, and a touch of nervousness. It marks the beginning of a unique journey as new parents with sleepless nights, tender moments and countless memories waiting to be made. This transition home, without a midwife standing by to help and encourage can be daunting and it’s normal to feel tired and overwhelmed. During your pregnancy there is often a focus on the birth, setting up the nursery and ensuring you have everything you need for the new baby. You’ve probably heard people say they wish that babies came with a manual! Well, there might not be a manual but there are a few things you can do to ensure you enjoy a peaceful postpartum.

Here are some tips to guide you to navigate this beautiful, sometimes challenging time with a little more serenity.

  1. Plan for the early weeks Spend some time with your partner or support people and talk about what you would like the early weeks at home to feel like. Talking together can help to identify areas where you would like extra support, set some boundaries around visitors, and feel more confident that you are all on the same page for the transition home. There are services that can support you to plan your postpartum as well as support your during the early weeks to achieve a peaceful postpartum such as a Postnatal Doula or Maternal Child Health Nurse.
  2. Get Educated Spend some time finding out more about areas such as early feeding, sleep and settling and newborn care. If you are wanting to Breastfeed, many Lactation Consultants will offer education to begin your breastfeeding journey in the latter weeks of your pregnancy. Breastfeeding is a new skill to learn so being informed before your little one arrives can be beneficial. Most hospitals will provide some basic education around bathing baby, changing nappies etc but you can also look for classes or even just talk to your local Maternal Child Health Nurse. Infant CPR education is also something you may like to complete before baby arrives. The first few weeks can be a bit of a blur so getting educated before baby arrives can be handy.
  3. Accept Help Don’t be afraid to lean on others for support. Accept assistance from family and friends who offer to help. Often people are more than willing to help but you just might need to be specific with what you need. Maybe it’s help with the household chores, cooking, looking after other children or even a shoulder to cry on.
  4. Prioritise Self-care Taking care of yourself is crucial. Everyone will say sleep when the baby sleeps but that’s not always helpful if your baby isn’t sleeping a lot or feeding frequently. It can be more helpful to focus on resting when your baby is settled, sharing the load with your partner or support network to provide opportunities for sleep. Eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated. Having some easy to grab snacks preprepared can be great to have while feeding. Sometimes in the haze of newborn life it’s easy to forget to eat so try and remember when you feed the baby, feed yourself. Try and find small moments if you can do something that’s just for you. Some days a long shower might feel like selfcare and other days it might look more like a coffee with a friend. Selfcare is whatever you need to feel rested, relaxed and renewed. Schedule short breaks for yourself, even if it’s just a moment outside alone. A change of scenery can do wonders for your mental wellbeing.
  5. Rest and Sleep Newborns are all unique and will have different sleep needs. Some may sleep a lot in the early weeks while others may be more alert. Sleep deprivation is common with a newborn, so it is important to try to prioritise rest. Share night time duties with your partner if possible or take turns caring for your baby during the day so you can both get some sleep. If you don’t have a partner, it may be worthwhile having family or a friend stay with you in the first few weeks.
  6. Limit Visitors It’s wonderful that family and friends are also excited about your new baby and want to come and meet them, but it is also important to limit your visitors, especially in the first few weeks. Protect your rest and bonding time getting to know your baby. If you would like to have visitors, make them useful for example, get them to bring a meal or pick up some groceries for you. After having a baby, it is very normal to feel emotional and overwhelmed. Sometimes you might feel like visitors but change your mind and that’s ok. Communicate with your partner or support person so they can advocate for you and it’s their role to manage the visitors (especially telling them when it’s time to go!).
  7. Communicate with your Partner Open and honest communication is vital for a peaceful transition. Share your feelings, concerns and ask for support. They are more than likely feeling just as overwhelmed and unsure as you so work as a team.
  8. Focus on Essentials It’s ok if the dishes aren’t done or the house isn’t like you normally leave it. Focus on the essentials and let go of non-essentials for now. Delegate tasks if you need to. Consider hiring help for tasks such as cleaning if it is going to make things a little easier for you.
  9. Stay Connected The early weeks at home can be isolating. Stay connected with friends and family through phone calls, video chats or social media so you don’t feel lonely. When you feel up to it, join a local Mother’s group or playgroup in your area. Connecting with other new mothers can be an amazing support for the early parenting journey.
  10. Embrace Imperfection Remember you are both learning and growing together. Some days you might feel like you’ve got this motherhood thing all worked out and other days you’ll feel like a hot mess. It’s all part of the ride. There is no such thing as the perfect parent. Mistakes will happen and that’s ok.
  11. Ask for Help If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s from a professional such as a Maternal Child Health Nurse or GP, a friend, or a family member, reaching out is a sign of strength not a weakness.
  12. Enjoy the small moments Parenthood is full of many small, beautiful moments. Savour these first weeks at home and moments like your baby’s first smile or that cuddle on the couch while your baby sleeps. Be in the photos to Mumma! So often we take photos of our baby, but we forget to be in the photo. You might not feel amazing but capture the moment and you will treasure it.

Remember that every postpartum experience is unique whether it’s your first baby or your latest addition to the family. It’s ok to seek the support and resources that best fit your unique family. Prioritising your wellbeing and the wellbeing of your baby will contribute to a more peaceful and fulfilling transition home. Bringing your baby home is a beautiful adventure filled with challenges and rewards. It’s a time to cherish the coos, smiles and late-night cuddles. By preparing your space, seeking support, and focusing on bonding and self-care you can embark on this journey with confidence and love, creating a nurturing. Environment for you your little one and your family to grow.

If you like support planning for your peaceful postpartum we are here to help. hello@afterthebump.com.au or www.afterthebump.com.au to find out more