Postpartum Planning

So often we get caught up in birth planning that we forget to plan for our postpartum experience... and find ourselves side blinded by all the things that we never thought about. 

A dear friend and doula client, who was preparing for the birth of her 2nd child, had the idea of writing a ''Postpartum Plan'' in addition to her ''Birth Plan'' and graciously gave me permission to share it. Please, feel free to copy and paste, and use as your own. 

​Postpartum Plan
Written by an Anonymous Doula Client 

Self:
Embrace the slower pace that is postpartum.
You have to be ready and willing to loosen your grip on who you are, so you can fully immerse yourself in the process of becoming who you will be.
Release perfectionism and control.
 Lean into the feminine: A baby places different demands on a woman than it does on a man. Ask for help, release the need to do it all, and graciously receive.

​Visitors
 Hospital: only grandparents and Ezra meeting baby
 Home for first 2 weeks: only immediate family 
 In the first month home: friends

~visits with friends will be an hour and a half or less
~list of helpful things visitors can do is posted on the side of the fridge
~ask friends to pick up any grocery items or stop at a store/bring a coffee

Breastfeeding
 Plan is to exclusively breastfeed on demand
Lactation Consultant: Phone Number 
 La Leche League of Cincy - When do they meet? 
 Formula, if needed: Enfamil NeuroPro or Up and Up Advantage Infant

Sleep/Rest
 If trying to nap during the day: take older sibling in the basement or take him out of the house to decrease noise/distraction
 Have a helper come during older sibling's nap to care for baby while mom naps
 Every 90-120 minutes of activity, try pausing for a ten minute break to recharge and rest
(take a walk, let your mind wander, stretch) don’t just push through the slump

Meals
 Make several freezer meals prior to birth
 Heirloom Chef is local ready to eat meals delivered, order via website
 Accept meals via drop-off (don’t do a meal train)
 Meal ideas for visitors to bring is posted on the fridge

Self-Care
 Postpartum herb baths (daily or every other day)
 AM Bible reading
 Put affirmations on bathroom mirrors
 Schedule a postpartum massage
 Journal 
 Only check in with social media in morning, mid-day, and evening (don’t mindlessly
scroll and try not to use overnight with feedings- listen to a podcast or audiobook)
 Go to a coffee shop to read
 What gets me back on track when feeling “off”?
~Make your own list here - This mom included: sit in our sunroom with the windows open, baths, call a friend, go walk at the park or nature center, treats (a special coffee or acai bowls)

Mom Tribe
 List 
 Your 
 Mom 
 Friends 
 Here

Medical/Support Team Numbers
 Midwife/OB - Phone Number 
 Molly Thoms (doula): 513-562-7033
 IBCLC - Name & Phone Number 
 Massage Therapist -Name & Phone Number 
 Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist - Name & Phone Number 
 Pediatrician - Phone Number 

Marriage Support
 My Love Language: 
 Love Language of Partner: 
 Sit down and do marriage journal once a week to connect as a couple

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Isn't this a beautiful idea? Will you embrace the ''Postpartum Plan?'' What would you add to it or take away? Share your comments and suggestions in the comments.