SELF CARE TIPS
Self-Care Tips for Breastfeeding Mothers
Are you a pregnant mom planning to breastfeed your baby? As you prepare for the arrival of your little one by shopping for layette sets and reading reviews about the best diaper rash ointments and the safest bassinets, don’t forget to prepare for the best postpartum experience for yourself. Here, Seattle Doula Support shares tips for moms-to-be to get their home, family, and themselves ready for life with a newborn.
Preparing Your Home for Baby
Prepare your home for your baby’s arrival by decluttering and organizing your space. You’ll feel more at peace with a clean house and less visual clutter, and this sprucing up may also help prevent falls when you’re walking around at night with your little one, soothing him as you bounce him softly on your hip, trying to put him back to sleep.
In the nursery, set up a rocking chair or cushioned seat where you can comfortably breastfeed your newborn. Since little ones can take up to 45 minutes per session to breastfeed, make sure you have everything you’ll need within reach to be comfortable, such as pillows for your neck and rest your elbow on and a tall glass of water or your favorite non-alcoholic beverage. Giving your baby undivided attention is essential; there’s a chance your baby could become fussy if you try to do other things while nursing, so is sure to keep distractions to an absolute minimum.
Packing Your Hospital Bag
American Pregnancy suggests you pack your hospital bag with a delivery gown, nursing pajamas, and nursing bras. Don’t forget nursing pads, whether disposable or washable, to stop leaks between feedings. Include some comfy underwear that will also accommodate large sanitary pads, as you’ll experience a heavier flow than average after delivery. When looking for delivery and postnatal clothing, don’t stress yourself out with visits to local boutiques. Instead, turn to sites like Amazon, which offers access to preferred retail shops to gather everything you need, from bras to underwear to pajamas to gowns. Add these items to your regular order for household supplies.
In addition to clothing, you may want to take a pair of flip-flops, shower slides, or shoes to take a shower before or after delivery safely, and some heavy socks in case you get cold in your hospital room. A postpartum belly band or belly wrap is also a great addition to your hospital bag: it is designed to help support your body and to ease your back pain after childbirth. And if you have a C-section, you may experience some relief from its gentle compression on your abdomen. Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork with you as you head to the hospital, and pack some gum, hard candy, or ginger candy in case you experience dry mouth or nausea.
Spending Time With Your Older Kids
If this isn’t your first baby, make a point to prioritize your older children by carving out time just for them. Ask grandparents, friends, or relatives to take over baby duties for a few hours and take your older kids to the park, a movie matinee, or a favorite restaurant. Establish a bedtime routine where you tuck your older kids in bed after helping them get ready for the night. Read stories together, and if your older children know or are learning how to read, have them read aloud to their new baby brother or sister during a nursing session.
If you’re worried you don’t spend enough quality time with your older kids now that their youngest sibling is here, ask them to work alongside you as you attend to chores around the house: let them empty the dishwasher while you prepare dinner or have them fold the laundry while you sort the next load. Kids love to feel needed and be helpful, and they’ll relish their time spent with you.
Taking family walks together can also be a great bonding experience; since babies tend to sleep while out on strolls, it can offer everyone a little peace. Try taking a walk around your neighborhood during baby’s nap time so that you can focus on your older children. If you live in an area with a high walk score, use that to your advantage; depending on the neighborhood’s ranking, there may be parks you can visit nearby. Plus, they may feel excited and proud to show off their new little brother or sister to neighbors and friends.
Caring for Your Body and Mind Postpartum
Adjusting to a new baby is much work. You often deal with new stresses while managing life with very little sleep. Your body will ache, and you may not feel like yourself for a while. It’s important to give yourself grace and support during these times so that you can also enjoy spending time with your new little one.
Doulas, like Christina with Seattle Doula Support, can be great resources during this transition period, but you may need additional medical care from a doctor or therapist. Don’t put off making these appointments. If you don’t have medical insurance, consider adding it to a parent’s or spouse’s policy. If that’s not a possibility, check for discounts in your state. The Affordable Care Act opened many new resources for lower-cost insurance, and your overall health is worth the investment.
Be Patient and Take Care
Giving birth is a joyous and emotional time. As you get ready to welcome your little one, ensure you don’t neglect to take care of yourself. Prepare your home to feel welcoming and tidy when you return from the hospital, and gather all the necessities for your hospital bag. Create a game plan to spend time with your other children, so they still feel connected and loved. And postpartum, enlist your loved ones to help so you can get the rest you need.