Positive Postpartum Plan
Our family's plan is to have a smooth postpartum period. We know that we will be tired even when things go well, and we will need some additional support.
Our village (support people) with phone numbers (friends, family, neighbors, religious community, babysitters, and professionals):
People who will cook or coordinate healthy food (such as getting takeout gift cards, coordinating Mealtrain or Lotsa Helping Hands). Don't forget to have a couple of grocery lists available for people who want to shop, as well as round-trip printed directions from your house to grocery stores available for those who ask!
People who will specifically support the new mother (including times of day available) for rests, showers, walking partners, visits, phone/Skype chats, positive parenting support/advice, and anything else she needs. Great to organize at the shower or religious birth ritual.
People who will specifically support the partner/spouse/husband (including times of day available) for rests, showers, walking partners, visits, phone/Skype chats, positive parenting support/advice, and anything else he/she needs. Great to organize at the shower or religious birth ritual.
People who will specifically support other child/ren.
Mom's self-care plan (if you love to do it and it makes you happy, make time for it!)
Partner/spouse/husband's self-care plan (if you love to do it and it makes you happy, make time for it!)
Mara Acel-Green, LICSW, has a private practice in Belmont, MA where she sees pregnant and postpartum women and their families. She can be found at www.maragreen.com. Check out postpartum.net for a full array of state-by-state resources.
Thank you, Ananda!
ReplyDeleteYour "Positive Postpartum Plan" form should be an excellent tool to help parents create a magical postpartum time...as it should be!
I am thrilled to see this and your site!!! I've been teaching this for 39 years. I will definitely use it with my couples.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
blessings,
Francoise 'Mamacita' Souverville
C.C.E./Elder Midwife
This is wonderful, ananda. I'm a newer birth doula and was really looking for some good post partum direction, thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi Ananda,
ReplyDeleteI am often times referred to your blog (either on my own, or through Google), and I love it! I am a DONA postpartum doula in-training, and found this post so helpful! thanks again :-)
xoxo, moxieminxdoula.wordpress.com
Tiffany, thank you for supporting new mothers -- you are making a difference that will impact their lives forever. Truly! And I loved reading your essay about the value of postpartum support on your blog, too!
DeleteAnanda
Hi Ananda,
ReplyDeleteI'm a newly trained Postpartum Doula and I'm so excited to find your blog! Thanks for sharing this...I will definitely make it a part of what I share with new parents as they build their body of support!
AMEN!
ReplyDelete