Postpartum Care Planning: Building Your Dream Team
All expecting and new mothers are encouraged to be intentional about postpartum care planning to build their dream team. The postpartum period, often referred to as the fourth trimester, is a crucial time for anyone who has given birth. During this period, your baby’s well-being isn’t the only thing that matters. To ensure that both you and your baby thrive during this critical time frame, I strongly recommend building a dream team.
The postpartum period is meant for new mothers to recover from childbirth as well as adjust to life with a newborn. Having a solid postpartum care plan can have a significant impact on a mother’s physical and emotional well-being. Without a good postpartum care plan, mothers run the risk of facing challenges with their physical and mental well-being. These risks can include postpartum depression and anxiety, breastfeeding challenges, complications with physical recovery, nutritional deficiencies, self-neglect and even strain on family relationships.
The Postpartum Care Dream Team
Doula
A doula can provide support before, during and after pregnancy. Many studies have shown the numerous benefits of having a doula. Having a doula is an incredible complement to your healthcare team. Research has shown that doula supported births are associated with shorter labor times, less use of pain medications, less c-cesarean sections (c-sections) and increased breastfeeding.
Midwife
If you’re looking for a more holistic birth experience, consider using a Midwife. Midwives often focus more on the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of childbirth. They provide personalized care throughout the pregnancy, labor and postpartum. Both midwives and obstetricians play essential roles in childbirth so the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences as well as the complexity of the pregnancy.
Pediatrician
It’s best to identify a pediatrician before your baby’s arrival. This provider is necessary for monitoring your baby’s growth and development. If you are having difficulty finding a pediatrician for your baby, you can ask for recommendations from your OBGYN, friends, family or other healthcare providers.
Lactation Consultant
Breastfeeding can be a challenge for some moms and can be a very distressing experience. A lactation consultant can offer support and practical tips to establish successful breastfeeding routines. Issues such as latching, milk supply concerns and feeding schedules are common struggles that lead people to seek support from a lactation consultant. It can be really helpful to identify a provider ahead of time so if needed, you already have this resource established.
Mental Health Support
The transition to having a new baby, whether it’s the first or third time, can be challenging. Having a therapist with specialized training and experience with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS) can be immensely helpful in getting needed support, especially if you have a history of depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges. The best thing you can do for
yourself is be proactive. While PMADS are common, they are also treatable. Working with a therapist can equip you with helpful coping strategies and provide you with emotional support.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
During pregnancy, the body experiences a plethora of changes such as the uterus expanding as well as the weakening of pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor therapy can help to prepare the body for childbirth by teaching the body relaxation techniques and exercises that ease labor and delivery. This type of therapy is also helpful to address pain, improve bladder and bowel control after childbirth and enhance core stability.
With a new baby, it can be tempting to spend a lot of time preparing for your baby’s arrival by ensuring they have essential items for sleep, feeding, clothing and play but don’t forget about you. Mom care is childcare and having your dream team will ensure your needs are met. Postpartum care planning to build your dream is the best thing you can do for yourself, your baby and your family. You are a vital part of your baby’s care and well-being.
