Supporting Postpartum

The first few weeks with a newborn are fucking tough! Sleep deprivation, hormones, caring for a whole new human and sometimes with additional birth trauma 🙁
How can we support them to make that transition to parents easier? Here’s some tips

✅ Encouragement (no-one ever feels they are doing it right, let them know how amazing they are!!)
✅ Have a good feeding consultant on speed dial. If you can’t afford one there are many free resources online that can help (Maddies miracle, la lache league to name two)
❌ Don’t give unsolicited advice! If we are honest every one of us winged it then found our own way, what was right for you may not be right for them, so shhhhh unless you are asked.
✅ Let them feel ok venting, it’s not always enjoyable in the early days, you love your baby but you can also feel overwhelmed.
✅ Feed them, what they want, when they need it. Don’t faff about, their time is precious, they may only have a five minute window to eat.
✅ Clean, organise, anticipate what they need before they need it.
✅ Hug them, hold them or give them space to breathe.
❌ Do not overstay your welcome, they are exhausted and won’t have mental capacity to entertain. It’s not personal they just need rest!
✅ Learn how to baby wear, for two reasons. Firstly so you can support them if they choose to do it. Secondly so you can take baby (if they ask you to)

Doing this will ensure the new family feel, held loved and supported. IT TAKES A VILLAGE ❤