Adapting and Preparing for postpartum

This post was written by former WNYPPC Intern Karen Vilardo, MSW. Thank you, Karen for sharing your postpartum experience with us.

Postpartum: 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year. Some refer to the postpartum phase as the fourth trimester. No matter how you define it, it is still a major transition for women and their families. It does not matter if it is your first, second or third child. This is still a time frame of many ups, downs and everything in between.

Everyone experiences this differently and each child is a bit different. Different needs, different challenges. Maybe this time frame is defined so differently because it is experienced so differently.

Maybe it is much more individualized.

Maybe it is just not talk about or studied enough.

In general, it seems there is more focus on parenting. There are many opinions and theories on hot topics such as sleep, eating, and discipline. When it comes to postpartum support, there is less available.

Reflecting on my postpartum experience, there are some things that worked out really well,

while other things made me feel unprepared.

When I was pregnant, I decided I wanted to room share. I set up a twin-sized bed in the baby’s

room next to the crib. I also set up a bassinet in my bedroom next to my bed. I had read that

some recommend room sharing until your child turns one. My plan was to have my baby sleep in the bassinet in my room for a few months and then transition him to the crib, while I sleep in his room for a while.

I didn’t realize how much pain I would be in when I first got home from the hospital.

I didn’t realize I would not be able to walk up the stairs, to my bedroom.

I didn’t realize I would have nerve damage, making it hard to sit up or walk at times.

I already had to adapt to what I needed and change my “plan”.

I was still able to room share since I had a bed in the baby’s room, but I certainly was unprepared for what postpartum would actually look like. I was not able to sleep in my own bedroom like I wanted and I felt like I needed to be near the bathroom.

I sent my husband out on multiple occasions to pick up supplies or food. I also had furniture

moved around a few times to adapt to what I needed.

The could haves, the should haves… the truth is, there is no right or wrong way. I put together a list of tips and things to think about when preparing for your postpartum experience. But, what is most important, is that you adapt to your own needs. Take a look at the suggestions, but also consider that things may change.

References:

Savage, Jane S. A Fourth Trimester Action Plan for Wellness, The Journal of Perinatal Education, April 2020

The New Mother: Taking Care of Yourself after Birth, Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital, Stanford Children’s Health, USA