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Making a plan: preparing for what happens AFTER you give birth |
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by Kristen  (December 2006) (rank 167th) |
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As you prepare for the end of your pregnancy, the doctors or midwives try to prepare you for everything that is going to happen when you give birth. Lots of people make a birth plan and try to wrap their minds by preparing as much as possible. There are
some things that you should think about that maybe won't cross your mind until you are in the moment.
- If you already have children, what is the plan for them post-birth? You have a plan for what your kids are going to do while you go into labor and maybe even right after you have the new baby, but what then? What about on day 2 or day 3 or even day 4, when things are possibly at their most hectic? Some ideas are talking with friends before you go into labor and set up tentative play-dates for your kids. Transitions such as having a new baby are difficult enough but have bored kids at home might just drive you over the edge. If you have a relative that is coming to help, coming up with some ideas for "away from home" time for the big kids with Grandma may be really helpful as you are adjusting to a baby that has difficulty nursing or is only sleeping in 1 hour increments.
- Have a set plan for visitors before they show up. If this is your first birth, you really don't have any idea what you are getting into until you get there. Setting up visits ahead of time for relatives that come to stay for long periods of time might not be the best idea. It is always better to schedule a shorter visit if you can and then ask someone to stay a little bit longer if things are going well and they are giving you the support you need. There is nothing worse that having a visitor there to "help" that expects you to entertain and feed them, AND they aren't leaving for another 2 weeks. If this is a birth after other children and you have someone that is really great with your kids, ask them to come and help if they can.
- Say how you feel. If you are having a hard time and your husband's family is making you even more stressed out, put the ball in his court. It seems that everyone who hasn't given birth in the last few years forgets how difficult it is sometimes to have a newborn. You shouldn't have to figure everything there is to figure out about this baby and still go shopping with your sister-in-law because she has come to visit unexpectedly. If you are exhausted and cannot entertain, tell everyone you have to take a nap. People that love you will understand.
Just some ideas to help you prepare for the new baby. Hope they help.
