Bonjour lecteurs! Do you remember back in the days what it was like when you had just given birth? I have a very clear memory of the very first hours, looking at Stanley, being amazed that I made him. But like many other women, postpartum was not that simple. In the past, mums were made to lay down and rest while they were recovering and nursing. This was called lying. Nowadays, in a busy in modern world, c’est très différent for new mums. So getting ready for your postpartum life est très important, something even to consider while you are pregnant. Here are my top tips to survive this period of your life.
Take Your Time To Recover
As you prepare your list of essential postpartum supplies, it might be worth thinking about the routine you would like to have once the baby is here.
Personnellement, I was very lucky I could take it slow, while having family and friends around. Plus, I loved all the fuss that they were making around Stanley. It was just a beautiful time with all our loved ones. My mum was there for the birth and it was great to have her as support in the early days too.
But if you feel the need to rest and be on your own so that you can do the whole ‘lying in’ thing, go for it. Listen to your body. Within few weeks, you will be quick to establish your own routine of living with a child that feel right for you and your famille.
Professionals To Support You
It’s also worth having a list of professionals on hand in case you need it. You don’t know what might happen. You can encounter some complications or even struggle with some aspects of early motherhood.
Par exemple, some might need the help of a lactation consultant with breastfeeding.
Or you may need to speak to your midwife or a nurse at your local GP. And while family members might be able to help on some topics, it’s always best to have specialists to give you an up-to-date advice. They know what they’re talking about, unlike your entourage.
You might even consider a postpartum doula to help you with those early weeks after the baby is born.
Batch Cooking
I was also advised to spend some time meal prepping, getting all my fav meals in the freezers before the bébé arrived and it made such a différence.
As soon as the newborn comes home with you, you will be caught up in a fog of a lack of sleep, a constant feeding cycle. It can be such a blur!
You will barely have a minute to yourself , let alone cook for hours in the kitchen. So having nutritious meals in the freezer ready to go is so handy, even more if you breastfeed. You can’t survive on take aways.
Prepare A Postpartum Kit
Has any of your friends got you a postpartum kit?
I was lucky to be gifted one and it was one of my favourite presents. But you can also prepare your own.
It must include all the items you will need for both yourself and the baby. It is easier to have everything in one place. I had a basket at the maternity ward with all les essentiels: pads, muslin cloths, nappies, any baby wipes or creams that you might need for nappy rash.
Your Postpartum Self-care Options
Back in 2016, I wish I had thought more about my postpartum self-care options.
I was a bit frustrated as I could not exercise as early as I wanted. It’s usually recommended to not do any exercise before six weeks because your body is in a big healing phase whether you have a C-section or not. But early on, I really enjoyed some daily walks. I was eager to go out and get some fresh air!
For my first self-care treat, I got a pampering session at the BeautyBAR by Clarins in London. Stanley was 4 months then and I will never forget the feeling to go out out on my own for the first time!
Do what feels right for you at your own pace: some gentle exercise, maybe a yoga session or even a post-natal massage…
Hire A Cleaner
You might feel the need to get further outside support.
Some people choose to hire a doula or a night nurse to help with those overnight feeds, but it’s up to you.
I was very lucky because Grumpy Boyfriend was working from home so I was never really on my own. I also had a lot of support from his family, which was great as mine is abroad.
But it can get busy quickly and if you want to spend those early days as much as you can with your little one and not worrying about housework, I would definitely consider hiring a cleaner to come in a couple of times a week.
Getting ready for postpartum life does not have to be stressful. Bien sûr, we all have a different experience, but those simple idées will get you covered. Let me know what else has been helping you in the early days with your first born,
