Planning for Postpartum in Pregnancy

When I started birth work, almost 13 years ago, it was hard to describe what I did as a doula. Was I like a midwife? Did I replace a spouse or husband? I didn’t have my elevator pitch for a while and finally came up with the quip that a midwife is from the belly button down and I was from the belly button up. Not quite accurate, but it worked!

Now, as a birth worker solely focused on education and postpartum, I’m realizing it’s also hard to help folks understand the importance of Postpartum Planning. This blog will hopefully break down some information and dispel some misinformation.

1. Postpartum is something you ARE not something you HAVE
   Postpartum literally means post birth (post pregnancy). And it is the time after you are no longer pregnant. For many folks this means giving birth to a living child, but people who have miscarriage, still birth, or abortions are technically postpartum as well.

   When I say birth is a moment, postpartum is forever this is what I mean. Your body is forever changed and altered by birth - brain shape, DNA, cells, organ placement all changed.

2. Postpartum Health is Long-Term Health
   The more we care for ourselves after birth, the better our long-term health outcomes are. When remember that it takes 10 months for full gestation, it can help put into perspective the MINIMUM amount of time we need to physically heal from birth. Things like Pelvic Floor dysfunction and Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders can be greatly lessened by adequate postpartum rest and healing.

3. Postpartum Care is a Necessity, Not a Luxury
   But, unfortunately, in America we don’t see it this way. Imagine how healthy we would be, as a society, if we simply cared for people after they gave birth. Instead, we live in a country without adequate paid parental leave and we have societal expectations of thinness and bounce back after birth.
   In societies where there are still periods of postpartum rest, we see better health outcomes for mothers, birth givers, and children.

So, if you’re pregnant, you owe it to yourself, your family and your baby to prepare for postpartum. Nutrition, Rest, Healing are great ways to start. Stay tuned for more tips!