Childbirth and the postpartum period, also known as the fourth trimester, can be a wild ride. No matter how much you prepare, it comes down to taking care of yourself both physically and mentally. Trust me, I learned this the hard way. So, to save you the hassle, here are my top tips for surviving your first birth and not losing your mind in the process.
4-8 Weeks Before Your Due Date
- Make a general birth plan: Vaginal birth or c-section? Epidural? At what point? What to do in case of emergencies?
- But be flexible: Things can change quickly and you don’t want to hold yourself to unreasonable standards especially if anyone’s health or safety is at risk.
- Research time off: Research all the ways you can take time off from work. Disability and bonding time are offered in California, for instance. I needed more time to get used to my new schedule and responsibilities as a parent than I thought I would.
2-4 Weeks Before Your Due Date
- Exercise: Strengthening your core muscles will aid in both childbirth and recovery, particularly if you are delivering vaginally. During my pregnancy, and particularly in the third trimester, I made it a point to walk twice daily for approximately 20 minutes each time.
- Meal prep: Before the baby arrives, try to get as much meal planning and preparation done as you can. This will help reduce stress and one less thing to worry about once the baby comes.
- Have an advocate: Make sure your birth partner knows how to stand up for you and speak on your behalf during those intense moments when important decisions need to be made on the spot. And, seriously, think about getting a doula. They’re like the birthing and hospital experts, and they’ll have your back and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Postpartum (“The Fourth Trimester”)
- Accept the mess: I struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety, and through therapy, I was able to let go of my expectations of what I thought I should know or do and embrace the messy reality of childbirth and parenting. There is no way to be fully prepared for this journey.
- Buy a sterilizer: People will try to sell you a million things as “must-haves” for those first few months, but let’s be real, a lot of it is just marketing. However, you will probably have a ton of stuff to sterilize, especially if you’re bottle-feeding or pumping.
- Be kind to yourself: Don’t let negative self-talk take over. Before the baby arrives, talk to your partner about how you’ll handle those crazy, sleep-deprived moments and come up with a secret code word to use when things get tough. That way, you can hit pause on the conversation and regroup.
In conclusion, preparation for childbirth and the postpartum period involves not just physical preparation, but also mental and emotional preparation. From meal planning to advocating for yourself and addressing negative self-talk, it’s important to have a support system in place and to be aware of the challenges that may arise.
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