The last few weeks of pregnancy can be hard…and feel long. Expecting women often feel done with their pregnancy and are focused and ready to hold their new baby. Birth supplies are gathered, packed and ready to go. A name has been picked. Tiny clothes are folded and tucked away neatly in drawers. These moms are often anxious and excited and emotional all at the same time. They may find themselves with nothing left to do as they wait. If this describes you right now, read on for 4 things you can pass the time doing to prepare for postpartum while you wait.
1. Stock everything. You may have already made freezer meals for postpartum but in the first few weeks after baby, you aren’t going to be making any store runs at all. Make sure your pantry and fridge is stocked full. Fill the pantry with staples so that when those freezer meals run out, you (or even better, your partner) can easily throw together a meal. Fill the fridge with plenty of fruits, vegetables, eggs, and healthy beverages. Also make sure you have plenty of pads, toilet paper, and other common household goods that you don’t want to run low on.
2. Read a book (and not one about anything at all baby related. You’ve taken the comprehensive birth class. You’ve read everything by Ina May. You’ve got this! Now read something else. Distracting yourself can help pass the time and calm your nerves. Read a feel good book that keeps your mind away from your swollen ankles and stretchmarks or even just the constant need to go to the bathroom. This is a great way to prepare for postpartum too. You are going to spend a lot of time resting, nursing or snuggling with your baby. Netflix and books will be your best friend. Why not get started now!
3. Put together a mom/baby basket. During postpartum recovery, I didn’t always stay in one spot. The bed was great for the first few days, but sometimes I ventured out in to the sunroom or living room or front porch. It was nice to have everything I needed easily portable. I put a book, a water bottle, snacks, chap stick, diapers, wipes, nipple butter, and a few burp cloths in mine. Whatever you use frequently now, throw it in the basket along with some of baby’s necessities too. You’ll end up changing the contents some once baby arrives and you figure out what you need accessible, but get started on it now.
4. Have compassion for yourself. Now and during postpartum, moms are always so hard on themselves. Worrying and focusing on everything they’ve done “wrong” or neglected all together. The house is a mess. The toddler has been watching entirely too much television. You have unfinished work stacked up on your desk. Forget all of that. Focus on the positive. Your body has done some amazing things growing your baby. Honor that! Focus on everything you’re doing right. This attitude will go a long way and spill over in to postpartum. You will need it then more than ever. You’ve done a great job and your baby will be here soon. Get outside, breathe in some fresh air and relax.
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Great Expectations offers Post Partum Doulas to further help you transition to life with a new baby. Let us know how we can help. For information visit our page on postpartum services.
Shazia Lackey is a registered nurse and teaches natural childbirth classes in Arlington and Fort Worth, Texas. She and her husband have 2 sons. Shazia is passionate about helping mothers during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. For more information about Shazia or her Birth Boot Camp classes, visit her website Above and Beyond Birth..