We always recommend preparing the postpartum period well. Because, as I said. It’s an important time. And one in which a lot can go wrong. One that can be beautiful – but also traumatic.
The fathers are asked…
In our preparatory course, a midwife appealed to the fathers: Take some time off. At least two weeks, more likely four, ideally eight. The father has to do everything in the beginning. Changing diapers, cooking, cleaning, entertaining visitors. “And what does the mother do?” some asked. The answer: “Breastfeeding. That’s work enough,” she said. We still recommend this to expectant (cis) parents today. Because the postpartum period is perhaps also the first test of equality. It makes so much sense: if dad changes diapers, does housework and builds a relationship with the child right from the start – then hopefully he will remain a father later on who does more than just the bare minimum…
Of course, that doesn’t always work. Not everyone has a partner. If that is the case, you should prepare the postpartum bed even better! Reach out to friends or family for help. Being alone is simply not a good idea during the postpartum period. However, visitors who want to see the baby – and are unlikely to help – are usually not recommended.
It’s really good to get to grips with what postpartum means early on. It is a time that will never come again and should therefore last longer rather than shorter, even if it feels boring at times, even if you are impatient and want to get back to life quickly. The postpartum period is important. To process, to heal, to arrive in the new role. Likes to spend weeks in and around the bed, the postpartum period is only officially over after eight weeks.
Being alone is not a good idea…
One good care through one Aftercare midwifeThe person you trust is the be-all and end-all. You can discuss everything with her: birth injuries, breastfeeding problems, a painful cesarean section scar, depressive moods. All of this is normal during the postpartum period, but it is important to have a professional point of contact for this. It’s best to contact a midwife immediately after the positive pregnancy test. Here you will find a directory of midwives, otherwise you can also call the clinics or ask friends who already have children. Or try Ammely.
You are often entitled to one after birth Domestic helpget information from your health insurance company. In many cities there are also Maternity nurseswho help the women who have recently given birth with household chores and cooking and are also there emotionally. Being “mothered” is so good in the postpartum period, here is an address for Berlin, here is another directory. And again, many health insurance companies cover the costs.
The postnatal period is also and especially important after a cesarean section. You’re recovering from major surgery – and everything is new. Take this time of regeneration seriously.
So much can go wrong…
Of course, there is no guarantee that the postpartum period will be a good time. As a team, we all remember bad days when there was milk everywhere and we couldn’t get into the shower or into the kitchen until the afternoon to get something to eat. Or where the milk just wasn’t flowing, the baby was bawling – and everything just seemed as if you would never be able to cope with your new life. Plus the soft, empty body, the huge bandages… In general, this weekly flow. Oh, it’s really rarely glamorous.
But it can also be so beautiful. A postpartum bed in which the woman who has recently given birth is well cared for and in which she and the baby are doing well physically and mentally can be wonderful. “Baby honeymoon” is what we call it. A time of cuddling, regenerating, arriving. You take dozens of photos a day, fall in love with the little creature, learn to breastfeed (because that rarely comes naturally), and get used to all the new challenges.
We can really recommend planning this time well. To get as much help on board as possible. So that you really can’t do ANYTHING…
Here are a few more things that you can also use during the postpartum period:
Nice pajamas and nightgowns. Yes, it really is incredibly pleasant to wear good pajamas during this time, which, as I said, is otherwise hardly glamorous. A bathrobe is also a great thing. And warm socks!! You can find some ideas in the slideshow. Simply click on the images to view the products.
Also very nice to have: good nursing bras, a waist belt that supports recovery, a cozy hot water bottle and a warm blanket.
A good book is also something great. Because there is often time to read, especially during long breastfeeding sessions. Again we have some tips from you in the slide show.
You don’t necessarily have to drink breastfeeding tea (we love the postpartum tea from Into Life!), but many people like it – and drinking a lot is definitely good, just for digestion. There’s nothing worse than postpartum constipation (and unfortunately, that’s exactly what’s common). What is also important: FOOD. You really need strength at this time. Many people swear by broths, here you can find some ideas and recipes (and you can also order the soups). Pre-cooking makes a lot of sense. Startups like Mama Muum (Nur Berlin) are also a great thing. What we also think is good: ordering food from Nuri Mom or Hofgut Stoecken. And partners and friends who can cook well are of course worth their weight in gold during this time.
We all swear by Multi Mam compresses and the silver hats from Livella – a treat for all breastfeeding beginners. Also great: the cold-warm compresses from Lansinoh. And the intimate shower!! The Recover Spray from Into Life and the Sitz Bath from the Bahnhofs-Apotheke are also great products for “after birth” and all types of birth injuries.
And otherwise… it goes by so quickly. Enjoy it!
Photo: Lina Grün (It shows Isabel in her postpartum bed. Also a tip: have photos taken. You’ll be so happy later!)
