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Mastering the postpartum period: preparation is key

August 25, 2024

Preparing for the postpartum period

The importance of the postpartum period

The postpartum period is a crucial period after birth, during which the mother's body recovers from the stresses of pregnancy and childbirth. This time is not only important for physical recovery, but also for emotional adjustment to the new role as a mother During this phase, the first bond between mother and child also takes place, which is of great importance for the long-term development of the child.

Period	Meaning
First week	Physical recovery, wound healing
Second week	Strengthening the mother-child bond
Third week	Adaptation to the new everyday life
Fourth week	Preparation for postnatal courses

Why is preparation important?

Thorough preparation for the postpartum period can help make this important period less stressful and more enjoyable. Without adequate planning, unexpected challenges can arise that affect recovery and well-being. Good preparation allows the mother to fully focus on her recovery and the newborn without having to worry about everyday tasks or missing supplies.

Preparation	Advantage
Get care products	Ensuring hygiene and comfort
Emotional support	Reduction of stress and anxiety
Home help	Relief from everyday tasks
Create a shopping list	Avoiding bottlenecks in important materials

By preparing for the postpartum period early, many potential problems can be avoided, resulting in a more positive experience overall.

Physical preparations

During the postpartum period, it is important to be well prepared physically. There are two key aspects to consider: getting toiletries and hygiene products and preparing comfortable clothes and underwear.

Obtain care products and hygiene items

The right care products and hygiene items can significantly increase comfort during the postpartum period. It is advisable to make a list of the most important items and get them before the birth. These include:

Sanitary pads : Particularly suitable for postpartum bleeding.
Nursing pads : To catch leaking milk.
Wound cream : For possible cracks or wounds in the intimate area.
Gentle soap and shampoo : For daily hygiene.

Article	Recommended amount
Sanitary napkins	3-4 packs
Nursing pads	50-100 pieces
Wound cream	1 tube
Gentle soap	1 bottle
Gentle shampoo	1 bottle

Prepare comfortable clothes and underwear

During the postpartum period, it is important to feel comfortable in your clothes. Comfortable clothes and suitable underwear should be prepared in advance. Here are some recommendations:

Loose clothing : Wide pants and T-shirts that are easy to put on and take off.
Breastfeeding-friendly tops : Shirts or nightgowns with buttons or zippers.
Comfortable underwear : Soft, stretchy fabrics that don't cut in.
Warm socks and slippers : To feel comfortable even in colder months.

Clothing type	Recommended number
Loose pants	3-4 pieces
Comfortable T-shirts	5-6 pieces
Breastfeeding-friendly tops	3-4 pieces
Soft underwear	7-10 pieces
Warm socks	3-5 pairs
Slippers	1 pair

These physical preparations help to ensure that the postpartum period is as pleasant and stress-free as possible.

Mental preparations

Organize emotional support

The postpartum period can be emotionally challenging. It is therefore important to seek emotional support in good time. This includes being able to rely on the support of your partner, family and friends. Talking to other new mothers can also be very helpful in exchanging experiences and supporting each other.

A table to visualize the different sources of support:

Source of support	Description
partner	Emotional and practical support in everyday life
Family	Help with household chores and caring for the newborn
Friends	Social interaction and emotional relief
Other mothers	Exchange of experiences and mutual support

Find information sources for the postpartum period

Well-informed mothers are better prepared for the challenges of the postpartum period. It is advisable to find out about reliable sources of information in advance. This can include books, articles and guides that deal specifically with the postpartum period. Talking to a midwife or gynecologist can also provide valuable information and tips.

An overview of possible sources of information:

Info source	Description
Books	Specialist literature and experience reports on the postpartum period
Articles and guides	Current information and practical tips
midwife	Individual support and advice
Gynecologist	Medical information and aftercare

By searching for information sources and organizing emotional support, women can better prepare for the postpartum period and experience this special phase more consciously and relaxed.

Practical preparations

Good preparation for the postpartum period also includes practical aspects that can make everyday life after the birth easier. Two important steps are organizing household help and creating a shopping list for postpartum supplies.

Organize household help

In the first few weeks after birth, support around the house can be a huge relief. It is helpful to identify people in advance who can help with daily tasks. These can be family members, friends or professional household helpers.

Area of responsibility	Support person
Shopping	Partner, family member
Cook	Friend, neighbor
cleaning	Domestic help, family member
Laundry	Partner, friend

Create a shopping list for postpartum needs

A well-thought-out shopping list will ensure that all necessary items for the postpartum period are available. This list should include products relevant to both the mother and the newborn.

category	Article
hygiene	Postpartum pads, nursing pillows
Clothing	Comfortable clothes, nursing bras
Nutrition	Snacks, breastfeeding tea
Baby supplies	Diapers, wet wipes
Health	Painkillers, nipple shields

By making these practical preparations in good time, you can ensure a relaxed and restful postpartum period.

Aftercare planning

After birth, postnatal care planning is an essential part of promoting the mother's recovery and well-being. Postnatal classes and support from breastfeeding counseling and midwifery care play a key role here.

Make appointments for postnatal courses

Postnatal classes are specifically designed to strengthen the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles after childbirth. They help to manage the physical changes after pregnancy and improve general wellbeing. It is advisable to book appointments for these classes early to ensure that a place is available.

Postnatal course	Duration (weeks)	Frequency (per week)
Standard course	8th	1
Intensive course	6	2
Online course	8th	Flexible

Organize breastfeeding advice and midwife care

Support from a lactation consultant or midwife can be invaluable during the postpartum period. They offer expert advice and practical help with feeding the newborn and caring for the mother. It is important to contact these professionals before the birth and arrange appointments to ensure continuity of care.

Performance	frequency	Duration (per appointment)
Breastfeeding advice	As needed	1 hour
Midwife visit	1-2 times per week	1 hour
telefonic consultancy	As needed	15-30 minutes

Careful aftercare planning helps new mothers feel well supported and able to recover optimally.

Don’t forget self-care

Self-care is very important during the postpartum period. Here are some important points that can help you get through this time in the best possible way.

Plan time for rest breaks

The postpartum period is a period of recovery and regeneration. It is important to allow enough time for rest. Sleep and rest promote healing and help you to better cope with the physical and emotional challenges of this time.

activity	Recommended duration per day
Sleep	7-9 hours
Rest breaks	2-3 hours
Light movement	30 minutes

Get support in dealing with your own needs

It is essential to seek support from family and friends. This can help to make everyday life easier and focus on your own recovery. Exchanging ideas with other mothers or seeking professional help, such as midwives or lactation consultants, can also provide valuable support.

Support type	Description
Family support	Help with household and childcare
Professional advice	Support from midwives and lactation consultants
Social networks	Exchange and support from other mothers