Planning for a New Baby: Why should I make a postnatal plan?

We spend a great deal of time during pregnancy thinking about labour, baby clothes, prams and accessories, but do we think enough about life after birth?

We should really give as much time to our postnatal plan as we do our birth plan. It may

sound tricky planning something you can’t imagine just yet but thinking about life with your

new baby now will help you avoid overwhelm further down the road when you are a little

more sleep deprived!

Planning your postpartum before the arrival of your new baby can ensure you:

• Are having the right conversations with your partner/support network and making sure you’re on the same page regarding visitors, feeding, cooking, sleep arrangements and much more

• Know exactly who to contact if times get tough or you need expert advice on sleep, feeding, baby wearing, or your and your baby’s physical or emotional wellbeing

• Have peace of mind that you have a contingency plan if your birth does not go as you had planned

• Know that you and your family are being taken care of in terms of nourishment, rest, and emotional and practical support by a postnatal doula, friend or family member

• Know which groups or classes you are going to attend to meet new friends, get out and about and bond with your baby

• Have the right person in mind to take those precious early days photos, or mementos of their tiny hands or feet

Going to an event such as Bump to What Now?! Is a great way to gather together ideas for

your plan. You will find local businesses and services who can support you in the postnatal

(and antenatal!) period in so many different ways, and help you build your village. You can

add their contact details to your plan so when the time comes you don’t need to be trawling

through google at 3 in the morning!

Spending just half an hour with your partner/support network discussing your hopes,

concerns, and options for the postnatal period can really lighten the mental and physical

load, help you set boundaries and expectations, and have that peace of mind that you will

help you sleep just that little bit better!

So start your planning by coming along on May 31st!

With thanks to Ginny Croxford for this insightful blog post, check out her offerings here