Creating Your Postpartum Plan

It can be so easy to put all of your focus on your pregnancy and birth that you find yourself neglecting preparation for the postpartum time. I'm not saying that you shouldn't prepare for your birth (clearly I am in favor of this!), but I often find that moms feel inadequately prepared for those first few days and weeks with baby. There is a lot that you can do during your pregnancy to prepare for the postpartum time, including creating your Postpartum Plan. Similar to a birth plan, this is a simple document that you can print out, hand out, and keep nearby for after baby's arrival. There are endless possibilities here when it comes to format and what to include. Here are some ideas to get you started in creating your plan... *Note: when I say "contact information" this includes: phone number, email, address, instructions on how to reach them

• Contact info for you and your partner

• Contact info for Emergency Contact Person

• Care Providers contact information (your midwife or doctor)

• Primary Care Provider's contact information

• Pediatrican's contact information

• Also include the office hours and off-hours phone number

• Birth support person contact information (for example, if you are having a doula attend your birth)

• Hospital information

• Address and directions to hospital

• Phone number for Labor and Delivery, for Emergency Room

• Insurance information (you will want this on hand when you begin making appointments and filling out paperwork)

• Babysitter and/or Petsitter contact information (including back-up options)

• Notes for Babysitter or Petsitter regarding your kiddo(s) and/or pet(s)

• Write down specifics here! schedules, food info, medication/supplement info, how to reach you, doctor and/or veterinarian info, school address and phone number, etc.

• Contact information for Lactation Support

• Lactation Consultant in your area

• Breastfeeding Support Group meeting dates/times

The above points are the primary things that you want to cover in your plan. Some optional ideas to also include are...

• List of take-out restaurants that you may want to use in those early weeks including contact info for each and favorite dishes

• List of meal ideas (both for your own use, as well as to share with others when they ask "what can I bring?")

• Contact info for other medical practitioners you may use during those early weeks (chiropractor, acupuncturist, physical therapist, massage therapist, plancenta encapsulation specialist, etc.)

• Contact info for a postpartum doula in your area

Once you have created your Postpartum Plan, print out a few copies to keep on your fridge, in your birth folder, and have on hand to share with family, friends, and support people.