You’ve never been busier, have you? Whether you are pregnant or have just celebrated the birth of your new baby, this is often an overwhelming and busy time. Parties, plans, classes and more…we do all of this when we are preparing for a baby’s birth, but there is very little planning and preparation done in advance for the postpartum months.

Sure, you have all of the “stuff” and know the basics for baby care, but who is taking care of YOU? Who is going to assist with those middle-of-the-night needs? What is your policy for visitors and well-wishers? Who is going to be available to answer your questions at all hours of the day? How will you ensure that YOUR needs are met so that you can take care of the needs of that sweet little one?

You Aren’t the Only One

Many women focus on creating a birth plan, but completely neglect a postpartum plan. I get it. We get laser-focused on the fact that, not only do I have to create this little life inside of my body, but then I have to get this baby out of me. Overwhelming, right? Yep. It should be. That’s a big deal. Celebrate yourself, momma!

Once you’ve done that, take a breath and imagine what kind of life you want after that baby has found her way to your arms. Give yourself a few minutes of dreaming about what things will look like, smell like, taste like and sound like. What did you experience? Write those things down while they are fresh in your mind.

Writing down what you want to happen after taking baby home actually helps with the transition!

Protective Factor Against Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

Did you know that having a solid postpartum plan is actually a protective factor against ongoing postpartum depression and anxiety? These few minutes of dreaming and research will help you feel more prepared, supported, and capable when baby arrives. So, let’s go over the basics for what to include, and who you might consider getting lined up on your team for the coming weeks and months.

Topics to Include in a Postpartum Plan:

Care in the hospital –

• Who will be around during this time?
• Are they helpful?
• What do they need to know in advance in order to assist?

Breastfeeding/Bottle Feeding –

• What are your goals?
• Who is supportive?
• Will you reach out for extra help you when things get tough?

Visitors –

• What is the hospital’s policy on visitors?
• Visiting hours?
• Do you want to implement your own policy at home? Yes! You absolutely can do this.
• Who will communicate the expectations to your friends and family?

Meal Prep –

• Do you want to do this in advance?
• Can this be a gift of service from someone?
• Does your local store offer meal prep workshops to get a few of these done in advance?

Chores –

• Perhaps go back to the basics and make a chore chart! Those stickers could be a super fun way to reward yourself and lighten things up later.
• Not your thing? Make a to do list of recurring items that can be reused and accessed easily.
• Laminate it or simply create a shared list on your phone
• Tip: These chores can be done by helpers while you rest!

Self-Care –

• Last on the list, but certainly not least important.
• What brings you joy?
• What makes you feel more “human”?
• How much sleep do you realistically need to function?
• What kind of atmosphere do you need in your home in order to feel peaceful and pleasant?

Reflect on these things now, so that you are more equipped to plan for and prepare for them. Postpartum support should really be something we register for, like diapers! Baby registry line items for postpartum support services could be a big hit, right?

Consider Hiring These Professionals

• Postpartum Doulas
• Gardeners and Lawn Care Pros
• Housekeepers
• Postpartum Midwife
• Sleep Expert
• Pet Caregivers
• Nanny/Babysitters for other children
• Health and Wellness Coach
• Postpartum Therapist

Who else would you add to the list? What help was most useful to you during the postpartum season? We would love to hear from you in the comments!

Postpartum Support and Counseling in Northern Virginia

While struggling with postpartum issues is more common than most know, you do not have to suffer alone. It is often helpful to talk about these thoughts with a mental health professional and have the support of a therapist who can guide you through the postpartum season.

If you or a loved one is interested in postpartum counseling, caring therapists with Postpartum Wellness are here to support you. Our McLean, VA and Arlington, VA women’s counseling centers have skilled therapists who specialize in counseling for women and parents during the postnatal period. We serve clients in the Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the Washington, DC area.

Beginning Counseling at Postpartum Wellness

It may feel like a giant step to reach out and ask for help, but we make the process as easy as possible. To begin counseling for any postpartum concern, just follow these steps:

1. Contact Postpartum Wellness to schedule an intake counseling session
2. Meet with a caring therapist
3. Begin the journey toward a more joyful postpartum season

Postpartum stress may be a part of your story, but it is possible to enjoy this time in spite of this heavy feeling. You deserve support through this process and we can help.

Other Mental Health Services for Women & Parents

Additional Services for Mothers at Postpartum Wellness
At our Northern Virginia counseling office, we help all mothers navigate their pregnancy and postpartum seasons. Our skilled therapists are passionate about helping women as they journey into motherhood. We offer a variety of services, including therapy for postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety treatment and infertility counseling. We also help women find healing after traumatic births as well helping parents cope with the grief and loss of a miscarriage through counseling. You are not alone in this journey. We are here to walk with you. Contact us today to begin receiving support on your motherhood journey.