Giving Birth-Postpartum Support

YOU MADE IT! Your baby is in your arms! Forty long weeks, give or take, of hard work has paid off! The birth experience while fresh in your mind, is behind you and you're getting used to life with baby on the outside. Now what? Here are some postpartum tips, not in any particular order. I usually go over postpartum prep BEFORE a couple gives birth!

• Don't purchase any expensive postpartum gear ahead of time, most of the time you won't know what you'll need outside of  basic supplies. Some basic supplies would be frozen pads like these, a night gown that is large and unbuttons down the front, nursing pads, maxi pads, and a nursing bra. You may find you need or want a breast pump or nice nursing pillow, maybe a nipple shield or many other postpartum supplies. I just suggest waiting to buy them!
• Maybe you've heard of a postpartum doula. I was gifted with a postpartum doula for my fifth son and it was actually amazing. I had mild postpartum depression after several of my births and was really concerned about the possibility of having postpartum depression, caring for a new baby and also keeping up with four little boys. Did I mention my husband was working part-time and in graduate school? Ya, we're nuts! Here is the description of a postpartum doula, and how to find one locally. If you are away from friends and family, this could be a great second choice.
• Set up at least two weeks worth of meals. If you don't have a church that helps ask a good friend to set it up!
• Here's your sign! I encourage all new parents to make a sign for their front door asking guests to limit their vist to fifteen minutes. If you want them to stay longer just tell them! But it's nice to avoid having to kick people out! If you're not interested in sharing your baby yet, put that on the sign too! I'm sure you could come up with something clever!
• Make sure your husband knows the signs of postpartum depression and make sure your care provider explains the signs to you.
• If you're nursing you are bound to be starving.... all the time. Keep a basket of high protein snacks  by your nursing chair and bedside. 
• Make sure you talk in length with your care providers about the postpartum period! How can they support you? What are their tips? How about help with nursing if you need it? What does normal verses not normal healing look like?
• If you need help ASK! 

I'm sure there are a bunch of other tips out there! What are yours?