- I planned for my baby, but not postpartum. I could talk about this for days (and I do, as a postpartum and infant care doula trainer). We often get so excited for baby, that we plan for everything they’re going to need. It’s fun and special, but we sometimes forget to plan for what *we* need in those first few weeks postpartum.
- I didn’t ask for what I needed from visitors and family members. I had people to help in the early days, and they did tasks, but I was often hesitant to ask for what I needed.
- I didn’t accept the help I was offered outside of my little family nucleus. I did much better with this by the fourth baby. (I took any meal that was offered by that point!)
- I overdid it with activities, errands, or chores and started doing too much too soon.
- I skipped self-care tasks like napping, showering, and making sure I stayed hydrated. It’s easy to get focus on everyone else who needs you. But, you still have to take care of your body, too!
What about you? Am I the only one who prepared for the baby but didn’t think about the postpartum period?
