As a non-judgmental postpartum professional coming into your home, first I want you to know that I am not bothered by nor do I expect you to have it “all together” when I get there. I really don’t mind what YOU or your house look like? I really don’t! I don’t care if you spend the entire visit in your pj’s with your teeth not brushed and have bed head. I am there to focus on YOU, the baby and your family!
Do not worry or feel pressured about what society says you should or should not be doing and within what time frame you must be doing it. Every pregnancy, delivery and postpartum recovery is unique for everyone with every child. Do not push fast forward during your postpartum period, your body and mind need time to heal and your baby needs you too.
The first couple days are filled with a cascade of so many emotions and you will be living off of pure adrenaline but then “it” hits you and the exhaustion and overwhelming sense of responsibility for this new little person becomes a reality. Those elated feelings of motherhood are whisked away by sleep deprivation and physical and mental changes.
Once the initial postpartum cloud has lifted, the visitors are gone and you are settling in, you may find yourself wondering when will I feel like me again? Rest assured, YOU are in there, you are just a different you. Everyone’s new “normal” is different, so don’t base your feelings on what you have read, seen or heard about. Be kind and gentle to yourself. It took you 10 months to grow a person, give yourself a little break to get back into the swing of things.
The mom in you may look different daily as you continue to learn more about your baby, your body and your new normal. Embrace it, relax, find your favorite pair of sweat pants or gym shorts, put your feet up, turn on a show, watch a movie, take a nap, snuggle with your new baby and revel in the new YOU. Do not feel guilty about it!
Be true to yourself! The more open and honest you are with yourself, family and friends, the better they can support you. If you don’t feel like you can find the new YOU or you just don’t feel quite “right”, it’s OK, ask for help! You are not alone! It may just be normal physical and emotional adjustments or it could be something more, don’t be afraid to talk about it.
Motherhood and parenting is a life long journey full of ups and downs, twists and turns, laughter, smiles and tears but most importantly LOVE. Feeling empowered, knowledgeable and confident along your journey is what you deserve! Taking care of YOU teaches your children that we all deserve to be cared for.
Commit to doing just one nice thing for yourself every day and remember to care for yourself with the same love and attention that you give your child(ren). Research indicates that “adding self-care into your daily routine reduces stress, decreases the chance of mental and physical ailment, increases productivity, and inspires feelings of happiness.”
Good moms have sticky floors, messy kitchens, laundry piles, dirty ovens and HAPPY kids-Anonymous
As a Postpartum RN and Doula, I am an important resource for childbearing family’s and am a valuable adjunct to Obstetricians, Midwives and Pediatricians in the first few weeks after delivery. I will help fill the gap in continuity of care by providing physical, emotional and breastfeeding support and education to families as they transition to life with their new infant.
Feel free to cruise around my website to learn more about how I can best support your growing family.