Sleep is yet another rare
indulgence. Strive to sleep
when your newborn sleeps. |
When
preparing for the arrival of a baby, it's natural to think about every
way you'll care for your newborn - from feeding and diapering to bathing
and parenting. Without question, there's a lot to plan. But along the
way, you may lose sight of an important detail: yourself.
"Often
parents focus on caring for the baby, but forget to think about what
they'll need for themselves after the birth," notes Glade B. Curtis,
M.D., a board-certified OB/GYN in Salt Lake City and co-author of Your
Pregnancy Quick Guide: Postpartum Wellness (Da Capo Press, 2005). Of
course, taking care of yourself as well as an infant may sound
impossible. But if you don't tend to your physical and emotional
health - particularly during the six-week postpartum period - addressing
your baby's needs will be even more challenging. Believe it or not, it
can be done. It just comes down to planning, communicating, and asking
for assistance when you need it.
Maternity Ward Wellness
If you're
delivering at a hospital, most facilities will have essential supplies
on hand, but you might want to pack a few things from home to help you
recuperate - whether it's a favorite CD, robe, or brand of maxi pads. "I
packed comfort items," says Brynja Kohler Wind, 35, mom to 7-month-old
Sophia in Logan, Utah. "It was nice to have music, and I brought
'nature sounds' CDs that were very relaxing." Meanwhile, make sure any
clothes you bring are big enough (generally whatever fit when you were
about six months pregnant); unfortunately, you won't return to
pre-pregnancy size by the time you reach the recovery room or the car
ride home.
Another important consideration: Think about how many
visitors you want dropping by. "It can be a real invasion when people
want to see and hold the baby and be a part of everything you've just
gone through, and that can take a toll on new parents," says Curtis. So
make a phone list, don't allow too many people to visit at once, and
consider leaving a "do not disturb" sign on the door when needed.
Most important, lean on the hospital staff as you heal from giving birth and
learn to care for your baby. "Explore medications, sitz baths, sprays,
or other pain relievers, and find out which ones work before you go
home and you're on your own," says Curtis. The staff can also guide you
on breastfeeding and diapering - and take the baby to the nursery so you
can rest. "It's nice to have the baby in your room, but if you really
want to sleep, have him go to the nursery at least one of your nights
in the hospital," suggests Carolyn Brann, 41, mom to 1-year-old Lily in
La Jolla, California.
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Health & Beauty: Bounce Back