More Important Than a Birth Plan
There is an important document that many new parents are forgetting. It is something so important, yet often overlooked.
I’m not talking about a will (although that’s important too!) or a birth plan (even though we can definitely talk about those), I am talking about a Post Partum Plan. It is normal to feel overwhelmed after the birth of a baby. Friends and family may want to help, but they don’t know what you need. A postpartum plan helps lay all those details out in advance.
The idea of a postpartum plan is much more recent than that of a birth plan.
Most families have some type of birth plan when they have a baby but they often forget to have a postpartum plan. Yet a postpartum plan is going to last longer and cover a much greater period of time. Just as you would discuss a birth plan with your birth doula, your postpartum doula can help you to put together a postpartum plan that makes sense for your family.
There are several important topics to cover in your postpartum plan. The can range from breastfeeding resources, adequate support, nutritional needs, support with other children, pets or the home, and building a community of like-minded families. The Perinatal Mood Disorder Awareness organization has an excellent postpartum plan layout that you can discuss with your postpartum doula.
Your doula will be able to help you develop this plan. She will be able to work with you to identify the areas of support that are unique to your family, and then assist you in finding the resources to ensure that the support is there. As someone who is knowledgeable about both the postpartum period and the available community resources, your doula is uniquely qualified to help you write this important plan!