11/01/2021
The next reason in the series is all about postnatal planning!
Whether it’s one to one planning sessions with my doula clients or training other birth workers on how to do this work through my Postnatal Planning workshops, this is a big part of the work that I do!
4: To Plan Your Postnatal Period
Most pregnant people make some kind of birthing plan (preferences/choices) but have you thought about a postnatal plan?
The truth is that you will have more control over your postnatal plan than your birth plan, so it’s really important to think about. And by planning you can start to think how you might avoid panic or issues when situations are not going the way you hoped.
During a pandemic, this is even more important when services change, are restricted or are not offered in person. Having restricted times for visitors in hospital postnatal wards means that if you have plans, you can rely less on partners and relatives and prepare yourself with what you might need.
Postnatal planning can help you think about putting practical support in place, what you might need to keep life going, how you might feel after birth, how you might recover physically and how you can prepare for the arrival of your baby.
Support and preparation for birthing is important but the postpartum period is a long stretch so thinking about it is not something to be brushed under the carpet.
Particularly not during a pandemic with less resources around. And why not make it feel more positive instead of an endurance test?
I have had 3 postnatal planning sessions with one family I am supporting because they knew that this was invaluable. And hosts postnatal planning workshops for professionals. Link in bio. Postnatal doulas will have template plans they can work through with you. And give you extra tips, ideas and options.
So get planning for new parenthood in this pandemic with your postnatal doula and don’t let it rob you of what can be a joyous journey with your baby.
ID: 10 Reasons To Have A Postnatal Doula In A Pandemic