With shorter hospital stays, up to 48 hours for a vaginal delivery and 96 hours for a c-section, you may be sent home feeling overwhelmed, unprepared, nervous, tired, sore and emotional along with a newborn that does not come with an instruction manual.
If you are lucky enough to have family members close by, you probably feel a sense of peace knowing that experienced helpful people are only a phone call away. Sometimes this can be a good thing while other times you may find it more of a hindrance (depending on how all family members get along). Everyone has a different opinion and thinks they know the best way to deal with everything that comes up. This can lead to confusion and frustration. As a new family, learning to adjust to each other and your new roles can be difficult.
Bridging the gap means that I (Postpartum RN, Doula and Lactation Educator) will come in and help you transition from the hospital or birthing center to the comforts of your home. Routine follow up care for moms is typically 4-6 weeks after delivery and the baby is usually seen within the first 3 days after coming home, but then may not be seen again until 1 month of age. Now, if there are problems noted with mom or baby, follow up care may be advised earlier. Please follow whatever instructions were given to you at your time of discharge for follow up appointments. That can seem like an eternity for growing families and a lot of potential concerns may pop up during this time. Think of me and the services I offer as an extension on the continuum of care.
Gone are the days of the “village” mentality where everyone is willing and available to help out however and whenever they can. Extended families don’t usually live together and you may not even know your neighbors. You may not have much of a support system at all. Your world has been rocked, in a wonderful yet exhausting way, while everyone else is cruising along like nothing has happened. You may only get help on the weekends or on certain days and times. Your partner might only have a few days off of work and family and friends have to resume their activities. How do you create a village?
Begin now, make a plan, write a list of questions that you already have about your postpartum period. Talk to other moms about what to expect? Join a Facebook group and engage in conversations. As an experienced professional in the postpartum field, I would love to sit down, consult and customize your postpartum plan according to your individual and family’s needs. Together, with education, guidance and reassurance, you can feel confident and empowered as you begin this amazing journey!
My hope is that you have the support that you deserve BUT if you don’t…..
I will fill the gap and help you create your village.
Call, text or email me today to get started on your customized postpartum plan!