I Wish I Knew . . . Postpartum Planning

Jarriel Campbell, a maternity planner, certified Doula, and mom, shares what she wishes she knew about creating a postpartum plan.

1. Write down your vision/goals for the 4th trimester

2. Assemble your team

Your support team can consist of family, co-workers, neighbors, church members

And I suggest a holistic healing team that may include a lactation consultant, mental health therapist, life coach, pelvic floor therapist, chiropractor, and even an acupuncturists.

3. Have a feeding plan and supplies for your infant

Are you planning to breastfeed, use formula, or donor milk?

4. Have a nutrition plan for you and your partner

Healing foods like Tumeric milk, protein, fruits, vegetables. I suggest I avoid cold foods; they are hard for your body to digest post-baby while healing.

5. Get lots of Rest!

Babies sleep but not during the times we are accustomed to sleeping. Bringing in an overnight newborn care specialist or postpartum Doula can support you in getting a solid 8 hours of uninterrupted rest.

6. Have postpartum care essentials on hand

Do you have your sitz bath, mesh underwear, pads? If you were prescribed antibiotics during labor, do you have probiotics to help your body get the good bacteria back?

7. Have a visitor plan

What is your visitor policy? How long do people have to wait? Do they have to be COVID-19 tested or vaccinated?

Know the signs of postpartum depression
Someone should know the signs of baby blues, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, postpartum psychosis.

Who should a loved one call if you display depression or anxiety symptoms?