Six Practical & Simple Tips for a Happier & Healthier Postpartum Period {part two of two}

Not too many things can compete with having a baby- in excitement or workload. Luckily, a little bit of forethought can go a long way in way preparing for a smooth transition from pregnancy to the sacred weeks following birth. Be sure to scroll down and check out the first half of my six tips for a happier and healthier postpartum period if you haven't yet!
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4) Eat Your Placenta
Placenta encapsulation isn't just for hippies anymore. In fact, all but a handful of mammals instinctively consume their placenta after giving birth and this practice is becoming more mainstream with modern women. During pregnancy the placenta becomes a primary endocrine organ, taking over production of many reproductive hormones.  These hormone levels are 20-30% higher than normal during this time! After birth estrogen, progesterone, endorphins, and other hormones, along with thyroid levels, drop immediately, causing  a significant physical and emotional crash in new moms- also known as the "baby blues."

Luckily, encapsulation is an easy, no-mess way to consume your placenta and smooth the transition into motherhood... No yuck required! Women who consume their placenta consistently report benefits that including fewer hormonal swings, increased energy and milk supply, a decrease pain, less bleeding and an overall improved sense of well being- all from materials produced by your own body and processed into  simple capsule form. 

5) Adjust Your Expectations
This may be one of the most difficult steps in preparing for your postpartum because it can't be bought, scheduled or eaten, but adjusting your expectations for reality with a newborn may be an important step in your journey. Just like how TV and movies don't accurately portray childbirth (shocking, I know), they certainly don't portray the postpartum time either.  Sometimes mothering comes naturally, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes breastfeeding comes naturally, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes you go for what seems like literally days without sleep, you partner doesn't seem to be holding up their end of the parenting deal, you look six months pregnant four weeks after giving birth and there's a bird nesting in your hair. Sometimes babies have difficulty latching and formula supplementation is appropriate. Sometimes you're crying and bleeding, feel like you've lost your whole identity and don't know how to keep your well- meaning, but exhausting mother-in-law at bay.

I am by no means trying to spread horror stories or scare you. I am saying that parenthood is unpredictable, beautiful, messy, exhausting and amazing. It's the hardest f@#*ing work you'll ever do. Be flexible, be open to a change in plans and remember that there is no perfect in the parenting game. 

6) Stay Well Fed and Hydrated
This one sounds simple, but hunger and dehydration can sneak up on you when all your attention goes directly to your precious (and very demanding) newborn. While you may not be sitting down for three homecooked meals a day, it's still important to get an additional 500ish calories a day when breastfeeding.  

So what's a new mom to do when you don't have the time, energy or free hands to hang out in the kitceh all day? 

• Have family and friends provide meals (see tip #2 for this).
• Use programs like Plated, Hello Fresh or Blue Apron to avoid the grocery store and have pre-measured and prepped groceries delivered to your door.  This is a great way to have a variety of homecooked meals without the hassle of planning or grocery shopping.
• Have multiple nursing stations throughout the house that are well stocked with healthful, one-handed snacks like larabars, trail mix, beef jerky, almonds and dark chocolate.
• Drink water. Drink more water. Drink some herbal tea. Then keep drinking water. Have a few water bottle stashed throughout your house or maybe consider putting an additional Brita pitcher in your bedroom or the nursery.  The last thing you want after finally getting baby settled at the breast is to be stuck starving with a dry throat.

Seriously, being a new parent is hard. Ask for help, accept help, be flexible and take some time for self-care. If feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, depression, weepiness or anxiety persist for more than a couple of weeks postpartum, talk to your care provider, connect with others online at Postpartum Progress or The New Mama Project or check out these local resources. 

Sources:
Hibbert, Christina. "Postpartum Mood Disorders: An Informational Guide For Couples".  Psychology Today.
Le Leche League