Taking a long-awaited break
Looking for ways to make life a little less stressful in your post-pregnancy universe? Here are ten things you can do right now to ease some of those postpartum road bumps.
1. Schedule a “babymoon.” While it's widely accepted that newlyweds need a little time to themselves after they say their "I do's", new parents are rarely given that same sort of breather. But according to British childbirth educator Sheila Kitzinger, there's a case to be made for enjoying some time alone as a family during the early days and weeks after the birth.
You probably won't want to "babymoon" alone indefinitely (and you may actually want to include a few low-maintenance friends and family members in your babymooning plans), but it's nice to have a bit of a timeout before the stampede of visitors begins.
2. Squeeze in as much couple time as you can before junior makes his grand entrance. According to Ottawa childbirth educator and doula Joanne Rack, the happy memories that you stockpile right now will give you something to draw upon if, like many couples, you find your relationship going through a bit of a rough patch during the early weeks and months after the birth.
3. Look into hiring a postpartum doula. If you don't have any family members who can pitch in after your baby is born, look into hiring a postpartum doula. Not only can a postpartum doula assist with meals and housework: she can also provide baby care advice and breastfeeding support. (Forget the diamonds: a doula is a new mom's best friend!)
4. Tap into the new parent underground. Find out where the nearest mom and baby support group meets, what hours the local breastfeeding clinic keeps, and who you can call in the middle of the night if you have a question or concern about your baby. Don't wait until your baby arrives to get connected. Tap into the new parent underground right now.
Page 1 of 2 -- From advice on eating healthy to housekeeping, find more stress-free tips for new moms on page 2
