by Tiffani Lawton
Pampered Pregger & Beyond

By the time you get to the last month of your pregnancy, all you can think about is having the baby in your arms, not in your belly. Whether it is your first pregnancy or your third, you most likely have not begun to really prepare for the new arrival. Sure, the nursery is ready, diapers and baby outfits eagerly awaiting the arrival of the little bundle of love have been taken care of. But have you thought about all the other stuff? Are you prepared with a well thought out postpartum plan?

We have all heard about birth plans, and a postpartum plan is an equally important necessity. Some points to consider in developing your plan:

Let's take a look at each point and in doing so, ask your self the accompanying questions.

Waking up every 2-3 hours with a newborn can leave the new mother sleep deprived and utterly exhausted, often forgetting the importance of recharging with good nutritional support? Who will do the grocery shopping for you? Who will prepare the meals for you? Maybe you can ask your well meaning visitors to bring a dinner with them? Stick in the freezer or stick it right in the oven for that night. TantalizingTastings.com is a division of Pampered Pregger & Beyond offering an expansive menu of options for meal planning.

If you have an older child or children, you will need support in tending to all your children. A new baby is all encompassing, and it can be a challenge for the new mom to juggle siblings and the new baby. I am sure by now you have heard that it is advisable to sleep when your baby sleeps. But you might not be able to do that if you also have to tend to another child or children. Who can help you with you with the siblings? Who can come and play with them while you establish your new routine? Who can take them to the playground so you can take a nap with the baby?

Some things around the house can wait, while others can't. Laundry NEEDS to be done. If you have a tot that still is putting everything in their mouths, the floors need to be picked up. Who can come and help straighten the house? Who can do a few loads of laundry? Who can wash the dishes?

Errands...they will be a welcome escape from the house after you are settled in. But while you are settling in, who can run to the bank or the post office for you? Who can pick up the dry cleaning? Who can bring the gallon of milk and a loaf of bread?

Breastfeeding support is integral to your level of success with breastfeeding. Are your spouse and family supportive of your desire to breast feed? Now is the time to line up your local support group, visiting lactation consultant, lactation phone or e-mail support, new mother support groups. Consider setting up a visit with your local Le Leche League while you are pregnant to prepare for breastfeeding and to line up support.

If you do not have experience with newborn care, consider a class to help prepare you for the basics. Do you know what to do about diaper rash? Do you know how to care for the umbilical cord stump? If you are having a boy, and you plan on circumcision, are you comfortable with circumcision care? How about caring for the uncircumcised penis? Have you planned out a routine for bathing your baby?

No one even thinks that they will ever experience postpartum depression, until they are in the throws of it. Do you and your partner know what the signs are for postpartum depression? Do you know the difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression? Do you know where you can turn if you just are not feeling right? Line up your resources now, just in case.

Join OurMilkMoney in supporting Tiffani's son.  Eamon's Journey Thru Autism:

Eamon is an amazingly loving and lovable little boy, who was recently diagnosed with mild autism...just at the base of the spectrum. We invite you to participate in our journey by offering informational resources and participating in our fund raisers...

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