By Dr. Elisheva Neffinger
Having a baby is a wonderful, life-changing event.
But amidst the joy, adjusting to caring for your newborn can take a toll on your body and mental health.
Here are some tips to support recovery, and to make life a little bit easier with your new little one.
Consider beginning these preparations during your third trimester: future-you will appreciate it, and it will make spending time with your new baby that much sweeter!
Familiarize Yourself with Infant Health
Every new mother runs into many questions about her new baby. Boost your confidence, feel more prepared, and save time after the baby is born by doing some research in advance. Here are some resources to help you get ready for your new arrival.
Recommended Reading:
Expecting Better & Cribsheet by Emily Oster
Nurture by Erica Chidi Cohen
Bumpin’ by Leslie Schrock
What to Eat When You’re Pregnant by Nicole M. Avena, PhD
The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth by Genevieve Howland
Another useful tool: many apps track feeding, diaper changes, and sleep schedules, as your baby grows and changes. Other helpful apps track milestones, or provide activities, tips, and insights.
Check Out These Apps:
The Everyday Mother (also available in book form)
Your insurance company may also offer free apps or other resources with information about new motherhood.
Make Cooking Easy
While you may receive gifts of food and meals from friends after giving birth, having some food stashed in the freezer can be a lifesaver. Preparing meals in advance like soups, stews, and casseroles makes it convenient to defrost dinner on days when you don’t have the time or energy to cook.
Explore Helpful, Healthful Recipes Here:
Set Up a Nursing Area (or Two!)
Setting up a few areas in your home with everything that you need for nursing can be incredibly helpful. Here are some things to keep within arm’s reach: a water bottle, phone charger, nipple salve, spare burp cloths, entertainment (tv remote/book/phone), and a cozy blanket for you and your baby. Additionally, the Boppy, My Brest Friend, or other nursing support pillows can provide additional comfort for you and your baby as you nurse.
Local Lactation Consultant:
Forrester Lactation (West Hartford)
Visit the Bean Tree Baby in New Britain for all of your baby needs (they also ship nationwide).
Clover at Bean Tree Baby also offers workshops, classes, and consultations in babywearing and using baby carriers.
Tip: Join your local “Buy Nothing” group to receive new or gently used baby gear, or to donate items that you don’t need or your baby has finished using. New and gently used baby items are also often available for discounted prices from individual sellers in your area on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
Take Advantage of Resources
As you’re busy caring for your newborn, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of cleaning services, grocery delivery, and meal preparation companies. These helpful time savers can provide relief from daily tasks while you are focused on your baby.
Local Cleaning Services:
Or visit Thumbtack, Angi, or Task Rabbit to find cleaners in your area
Local Grocery Delivery:
National services include Fresh Direct, Misfits Market, Instacart, and Thrive Market, among many others.
Local Meal Preparation Companies (Delivering to the Greater Hartford Area):
Healthy is the Way (West Hartford)
Nala’s Kitchen (West Hartford)
The Kitchen (Hartford)
Box Bistro (Berlin)
La Piastra (Glastonbury and Rocky Hill)
Edibolic Kitchen (West Haven)
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help
While many of us feel reluctant to ask, friends and family are often happy to help during the postpartum period. Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone for help picking up groceries or to stop by the house for a bit. This also means don’t be afraid to tell people when you are overwhelmed by visitors.
Finding small moments for self-care will boost your spirits and recharge you, as you give your energy and attention to your baby. Tagliarini Chiropractic of West Hartford specializes in pre- and postpartum chiropractic care. The Bloom Natural Health Natural Pharmacy carries supplements to support postpartum wellness (consult your Bloom Natural Health doctor). Visit A Touch of Bliss Organic Spa of West Hartford for postpartum pampering with organic products.
Local mother’s groups can provide comfort in sharing experiences, as well as a source of activities for you and your baby. Check out Moms and More Club of West Hartford.
Also, connect with other mothers on the Peanut app, which provides “a safe space for women to meet and find support.”
Other Apps to Ease Stress:
Better Help (therapy)
Moodnotes (mood journal)
Enjoy the Journey
Capture those precious early memories with Sara Zinn Photography. Take snaps and videos on your phone, even when you’re not feeling your most glamorous. Zoom or Facetime loved ones in spare moments to feel connected and share updates about your growing little one.
We hope these resources and tips will smooth your transition into motherhood (or growing your family with new siblings), and help you to better enjoy your time with your new baby. Remember that it’s normal to have questions and to feel unsure at times, and to be patient with yourself as you and your baby get to know each other.
Please contact Bloom Natural Health with questions about postpartum health and wellness, and for recommendations for further support during this exciting, challenging, and special time.
Spotlight on Women's Health with Dr. Neffinger
In this ongoing series, Dr. Elisheva Neffinger highlights women's health, addressing issues, sharing naturopathic insights, and reflecting on ways to promote overall wellness.
Past installments include:
Spotlight on Women's Health: Easing Morning Sickness