Back home with your new baby
The first few weeks Changes for the whole family Plan to nest in with your family after getting home. Be sure you get plenty of fluids, foods, and rest. Build your village Set up a network of support before your baby is born that can help you when you get home (ask family, neighbors, coworkers, friends, and faith community). Ask someone you know to organize frequent delivery of meals for your family. Tell family that you will need to rest as much as you can and that you will need help with household chores, such as laundry and cleaning.
Allow yourself to take care of you and your baby. Put other tasks aside if you can. Limit visitors and phone calls.
Sad or worried? You are not alone. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you feel too much anxiety or anger, intrusive thoughts, inability to sleep, poor appetite, or intentions of harm. Seek help early, don’t wait! Call or text the National Maternal Health Hotline 24/7 at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for support in multiple languages.
Think about setting up play dates or care for your other children. Arrange rides for your appointments or other errands ahead of time. Find out where and when postpartum support groups meet in your area. Responding to your new baby’s needs can be challenging. Be patient with yourself.
Mental health in pregnancy and postpartum Many women may feel mild changes in their mood after giving birth. About 15-20% of women experience depression or anxiety with warning signs that generally last more than 2 weeks while pregnant or up to a year postpartum. If you are suffering, know that you are not alone, and you are not to blame. With help, you will get better. Talk to your healthcare provider. You may also need to seek extra support with meeting your infant’s care needs and your own health needs. Postpartum Support International has helpful information, online groups and a call or text helpline (see page 22).
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