To-do when you arrive home after your birth

You just got discharged from the hospital or birth center with an entire tiny human being (or two?!). you’re wearing an adult diaper, have heavy leaking boobs, and you haven’t slept in three days. you walk in the door and you feel absolutely overwhelmed with what the heck you should even do first. 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

We’d like to suggest an alternate reality. one where you’ve already filled out your postpartum planner and it’s hanging on the fridge. your postpartum clothes are neatly tucked in a drawer ready for quick grabbing. your bathroom, bedside and baby feeding stations are stocked and ready to go. you know what to expect. we taught you. 😉

But you still have to walk in the door and decide what to do first and no matter how much you prepared it might feel overwhelming! we have a few suggestions:

❤️take a deep breath. you are exactly where you need to be. you can do this.
❤️establish a home base. a place in your home that you’ll do the majority of your resting over the next few days. maybe the couch, or the bed, or somewhere else. surround yourself with the things you need in that spot. think snacks, blankets, baby feeding pillow, water bottle, burp cloths, tv remote, etc.
❤️make necessary appointments as soon as you can. you’ll likely need to see your pediatrician within 72 hours. your OB or midwife likely also told you when they’d like to see you next. whether it’s in a week or six weeks, get that scheduled and add the date to your postpartum planner. front and center.
❤️visit the bathroom often. if you’ve taken our workshop you know how important we think lochia is as a postpartum vital sign. empty your bladder, check on your bleeding, change out those comfort measures.
❤️rest, feed, rest, feed. that goes for both you and your new tiny best friend. enjoy those snuggles. leave the rest for tomorrow. or someone else.