Partners Supporting Each Other Postpartum
Many of my clients are well established in their relationship and career when they have their first baby. This by all means is a very good place to start a family with intention and stability. What some don’t quite anticipate is how partners’ labor changes within the relationship. As a couple, things can feel equal and balanced between the two of you. But when adding a baby, the labor often starts to feel lopsided. The mother has grown this baby within her, gives birth and then possibly feeds the baby from her body, that is a lot of time, attention and energy spent with this little life! The partner may feel like they don’t have as much to contribute, or fear they don’t know what do to. After some time, the roles settle in and often continue to settle in an unbalanced way. Mental labor tasks, Dr. appointments, nap schedules, keeping track of clothing and diaper sizes, daycare forms, the list is endless and can shift to the default parent. In order to prevent resentment and burnout, taking time to divide tasks are equally important.
The book Fair Play by Eve Brodsky addresses these things. She even has a card game to help divide labor between partners in an entertaining way. When a task gets assigned to a partner, they are in charge of the entire task from start to finish. Handling part of that task is not the same as being in charge of it. It is a great resource to help head off any future resentments and disagreements in the future.
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The podcast for this months newsletter is HEAVY! Some intrusive thoughts are discussed in the show reflected on safety worries that many families have when they bring home their newborn. I am adding some information to help equip you if you have such concerns. I also cannot recommend enough that both of you take the Child Safety CPR and First Aid class. Having these skills in your back pocket will give you comfort to know how to react if an emergency arises.
Safety and Health
Child Safety CPR and First Aid
Announcements
Virtual Postpartum Planning classes are now live for registration. At the end of this 1.5-2 hour class you will have a postpartum plan that you can rely on after your baby arrives. I also offer private planning sessions.
I am excited to announce unique day in-person support postpartum packages. This is something that I have always wanted to do, and did in many ways, but this package will cover my REST Framework. Every visit, we cover Recovery, Education, Sleep and Tending. I will be sure to give you the support you need in all aspects. Including preparing some delicious meals from my menu! The goal to this approach is to allow you to fee completely supported, without needing to ask for much. Many clients really don’t know what to expect in a postpartum visit. With this information ahead of time, you will know exactly what to expect with each visit. This type of support feels more complete to me, and I am excited to offer it.