A new baby means new roles for everyone in the family. Partners can help in many ways to make getting into a new routine easier.
6 ways partners can help postpartum
Honour the birthing body
Help them take a sitz bath or shower
Exfoliate their skin with a sugar scrub
Make sure they can nap
Back massage (without it leading to sex)
Foot rub with oil or lotion (again, without sex)
No sex for a while
Help with feeding
Hire an IBCLC or lactation counselor
Buy your partner a good nursing bra
Make sure breastfeeding station is stocked
Make sure they get enough food and water
Make encouraging comments
Help with nutrition
Buy nutritious foods
Budget for healthy food for postpartum
Help remind others what types of foods would be best for your partner
Buy good one-handed snacks
Help with baby
Give baby a massage
Change diapers
Talk to baby
Hold and bounce baby
Make sure baby is with your partner even when guests are over
Help with family & visitors
Don't let visits take too long
Explain your expectations to visitors
Help family and guests know how they can help you and your partner
Tell family and friends to keep discouraging comments to themselves
Educate yourself
Take a postpartum prep class with your partner
Make a postpartum plan together
Read about postpartum, breastfeeding, and everything else so you have more knowledge
I'm sure they will gladly let you know what their needs are but showers alone and even a nap are the best!
xx Janice
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