Threefold planning: The importance of a plan for breastfeeding, Birth, and Postpartum care

Becoming a parent is a journey that's filled with anticipation, excitement, and naturally, a fair share of anxiety. As expecting parents, you might find yourselves immersed in a whirlpool of information and advice. One way to navigate this information overload and alleviate anxieties is by creating personalized plans for three crucial aspects of this journey: breastfeeding, birth, and postpartum care. Let's delve into why these plans are important.

1. The Breastfeeding Plan:

Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it's also a skill that both mother and baby need to learn. A breastfeeding plan can serve as a guideline to help you understand what to expect and how to manage potential challenges. It will also help you communicate your breastfeeding goals to your healthcare provider and ensure they are aware of and supportive of your decisions.

Components of a breastfeeding plan may include:

1. Initiation of Breastfeeding: A mother may wish to specify that she would like to start breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth, ideally within the first hour.
2. Skin-to-Skin Contact: The plan can state the mother's desire for immediate and ongoing skin-to-skin contact with her baby after birth, which can facilitate bonding and initiate breastfeeding.
3. Rooming-In: The mother may prefer to keep the baby in her room rather than a nursery to enable frequent feedings and enhance bonding.
4. Feeding on Demand: The plan can express the intention to feed the baby whenever he or she shows signs of hunger, rather than on a strict schedule.
5. Exclusivity of Breastfeeding: The mother may wish to state that no other food or drink should be given to the baby (including water, formula, or pacifiers) unless medically necessary and after consultation with her.
6. Support Needed: The plan can outline the mother's wishes to work with a lactation consultant or receive support and education from the nursing staff about breastfeeding techniques, including positioning and ensuring a good latch.
7. Plans in Case of Separation: If for some reason the mother and baby need to be separated (due to medical procedures, for instance), the plan might specify that the mother would like to pump her milk, so it can be given to the baby.
8. Handling Difficulties: The plan can also cover the steps the mother wishes to take if breastfeeding challenges arise, such as consulting with a lactation expert or attending support groups.

Here is a great sample template for Breastfeeding Plan.

2. The Birth Plan:

A birth plan outlines your preferences for your baby's birth, including things like pain management options, positions for labor and delivery, and preferences for interventions. Creating a birth plan allows you to be better informed about your options and promotes active participation in decision-making. Remember, while a birth plan outlines your preferences, birth is often unpredictable. Flexibility is key, with the ultimate goal being the safety and well-being of both mom and baby.

Here are some elements that can be included in a birth plan:

1. Type of Birth: You might have preferences about whether you'd like a natural birth, or if you are open to interventions such as epidurals or other forms of pain relief.
2. Environment: Your preferences about the birthing environment can be included, such as lighting, noise levels, or whether you'd like music playing.
3. Labor Preferences: This might include positions for labor and delivery, what you plan to wear, whether you'd like to use specific equipment (like a birthing ball or stool), and how you'd like to stay hydrated or nourished.
4. Monitoring: You may express your preferences for fetal heart rate monitoring—whether you'd like continuous electronic monitoring, intermittent monitoring, or the use of a Doppler device.
5. Pain Relief: Indicate what types of pain relief you're open to, if any. This could include epidurals, nitrous oxide, opioids, or natural methods like massage or water birth.
6. Delivery Preferences: You might have preferences about who delivers the baby, who cuts the umbilical cord, and whether you'd like immediate skin-to-skin contact.
7. Postpartum: You can include preferences for immediately after the birth, such as whether you want to breastfeed immediately, whether you'd like the newborn medical procedures (like vitamin K injection and eye ointment) to be done in the room, and whether you want your baby to stay in the room with you.
8. Contingency Plans: You can also include your preferences in case a C-section becomes necessary or if other complications arise.

Here is a sample template for Birth Plan.

3. The Postpartum Care Plan:

Postpartum care is an often overlooked but critical component of childbirth. The "fourth trimester," which refers to the first three months after giving birth, is a time of immense physical and emotional change for a new mother. A postpartum care plan ensures that the mother's recovery, mental health, and wellbeing are prioritized. It includes considerations like meal planning, support for breastfeeding, scheduling of pediatrician and postnatal check-ups, mental health resources, and ways to share household and baby care duties.

Here are some key components of a postpartum care plan:

1. Physical Recovery: Childbirth takes a toll on the body. Your plan can include elements like wound care (especially if you've had a C-section), management of postpartum bleeding, perineal care, and the appropriate use of any prescribed medications.
2. Mental and Emotional Health: Postpartum depression or anxiety affects many women. Your plan might outline strategies for monitoring your mood, contacts for mental health professionals, and signs that you might need to seek help.
3. Breastfeeding and Lactation Support: If you choose to breastfeed, it can be helpful to include information about local lactation consultants, breastfeeding resources, and the use of breast pumps.
4. Sleep and Rest: As newborns have erratic sleep schedules, your plan might include strategies for ensuring you get enough rest, such as coordinating sleep schedules with your baby or sharing night-time care responsibilities with a partner or family member.
5. Nutrition: Good nutrition is crucial for recovery after birth and for breast milk production if you're breastfeeding. Your plan might include strategies for healthy eating, meal planning, or arranging for meal deliveries.
6. Exercise: While intense exercise is usually not recommended immediately after childbirth, gentle exercises can often be started fairly soon. Your plan could include a strategy for when and how to reintroduce exercise into your routine.
7. Support Network: It's important to know who you can call on for help. Your plan might include a list of friends or family members who can offer support, as well as local community resources such as mom groups, therapists, or home health services.
8. Medical Follow-up: Postpartum care should also include a plan for follow-up medical care for both the mother and the baby. This involves scheduling and attending postpartum check-ups, pediatrician visits, and any necessary specialist appointments.

Here is a sample template for Postpartum Plan.

Creating these plans allows you to be more prepared and confident. However, it's important to remember that the effectiveness of these plans lies in their flexibility. While they serve as a great guide, every mother's and baby's experience is unique, and adjustments may need to be made.

Having these discussions and developing these plans encourage open communication with your partner, support persons, and healthcare providers. It empowers you to make informed decisions and advocate for the care you desire.

Embrace this journey with knowledge, planning, and a flexible mindset. Remember, Newmom.me is there to support you, starting with Doulas and extending to lactation consultants, mental health professionals, products and educational tools. With preparation and support, you can navigate this beautiful journey into parenthood.