Tips for making a postpartum plan?

Lizzen · July 2010

I am 23 weeks pregnant and miraculously have been fairly free of mood disturbances so far, despite having bipolar disorder. I'm not naive enough to think everything will continue to go so well after the baby is born, however. I want to put together a postpartum plan but am not sure what all I should include.

Here's what I've got so far:

- I've been off medication since a few months before conception but I plan on going back after birth.

- I will not be breastfeeding mostly because of medication but also so I won't be the only one responsible for feeding the baby.

- DH and I will work out a schedule so he'll do the bulk of the midnight feedings and I can keep my sleep under control.

- I'm thinking of "scheduling" family and friends to come over a few hours every day or so to make sure I'm not left alone (DH works full time) and to have help with chores or let me rest. Is this a good idea or will I feel bombarded?

- I'm joining a mommy & me support group but am hoping I can find one more specific to postpartum issues and bipolar disorder instead.

Anything else? What am I missing or what am I focusing too much on?

TIA, and good luck to you mommies making it through.

jaime5121 · July 2010

I think it sounds like a great plan. I would also talk to your Dr about this and get advice from her. She is a great resource! Make sure your DH knows all the signs/symptoms of PPD. He will most likely be the first one to notice if you are experiencing PPD. Having a plan and course of action is a great idea!

brideofscowboy · July 2010

I wouldn't necessarily schedule ppl to come stay with you until you know how you are with your LO. There were moments when I loved it when ppl were over, but other moments when I needed to be alone. Have a few 'go-to' people in mind if you need someone there.

Joining a mommy & me support group is wonderful. Don't worry about finding a specific PPD one, If you do? great, if not? stick with your M&M group (or both). PPD is quite common and it's likely that some of the M&M mom's are also dealing with it too.

Remember that you exist too and that you need to take care of you. It's sounds like common sense, but it's incredible how easy it is to forget about you. Make time for yourself. Garden, read a book, exercise, go for a walk, pamper yourself...etc. Make sure you make a point of having "you" time.

You're very proactive. I think it's wonderful. But remember plans are exactly that, they are plans. Reality may be otherwise...don't feel down if your plans don't turn out exactly the way you hoped. You'll find a way to make things work for you and your family.

GL!

*speedracer* · July 2010

sounds like a really good plan! do you have appointments set up with whoever manages your medications? i saw someone a few weeks before my due date and then arranged to phone in a few days after baby was born. she called me a few times after that to check in with me, and then i had a phone appointment with her when the baby was a few weeks old.

i think it's good to schedule people to come over, because it's easier to cancel that at the last minute than it is to schedule it. ask your dr or google around for postpartum support groups, mine was fabulous. the local hosptials tend to host them in some of their education buildings here.

the only other thing i did this time that i'm glad i did is get meds to help me sleep. its good if your DH is going to help with feedings but if you still have trouble sleeping ask for something that can help you with that. i BF, so im up every 3 hours but i'm able to fall asleep really quickly after each feeding with 1 pill before bed.

BennyL · August 2010

Congrats - that sounds like a very good plan.

Can you factor in meals, groceries as well? e.g. cook ahead and freeze or ask friends/family if they could help out with that.

Amazon.com is awesome for certain supplies as well so you can stay home, take care of LO and yourself and have some items delivered.

Re: having people over to help - it was a blessing for us, but in my case, I realized that having only one person at a time worked better - because I was just overwhelmed with different opinions on child care etc etc all at once.

You could also check to see if your hospital has a post partum doula service...those ladies are usually great at giving you a hand when you get home from the hospital -- and if you let them know ahead of time that you might be @ risk for PPD that might be helpful too.

Another thing that I plan to do is use Netflix for a little me time here and there to catch up on some movies. I know it sounds trivial..but just scheduling time for little things you love can help.

Very best wishes to you and your family!!

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