Postnatal support across the pond..

Last year, I had the pleasure of connecting with Vickie Bowles, a UK baby nurse and founder of The Baby Academy, on LinkedIn. Our shared perspective on sleep training led us to a Zoom call and the idea of co-writing a blog post on postnatal support in the first ten days at home for new parents in the UK and US.

In the UK and US, postnatal support can vary greatly, but there are some common themes when it comes to providing support to new parents in the first ten days at home. Here are five top tips for postnatal support:

Take care of yourself: While it's easy to focus all of your attention on the baby, it's so important to remember to take care of yourself too. Make sure you're getting enough rest, nourishment, and support. This may mean asking for help with household chores or getting some additional support from friends or family.

Get to know your baby: Each baby is different and has their own unique needs. Take the time to bond with your baby and learn their cues and patterns. This will help you provide the best care and support for them.

Seek out support: Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. This may mean reaching out to friends and family, hiring a postpartum doula, or seeking support from a local parenting group.

Seek medical attention if needed: If you have any concerns about your baby's health or well-being, don't hesitate to seek medical attention. It's always better to be safe than sorry!

Take breaks: It's important to take breaks and give yourself some time to recharge. Ask for help when you need it and take breaks when you can. Bringing home and caring for your new baby can be an overwhelming experience.

Overall, the key to postnatal support in the first ten days at home is to prioritize the well-being of both the baby and the parents. Make sure to take care of yourself and seek out support when you need it and accept help when it is offered. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to a smooth transition into parenthood.

Vickie's perspective..

It was a pleasure to connect with Katelyn Newby a Postpartum Doula, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and mum of one from Houston in Texas. We both realized very quickly that we share an understanding on the importance of looking after women postnatally as well as their babies during the early days after hospital discharge. In my experience one of the biggest issues for new mothers is feeling confident to look after their precious newborn.

The importance of bonding with your baby…. The 3 C’s

Comfort – Lots of cuddles and kisses
Contact – Skin-to-skin
Communication – Hearing your voice and eye contact

Feel confident as a new mum……

Believe in yourself
Be kind to yourself
Look after yourself

Once fully recovered, getting out and about with your new baby….

Explore the world together
Make new friends
Promoting positive well-being

Remember it’s always ok to ask for help… Sometimes you just need to talk, and you need someone to listen.

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