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Have you ever heard of a postpartum baby moon?
If you are pregnant and planning for a newborn … A postpartum baby moon is probably THE BEST GIFT that you can give yourself as you journey into motherhood.
… and for you dads and partners out there… it’s the absolute best gift that you can give to your baby’s mother!
A postpartum baby moon is the ultimate new mom self-care!
While many new mothers reach out for help and support during the newborn season, very few actually take the initiative to plan for a real postpartum baby-moon!
In this post, I’m going to explain why you need one and teach you exactly how to plan it…
What is a postpartum baby moon?
A postpartum baby moon is a vacation with your newborn… but, it’s also so much more! It’s a chance for mom and baby to get to know each other, bond and establish breastfeeding.
It’s also a time for new moms to rest and recover from pregnancy and childbirth.
In traditional societies, new mothers were expected to rest and recover up to 40 days after giving birth. New moms were treated as queens during this “lying-in” period. In some countries, this tradition is still wisely observed today!
Unfortunately, this is sadly NOT the case in the United States and many other developed countries. Instead, new moms are expected to “bounce back” from birth and even return to work within the first few weeks postpartum.
This is one reason that postpartum depression and other postpartum mood disorders are on the rise in western countries. It is also a contributing factor to the sad reality that the U.S. has the highest postpartum maternal mortality rate in the developed world.
Lack of rest may also lead to other postpartum complications and breastfeeding issues such as mastitis and low milk supply.
Fortunately, many of these complications can actually be avoided with proper rest during the 4th trimester. Yay!
How to avoid postpartum complications
If you want to avoid postpartum depression and other common postpartum issues, taking a postpartum baby moon is the best way to do that!
After pregnancy and birth, your body will need time to recover. Not only that, but you will need time to learn how to breastfeed, bond with your newborn and process your baby’s birth.
Unfortunately, our modern society doesn’t support this proper new mom and baby retreat.
So… you will need to take matters into your own hands and really fight for this precious time and learn to advocate for your own needs!
4 Reasons You Need a Postpartum Baby Moon…
Check out this video below to learn 4 Reasons Why You Need a Postpartum Baby Moon:
What to expect during your post-baby recovery
Do you know what to expect physically and emotionally after having a baby?
Most first-time moms don’t know what is normal and what can be expected.
While every mother’s experience will be different, there are some things that most women can expect to experience after giving birth.
Find out what you can expect during your postpartum recovery and how to get ready in this post.
How long should your “baby moon” last?
Many postpartum doulas agree that the best postpartum recovery plan is a 15-day recovery plan called the “5-5-5 Rule.”
During this time, your body gets time to rest. This extra time for rest and skin-to-skin bonding, gives your health and milk supply a HUGE boost!
Here’s how the 5-5-5 Rule works:
- 5 days in the bed
- 5 days on the bed
- then 5 days near the bed
Learn more about the 5-5-5 Rule in this post.
How to Plan a Postpartum Baby Moon Vacation…
Have you signed up for my FREE Postpartum Planning Course yet? It comes with a free printable postpartum plan. With this course and printable planning packet, you can create a simple postpartum plan for free.
However, if you’d like the premier Baby-Moon Course that includes step-by-step planning tips for a 15-Day Baby Moon, a planning workbook, discussion questions, TONS of new parent resources, PLUS virtual postpartum doula support, please check out my (very affordable) new online course and planning workshop HERE.
Online Postpartum Doula Support!
As a postpartum doula, I have helped hundreds of families to prepare for the postpartum season. Find out how I can help you, too!
I have seen first-hand how proper planning during pregnancy, can make all the difference in a family’s adjustment to parenthood.
I have tons of online support available on this website and blog. Much of this online support is ABSOLUTELY FREE!
Please search my blog to find the new parent resources and support that you’ll need during the newborn season.
For your convenience, I am including links to some of my favorite new parent and newborn care resources at the end of this page!
**New Online Planning Workshop Available**
How to Plan a Postpartum Baby-Moon and LOVE Your 4th Trimester!
I’m excited to share that you can now get step-by-step planning help with my new online course and planning workbook!
How to Plan a Postpartum Baby Moon and LOVE Your 4th Trimester is my easy short-cut to planning an awesome 15-day postpartum baby moon. This workshop also comes with my virtual postpartum doula support!
More Helpful New Parenting Tips:
4th Trimester:
Bad Baby Advice Every Parent Should Ignore!
How to Survive Cluster Feeding with a Newborn
Best Products for Mom and Baby!
Why You Need to Process Your Birth Story
Newborn Care:
Help! My Baby has Days & Nights Mixed Up
The Pros and Cons of Newborn Swaddling
10 Newborn Tips That Every Parent Should Know
10 Baby Sleep Mistakes and How to Fix Them!
My Favorite Online Tips and Resources:
FREE Pregnancy & Postpartum Online Resources Page
Shop My Online Products & Recommendations:
Baby-Moon Course & Planning Workbook
30 Sleep Hacks for Parents of Newborns eBook