Resources for the Postpartum Period
Postpartum Care
During the days, weeks and then months and years after having a baby reliable information can be hard to come by. Knowing where to turn for information and help is invaluable. Of course the first line of information our source material as it were will be those health professionals that we are already in contact with. Yet there are questions that arise and situations that occur that may be outside of doctor’s hours and some things that are not medical in nature but definitely postpartum concerns.
Things such as self-care, exercise, help for overwhelm, where to find support groups, and other concerns are sometimes overlooked because we simply do not know where to look. Here I compile a list of resources and explain how to use them so you can have a quick guide to help you.
General Postpartum Health Wellness and Relations
These are articles about postpartum conditions you may encounter. They list symptoms, treatment, and maintenance care. These resources are for general information purposes and not to be used instead of a doctor’s visit.
Mayo Clinic: Vaginal Birth After C-Section
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Episiotomy and Perineal Tears
Mayo Clinic: Postpartum Preeclampsia
Setting Boundaries
Co-Sleeping
I am by no means advocating for or against co-sleeping. Every family is different and your choices are yours to make. Your circumstances are different than anyone else’s. The following resources are to help you if you choose to co-sleep.
Book: Maximizing the chances of Safe Infant Sleep in the Solitary and Co-Sleeping (Specifically, Bed-sharing) Contexts, by James J. McKenna, Ph.D. Professor of Biological Anthropology, Director, Mother-Baby Sleep Laboratory, University of Notre Dame.
Safer Co-Sleeping
Navigating Postpartum after Amputation
Exercise
scerxEays check with your primary care physician before starting any workout program. These are programs and articles I have found helpful.
Exercise of the Month Blog by Ghenet Lee-Yong
Grow with Jo Low impact workouts for moms
The American Journal Of Occupational Therapy
Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is essential. When we take time to care for ourselves, we have the energy and mental space to care for others.
Government of Canada+1THE PARENT COLLECTIVE+1
Counseling for Alcohol and Addiction and Families of Alcoholics and Addicts
There are many different sources for help with addiction. The most known is AA. However, very few know there are sibling services offered to families of addicts. Alcoholism and addiction are a family disease. In that it affects the entire family dynamic, from responses and reactions to behavior issues. It is for the benefit of those affected by the actions and choices of the alcoholic to get counseling and help, especially where children are involved. Alanon- provides free support for those who are affected by an alcoholic or addict. It can be a parent, spouse, child, friend, or co-worker.
*Full disclaimer I am a long time member of Al-anon and it has helped me personally in every facet of my life. The person that originally brought me into the rooms does not identify as an addict or alcoholic, but I was affected by their choices and behaviors. I had a problem with their drinking and drug use.
For Alcohol and Addiction help
Alcoholics anonymous Hotline: 1-800-811-4142
SAMHSA - Mental health
SAMHSA Hotline 1-800-662-4357 (HELP)
For Families of Alcoholics & Addicts
It is helpful to know that you do not need to know for sure that the person is an alcoholic or addict. They may not identify as such. What matters is that you are affected in such a way as your behavior and mental health has become unmanageable. Alanon is about your recovery. Is Alanon for me? (feel free to substitute ‘drinker’ to help see if these questions suite you)
https://al-anonuk.org.uk/getting-help/is-al-anon-for-you
https://al-anon.org/newcomers/self-quiz
Al-Anon Hotline 1-888-4AL-ANON (1-888-425-2666)
Abuse Hotlines/ Services
In most major cities there will be a Family Safety Center. If you are a victim of domestic violence, it is important to seek counseling and to know your options, the different types of abuse, and create a safety plan. The Family Safety Center can offer these services free of charge.
There are no easy answers when it comes to abuse. There are no easy outs either. It is a process that literally takes one painfully gradual step after another. While you do not have to make any major decisions right away. It is helpful to have a plan in place when you do decide to leave.
Getting counseling is a very important step in this process as it can help you process emotions, separate fact from falsehood and provide clarity of mind and purpose.
**Going in person with your location OFF on all your devices can help provide some privacy as you seek help and get stronger emotionally, financially, and mentally. Also, calling is another way to safely contact a professional for help.**
Whatever your situation, you deserve to be treated with respect and love. You are loved! I love you and I don’t even know you. You Can do this.
Am I in an Abusive Relationship
(This is the local Nashville center. However, you can call and get information about your local resources)
Nature Immersion
Studies have shown that mothers experience improved mental health when they incorporate nature into their routines.
Book: Nature Immersion: Six weeks to a Healthier Mind, Body, and Spirit by Ghene’t Lee-Yong
Counseling and Therapy
Seeking therapy and counseling does not need to be limited to dealing with a mental health crisis. The postpartum period is difficult and having someone to talk to can help you process feelings, emotions, and situations. Having a good therapist can provide a safety net for you to fall on in case you do develop more serious mood imbalances.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
While this is by no means an exhaustive list it can help get you started with resources to turn to. As I come across more resources I will add to this. Do you have resources that helped you?
Please feel free to comment or email me and I will review and add as well. I wish you all well and hope these resources help enrich your recovery early postpartum and later as the years go on.
