Happy Maternal Mental Health Month and Postpartum Awareness Week,
We are seeing every day how important it is to have government, health professionals, lay people and community support to help fight the Maternal Mental Heealth as well as Maternal Health issues gripping our country especially in the Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asians communities.
One of the things I stress as a Full Spectrum Birthworker when talking to stakeholders as well as families is the importance of having a Postpartum Plan. Planning for your postpartum should be top priority, when discussing birth, pediatricians and all the things once baby is here.
Unfortunately, families get caught up in the magic of the birth and birthing process that they totally forget about the postpartum period. As a Birthworker, I hear day in and day out, how folks have not given thought to who is going to help or what help may look like.
In the postpartum period, this is where we see, Postpartum anxiety, depression, psychosis and even suicide. This is why having a Postpartum Birthworker comes into play, we are trained to be not only there for the newborn(s) but also the parent(s). Your family deserves to be well taken care of, there should not be any fears in knowing that you have all the tools and some outside support after birth.
My first suggestion into creating a postpartum plan, is taking a look at your current support system, give thought about how do want to raise this newborn(s) which is the important part of getting ready for postpartum.
I have also created a postpartum plan worksheet that allows you to dive deeper into your planning process. This worksheet will have you give thought to feeding, sleeping arrangements, food, your partnership and other things for your family during the postpartum period. POSTPARTUM PLAN WORKSHEET CLICK HERE
Also, here are some resources to help those that are already parents to help support their mental health needs at this time
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline Call or Text 1-833-943-5746
Postpartum Support International has a hotline 1-800-944-4773 (English and Spanish available) as well as free support groups
Perinatal Safe Spots (I am a proud member) these spaces are safe for those that need support, we are birthworkers and collectives ready to help our community members.
If you are pregnant and close to delivery, I would be happy to service you as your Postpartum Doula/Birthworker. I am available to support you in the Charlotte, NC area, I travel to SC and GA as well. Virtual Support is always available. Please schedule a free consultation on my calendar.
