I'm about to enter my 5th postpartum period and this time around "supporting my immune system" involves a lot of preparing ahead of time.
Realistically? I am going to have a newborn AND four bigger kids. My husband will be able to take a few half days away from work, but life isn't going to completely stop. There will still be kids who need lunch, places kids need to go, a business that needs run, and someone asking for a snack while I'm nursing the baby.
So instead of expecting myself to do all the things once the baby is here, I'm trying to make it easier to take care of myself now.
I've stocked our freezer (and continuing to add more until the baby comes). We have lots of meals with protein + veggies, soups, stews, and bone broth. I've prepped egg casseroles and quiches for breakfasts, snacks for myself AND things I can pull out of the freezer when I need to pack lunches for the bigger kids.
Hydration is covered. Water is obviously a priority, especially while breastfeeding. I have electrolytes and coconut water on hand.
I've stocked up on prenatal supplements and immune supplements (for the whole family). Nutrient needs don't disappear once the baby has arrived. Supplements are individualized, but for me, continuing my prenatal routine postpartum is part of the plan and adding anything in that may be necessary after birth.
I'm protecting my opportunity to rest. I know "sleep when the baby sleeps" isn't exactly realistic with 5 kids, but I can try to remove some of the things that would compete with rest. My plan is to stay home for the first two weeks unless I really need to go somewhere and nap when the opportunity presents itself.
I'm preparing my business for me to step away. I've been getting ahead and staying on top of marketing, billing, systems, patient care, and training other people to take over some of the tasks I don't actually need to be doing myself. The goal is that when I have an hour to rest, I'm not thinking, "I should really get on my computer and do ____."
I'm making getting outside easy. I don't need to take the whole family on a two-mile walk (and really, that isn't realistic with small kids because we don't have sidewalks...). I can sit on the porch with the baby or pull a chair into the yard while the bigger kids play.
I'm planning for my own postpartum care, too. I'll have labs ordered when appropriate & continue regular massage and chiropractic. I'll add in other modalities depending on what my body needs after birth.
Will I do all of this perfectly? Absolutely not.
I'm heading into postpartum again knowing there is a lot out of my control, but I can make it a little easier for my body to get nourishment, rest, and the support it needs to recover.
Dr, Candace