20 years ago, I gave birth to my 3rd baby. He was our 3rd son, and first to be born at home. He was also a breech – so bum first. 

 

There was a lot going on in my life at that time, with my parents separating and my mum just finding a lump in her breast.

 

I had lots of anger during the pregnancy, which, being conscious of how that affects the baby, led me to be ashamed of myself. None of which helped me move through the anger.

 

So, I had our little one, and all went pretty well.

 

Then week 4 came and I was an emotional mess. I was crying, I felt unmotivated to do any house work and I had our 3 year old home with me.

 

I struggled with having energy and time to connect with him, and also our 12 year old.

 

I didn’t know how to speak up. I didn’t know what I needed.

 

I thought I had to do it all myself because my husband was working full time and on call. He was a funeral director, so when he was on call, guaranteed, a call would happen in the middle of the night often and he’d have to go out.

 

I had so many wonderful friends, and many would pop in for a cuppa and catch up. I would rush about making pots of chai, find things to put on the table to nibble on and basically talk until I was drained.

 

I didn’t say No. I didn’t ask for help. I pushed myself to the max.

 

And do you know if affected at the end of the day? Not just me. My family. I wasn’t able to give to them. I was depleted. Exhausted. Empty.

 

Getting clear on what you need to have in place when having a baby – even if it’s not your first – is as important, than preparing for the birth.

 

Here’s what you can do:

 

Start with these 4 things and it will help you have a smoother transition into life with a new baby. Allowing you to focus on the things that are really important – establishing breastfeeding, getting sleep, bonding, looking after yourself.

 

Your health and wellbeing in those early weeks and months will give you determine your health and wellbeing down the track.

 

Possible things that occur – and are becoming more and more common are: hair loss, depression, anxiety, bloating, reflux, gas, thyroid imbalance, hormonal imbalance, gall bladder issues just to name a few.

 

Mama, don’t take this lightly. You aren’t indestructible, and learning how much your body changes from pregnancy to birthing and healing after the birth is imperative.

 

Your health will affect your family. Your energy, your mood, your way of being, will affect how you deal with your relationships with your baby, children, partner, other family.

 

Too many women end up resentful, angry and snappy – and yes, that’s due to a number of reasons.  However giving yourself the time to recover fully from birth and 9 months of growing a human, is going to give you a greater ability to not just cope, but confidently thrive.

 

Does that feel good?

 

Imagine that for a moment. You’re feeling great – maybe even better than before you were pregnant.  You can speak up for what you need without being demanding and snappy.  You are getting the rest you need and listening to your body rather than ‘sacrificing’ for everyone else….

 

Let’s break up with the depleted mums club. Let’s form a new club, of the empowered, energised mums club.

 

Now, even if you’re not in, or about to be in the new mums exhausted club this still applies.

 

If you’re at the stage of feeling the affects I mentioned – depression, anxiety, hormone or thyroid imbalance, digestive issues or gallbladder issues you can reclaim your postpartum healing. In fact, you need to!

 

Start with downloading the updated guide: Mama’s Postpartum Wellness guide for some tips, steps and recipes. And let me know if you have any questions.

 

Super important to ask, and I’m here for you.  Start with a FREE 20 minute call to chat with me.