9 Ways Your Spouse Can Support You During the Postpartum Period

Are you wondering how your spouse can play a crucial role in supporting you during the postpartum period? Well, you're in the right place. This blog is your guide to creating a loving and supportive postpartum environment with your spouse by your side.

What You Will Learn in This Blog Post

• Practical ways your spouse can support your physical recovery

• Strategies for emotional and mental support during postpartum

• Tips for fostering a strong bond with your baby and partner

Planning for Postpartum

Even though your husband may have the best intentions, he probably has NO CLUE where to start or how to help you navigate the postpartum period. And honestly, until the baby comes, we may not know what we want or need. So, here’s a list to get the conversation going between you and your partner on how he can help support you during this critical time:

1. Help with Physical Recovery

Rest and Recovery: Before the baby’s arrival, sit down and discuss what household tasks you would like your spouse to take over in the immediate postpartum period. Then, continue the discussion as you heal to see how the two of you would like to continue to split the tasks moving forward.

Support with Postpartum Care: Your spouse can assist with postpartum care routines, such as helping you set up bathroom stations, filling up your water bottle, bringing a snack, or helping you get up and out of bed in the early days. 

2. Share Nighttime Duties

Take Turns with Night Feeds: If you're breastfeeding, your spouse can handle diaper changes and bring the baby to you for feeds. If you're bottle-feeding, taking turns with night feeds can ensure both of you get some rest.

Create a Calming Environment: Encourage your spouse to create a soothing nighttime routine for the baby, which can help everyone get better sleep. This might include dimming the lights, playing soft music, or reading a bedtime story.

3. Offer Emotional Support

Be a Listening Ear: Sometimes, all you need is someone to listen. Encourage your spouse to be there for you without judgment, offering a shoulder to lean on when you're feeling overwhelmed.

Validate Your Feelings: Postpartum emotions can be intense. Your spouse should acknowledge and validate your feelings, reassuring you that it's okay to feel however you feel.

4. Encourage Self-Care

Schedule 'Me Time': Self-care is crucial for your mental health. Your spouse can help by ensuring you get some time for yourself each day, whether it's taking a bath, reading a book, or going for a walk.

Promote Healthy Habits: Simple acts like preparing nutritious meals, encouraging you to stay hydrated, and supporting gentle exercise can greatly impact your well-being.

5. Foster Bonding Time

Baby Bonding Activities: Encourage your spouse to spend quality time with the baby through skin-to-skin contact, bath time, or simply cuddling. This not only strengthens their bond but also gives you a break.

Family Time: Create opportunities for the three of you to bond. This could be through a daily walk, reading together, or having a quiet moment of reflection.

6. Recognize the Signs of Postpartum Depression

Be Informed: Research the signs of postpartum depression and anxiety. Being aware can help them support you better and seek professional help if needed.

Offer Gentle Encouragement: If you're struggling, your spouse should gently encourage you to speak to a healthcare provider and support you in seeking help.

7. Provide Practical Help

Meal Preparation: Meal planning and preparation can be overwhelming postpartum. Your spouse can take over the kitchen duties or arrange for meal delivery services to ensure you have nutritious meals.

Run Errands: Simple errands like grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or even walking the dog can be handled by your spouse to take some load off your shoulders.

8. Encourage Social Support

Facilitate Connections: Sometimes, you might feel isolated. Your spouse can encourage and facilitate connections with friends, family, or support groups, helping you build a supportive network.

Organize Visits: If you're comfortable, your spouse can organize visits from close friends or family to provide emotional support and break the monotony. Establishing your spouse as the contact point for visitors BEFORE the baby’s arrival can help you not feel overwhelmed by requests and allow your spouse to set boundaries if you are not ready to have visitors in your home yet.

9. Be Patient and Understanding

Allow Time to Heal: Remind your spouse that postpartum recovery is a gradual process. Patience and understanding are key. Encouraging words and small acts of kindness can go a long way.

Adapt and Adjust: Flexibility is crucial. What works one day might not work the next, and that's okay. Encourage your spouse to adapt to the changing needs and be supportive throughout.

Bringing It All Together

By actively participating in your postpartum journey, your spouse can provide the support you need to heal physically, emotionally, and mentally. These nine strategies can help your partner play a pivotal role in creating a nurturing environment for you and your baby.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Share this blog with your spouse and have an open conversation about how they can support you. With love, patience, and understanding, you both can navigate this beautiful yet challenging time together.

P.S. If you haven’t already, download my FREEBIE to start your planning journey—7 Ways to Plan for a Peaceful Postpartum.

And if you’d like more support in setting up your postpartum plan, schedule a 1:1 call with me today to talk through each of these areas in more detail and come away with a plan you can print and put on the fridge!

Thanks so much for reading the blog!

And hey, if you want more tips, support, and a good dose of motivation, subscribe to my weekly emails. Let’s navigate this motherhood journey together, one step at a time.

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