The Baby Moon - How to Plan a Blissful Post Partum Period for You and Your New Baby

A baby moon refers to the whole month after childbirth. As in when the moon phase is complete from the time your baby is born. Many culture's have a "lying in" period for new mother's. Unfortunately in our fast paced society many new mother's aren't always encouraged to do this. There is the typical 4-8 week maternity leave for working moms but just having time off from work won't always make your family bond as it should with a new baby in the house! Some women are preserving this time for getting to know the new baby and easing into parenthood. You can plan out a relaxing baby moon for yourself with some quick and easy steps. Plan ahead and you will be glad you did!

Here are some tips on things you might want to consider when planning your post partum period;

Visitors

Some family's choose not to have visitor's for the first few days. Other's many not mind but you can request ahead of time that your visitor's only stay for a allotted period of time. I have heard of some midwives posting an open letter on the new family's door to gently ask visitors to help around the house and keep the visit to a minimum. I thought this was a great idea and it can be used even if you are having a hospital birth. Because we all know how much rest you will really get in the hospital. Resting with your baby is important for bonding. Visiting with family members is important too but you can juggle it and have everyone's needs met if planned ahead of time.

Food

It's a great idea to stock your cupboards and freezer with staples for quick meals and also meals prepared in advance. Even out food is great too. If you are planning a baby shower you could ask each guest to bring a recipe or dish for your freezer! Or request that your visitor's bring something after baby arrives.

Bonding

Bonding with your new baby is one of the most important things in the post partum period. Be sure to get lots of skin to skin contact. Nursing as much as you can will not only help establish your breast feeding relationship but will also help you better bond with your baby. You can also bathe with your baby!

Sleep

Everyone always tells the new mother to sleep when baby sleeps. Of course this is sage advice but not always possible. Especially if you have other children to attend to! Try incorporating a family bed where everyone sleeps together. This will make naptimes and night times a lot more restful for everyone. Cosleeping is not dangerous contrary to some hysteria over the practice. Although you should never cosleep or allow you partner to cosleep with an infant if you have been drinking or under the influence of drugs.

Housework

It's easy to ignore your housework with a new baby in tow! Of course you have a good excuse too! Ask friends or family to pitch in or consider hiring a mother's helper to help you out in the first few weeks post partum.

Enjoying Your Baby

Make this the goal of your baby moon. Just enjoy your baby and the joy of the new addition to your family. This is easier said than done but the time will go by quickly! Before you know it your baby will be exploring the world around him or her!

Bodywork and Pampering for the New Mom

Massage is very effective for warding off Post Partum Depression. You can also use massage on your baby! It is great for colic and digestive issues. Some other good ideas for pampering yourself are soaks in the bath, pedicures or acupuncture. All of these will benefit the new mom and baby and promote a sense of well being.

Overall your baby moon should be about you and your baby. Get creative and plan ahead for a blissful postpartum period with your newborn. Don't forget to take care of yourself first though! The better you take care of yourself, the better able you will be able to care for your child.