Postpartum Guide for Couples: Week 2
You are officially two weeks postpartum; chances are, you feel all the things—physically and emotionally.
What’s Going On With Baby
By the second week, your little one can see objects 8 to 14 inches away and clearly recognize your and Dad’s voice. They may stare at your face while feeding because they can see you more clearly. Baby should be sleeping in your room in a bassinet next to the bed so that you and Dad can attend to them easily. As your baby feeds, they should be pooping and peeing regularly, which varies between breastfed and formula-fed babies. Here’s more information regarding your newborn’s bowel movements and urination:
First-week stools are often greenish-brown and happen several times a day
Breastmilk is highly digestible and may cause bowel movements after each feeding
Formula-fed babies have fewer bowel movements (1-3 per day)
Babies should have 6-8 wet diapers per day
If you are concerned with your child’s bowel movement or urination output, notify their pediatrician to ensure no issues.
What’s Going On With Mom
Around 10-15 days after birth, you should notice your body experiencing full milk production. If you’re breastfeeding and having any issues, consider hiring an IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant), an expert in helping with breastfeeding problems and challenges. Doing this sooner than later can help prevent further issues and breast pain. You’re likely to be experiencing sleep deprivation during this time, which is entirely normal. Try to sleep when baby is sleeping and when Dad or another adult can help. If you have visitors coming over, here are some tips:
Set reasonable boundaries (like designating a block of time for visitors)
Speak up if you need someone to leave
Accept help
Don’t feel the need to ‘host’ guests
Dad or someone else may have set up a meal train for your family during this time. This is an excellent way for friends and family to stop in for a few minutes to say hi and see baby without staying too long.
What’s Going On With Partner
You may be experiencing sleep deprivation with Mom now, but remember that Mom’s body is still healing and going through a lot of extra work if breastfeeding. Supporting Mom’s rest when she isn’t needed for nursing is very helpful. You both may set up a daily routine where Mom gets time to rest or nap and vice-versa. Another way to support Mom’s rest is by taking care of visitors when they stop by. This will ensure that Mom doesn’t need to host them and can relax during the visit.
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
Still healing from your tear? Read this blog for some helpful tips!
