Postpartum Guide for Couples: Week 4

The end of this week signals 1 month postpartum for you and 1 month of age for baby! 

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What’s Going On With Baby

You may hear your little one make adorable baby sounds such as ‘coo’ and ‘ahh.’ Babies learn by mimicking, so you should encourage them by making various sounds with your mouth for them to see and hear. It’s the sweetest thing!

Are you interested in co-sleeping with your little one? There’s a lot of talk surrounding this idea, so we wanted to share La Leche League International’s “The Safe Sleep Seven,” which says that the risk of SIDS is minimal if you follow this criteria:

• You’re a nonsmoker

• You are sober and unimpaired

• You are a breastfeeding mother*, and your baby is:

• Healthy and full-term

• Laying on their back

• Lightly dressed

• Both you and baby are on a safe surface

*Breastfeeding mothers tend to sleep in a position that is safer for baby and prevents the body from rolling over. If you share a bed with your partner, simply sleep between them and baby. It’s recommended to stay off sofas, upholstered chairs, and recliners for sleep time. 

Of course, we always recommend researching and following your mommy instinct!

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What’s Going On With Mom

Since you are almost 1 month postpartum, you may wonder when your body will return to its pre-pregnancy weight and shape. We want first to say that it is OKAY that your body has changed! Moms and Dads should embrace these changes and think positively about them. Of course, we understand many Moms struggle with their emotions and hormones postpartum, and body image can play a part in that. Some may experience baby blues, postpartum depression (PPD), or postpartum anxiety (PPA). Here are signs you may be dealing with PPD or PPA:

Postpartum depression signs:

• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or frequent mood swings

• Easily irritated or angry

• Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities

Postpartum anxiety signs:

• Excessive worry about baby’s health, safety, and well-being

• Rapid heartbeat, trembling, nausea, etc.

• Restlessness or feeling on edge

• Obsessive and intrusive thoughts

If you are experiencing any symptoms of PPD or PPA, we encourage you to contact your healthcare provider. Many moms experience these feelings after childbirth. 

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What’s Going On With Partner

Did you know that Dad can experience postpartum depression? This is typically referred to as paternal postpartum depression (PPPD). Here are some symptoms of postpartum depression in men:

• Feeling persistently sad or irritable for an extended period of time

• Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities

• Feeling extremely tired even when getting enough sleep

• Overeating or loss of appetite

Men should contact their healthcare providers if they are experiencing these symptoms or other common PPPD symptoms. 

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK

We are re-sharing this freebie because even though you're no longer pregnant, the principles discussed still apply to postpartum. If you're struggling with feeling anxious, download this guide!

Download the guide