Postnatal Resources

One of the first things I talk about in my Postnatal/Baby Workshops is emotional recovery. One thing we might not always consider. Pregnancy creates not only a new life - but also comes with huge changes in your body and mind! There is a cocktail of hormones that increases to support your growing baby and changing body - which also includes your body preparing to nourish your baby after birth. All of these changes are incredible - and hopefully we will be filled with admiration, joy, pride and excitement after your baby has been born. 

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However, we also know that with a new baby sleep takes a back step, interrupted nights, constant caring for a new little human. Your emotions and feelings will most likely resemble those of a rollercoaster journey. One moment you might feel happy, the other you are crying because you realise you have to heat up your drink for the 10th time! That is all normal and to be expected.

It is important to talk about the support you have and might want or need during your postpartum time and beyond. It is equally important to be aware of the signs of Postnatal Depression (PND) or perhaps Postnatal-Postraumatic Stress Disorder (P-PTSD) in yourself as a new parent, but also in your partner. 1:10 new mothers or birthing parents as well as the paternal parent suffer from some form of mental health disorder after giving birth, with an increased risk if there is a history of mental health illness prior to birth or pregnancy.

So, be kind to yourselves! Reach out for help and be just aware of the signs!

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Emotional/Mental Health Resources: 

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You can find details via the following links including what to look out for and ways to put self-help measures in place or when to seek additional help.

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• NHS: Feeling depressed after birth

• NHS: Postnatal Depression

• Postpartum depression is a Dad thing, too

• Perinatal Trauma and Loss Service (PETALS)

• Maternal Mental Health Alliance

• Pregnancy and Early Parenting within Talking Therapies

• Link for self referral - This link is also given on the 'Pregnancy and Early Parenting within Talking Therapies' page above.

Contact for PANDAS Support Group - https://www.thebumpandbabyhideout.com/whats-on - Peer to peer perinatal mental health support group - Thursday evenings between 6-7pm.

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Physical changes postpartum:

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• NHS – Your body after childbirth.

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Baby during the 4th trimester and ways to support the transition from womb to world:

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• Which?’s review about Nappies

• baby the 4th Trimester

• rocking/dancing

• smell

• skin to skin and visual expressions/ imitations are both great for playing and bonding

• feeding on demand

• active bonding

• You can also start the bonding process while you are still pregnant

• bathing/cleaning and safety

• first poo/poos and nappy changing

• how to care for your baby’s foreskin, and circumcision.

• Lastly here is also an article about using dummies as a soother.

• Dressing your baby

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Make sure you fold the back part of the nappy down. This way most of the poo can be caught…however, there is no promise that this helps every time. Sometimes it may also be a sign to change the nappy to a size bigger. Also, ensure the crease lines around the legs are taken out, straightened, and not turned inwards. This may reduce leakage as well.

You will be nappy changing experts in no time! 

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Holding and Winding your Baby:

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• Holding

• Winding

• Video on comforting baby 

• The Hold by Dr Robert Hamilton

•  Here is another video of the different types of holding techniques for babies.

• Balanced Breastfeeding to support less wind developing in babies colon

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We also know that Wind can be quite uncomfortable for babies, learning to respond to early hunger cues will help minimise baby’s intake as crying is one of the last cues baby will give when hungry which then will lead baby to swallow more air.

More tips on soothing baby from the NHS and what Colic and Reflux/ Living With Reflux is, are highlighted again.

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• The Lulluby Trust has swaddling and Safe Sleep advise handy for you

• Healthy Hip Swaddling

• And if you want to listen to Dr Harvey Karp and his theory on the 5 S’s and the fourth trimester, you can do this here via a You Tube Link.

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One thing to mention when it comes to swaddling – there is new research emerging that swaddling baby when they are new-born and in their first few weeks can lead to missing early feeding cues and babies potentially missing out on feeds because they feel comforted when swaddled and may not wake up each time. You can read more into this here: The impact of swaddling upon breastfeeding: A critical review

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When it comes to colic, the most important thing to remember is that it is not a serious medical condition. As distressing as it may be for parents and baby, we know that it will only last for a while! Try and have help and support in place. Remember, NEVER SHAKE A BABY! Rather leave baby safely in their bed in order for you to take a few minutes to recharge yourself. This is not the same as the technique “Cry it Out”. This is you doing the best you can at the time to help your baby and yourself!

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​Infant Sleep Resources:

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• ​Lulluby Trust

• SIDS (Sudden Infant Death) here

• BASIS

• What is Normal Infant Sleep

• Sleep Aids

• Sleep Training

• Gentle Sleep Resources

• Attachment by Psychology Today

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Safety:

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• ​Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT)

• Fire Safety

• Carbon Monoxide

• Car Seats

• Winter Coats and Car Seats

• Nappy Sacks

• Baby wearing, how to find sling resources

• NHS Safety under 5’s

• NHS baby safety tips

• sleeping in bouncers and car-seats

• Smoking in cars

• Help babies when choking

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