Putting together your postpartum team

You probably spent hours researching which overhyped stroller to add to your registry. But there are some crucial things that don’t fit on your registry – including your postpartum support team.

When you’re three days postpartum, engorged, and operating on 3 hours of sleep, you probably won’t be in the best headspace to navigate insurance portals and Google reviews. 

Building your bench now means that if a postpartum or feeding hurdle pops up, you’ll know exactly who to reach out to about it. 

• An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant): These pros are the gold standard for feeding support – whether it’s breastfeeding, pumping, or formula. Many insurance plans cover visits but it can take some research. Do a quick search for in-network IBCLC in your area now and save their email and numbers ahead of time. 
• A pediatrician that gets you: When you meet your pediatrician for the first time, ask them about their feeding philosophy and goals. You’ll want someone who supports your personal feeding goals – no matter what you choose. 
• Your primary support person: Breastfeeding is easier when you have other people to lean on. Set up your partner or support person with specific tasks that make feeding easier, like cleaning bottles and pump parts, replenishing snacks, keeping track of feeding times, or playing defense against your overbearing mother. 
• A postpartum mental health resource: Postpartum is one of the hardest parts of being a mom, and you don’t have to do it alone. Having the contact info for a local perinatal therapist, local postpartum support group or breastfeeding support group can really make the difference when you need it most. 
• Your OB or midwife’s triage line: Most hospitals and OBs have an after-hours number or nurse warm line that’s open 24/7. Save this number somewhere important – and it can keep you from having to go to the ER. 

Think of postpartum like gearing up for a marathon. You’ll need a lot of supporters (and hydration stations) to keep you going strong.