Postpartum Challenges and Advice For New Parents - From Mimi D

In honor of Christianne’s maternity leave we asked some of our favorite people to share stories from "the fourth trimester," the period between birth and 12 weeks postpartum during which your baby (or the baby you care for) is adjusting to the world and you're adjusting to your baby. Today Mimi D, an award-winning manicurist based in Los Angeles is talking about the challenges of the fourth trimester, her three pieces of advice for surviving this period and a few things she wished she knew before bringing her baby home.

Postpartum challenges

One of the things that's so surprising to me is how little people talk about postpartum life. Or "fourth trimester" as some call it. Life postpartum deserves way more air time. It's the topic I did the most research on. I wanted to be as prepared as possible.

Specifically, postpartum depression was something that I knew I may experience. It's normal and I wanted to prepare my husband for it. Now say this with me: “Postpartum Depression is normal. Postpartum Depression is normal. Postpartum Depression is normal”. It comes out of nowhere and it can hit you like a ton of bricks. It’s perfectly normal to experience this. You may experience it once. You may experience it multiple times. Explain this to prepare your partner what signs to look for. Hopefully they’ll recognize it and get you the help that you need.

I experienced PPD a few months after I had my son. It only lasted about 2 days. My partner could see how down I was and suggested I get some additional rest. Sometimes it's a simple fix like getting more rest and having a really good meal. But it could require something more like medication or a therapy session. No matter what it takes to help you through your postpartum experience, don't be afraid to speak up and get the help you need. It'll benefit you and your baby.

Three pieces of advice for surviving this stage

Sleep when the baby sleeps. As basic as it sounds, it’s true. You should rest when the baby rests. Get those winks in when you can because when that baby is up, they are going to require your full attention.

Practice baby wearing. This is something I wish I had done more of. If you’ve got to get things done around the house, get a cloth, fancy baby wrap or the baby carrier and wear that baby! It’ll be good for the baby because they will be close to you, which makes them feel safe. When they feel safe - less crying. It’ll also put your nerves at ease. The baby will be right there with you so if anything does happen, you can react quickly.

Hydrate and eat well. If you're breastfeeding, eat well and drink tons of water. I kept a caddy full of snacks and water near the bed. When I would breastfeed, I would have a snack and drink water. Just like during pregnancy, the baby will take everything from you, leaving your tank on E. Be sure you’re putting something back into your body. That goes for you pumpers as well. Whenever you pump, EAT!

Three things I wish I knew before I brought baby home

1. Be very selective about who comes to visit. Everyone does not need to come visit as soon as you're home from the hospital. Give yourself 2-3 weeks before having family & friends come over. These first few weeks are crucial to figuring out who your baby is and who you are as a parent. Get to know who your baby is before everybody (and their mother) offers unsolicited advice. Also, have a set time (baby’s nap time is perfect!) when people can come over. Having people schedule a time and confirm with you allows you to have complete control over who comes over and how long they stay. If you ask me, a half hour is the perfect amount of time. You can take it a step further and have your guest bring a food or dessert item that you want - or a fancy coffee. Remember when everyone did everything for you because you were pregnant? Well you can still cash in on that! A quick visit and a free meal or snack!?! Win!

2. They talk about baby proofing, but in the first few months when the baby isn't mobile, you should really be parent proofing. Adding baskets of snacks and water in areas where you nurse, feed, or pump is crucial. There's nothing worse than getting comfortable then realizing that you're hungry.

3. When putting together your registry list, remember to add gift cards to food delivery services like DoorDash, Postmates, or UberEats. On nights when you just don't have it in you to cook, order in!

- Mimi D.

@nailsbymimi