Preparing for the postpartum period

Postpartum is the first time after your child is born and lasts 6 to 8 weeks. Secured by law in Germany with 8 weeks (MuSchG). The confinement is medically divided into early and late confinement. The first 10 days are characterized by the early confinement. This is where most of the physical regression and healing processes after the birth take place, as well as extensive bonding with your baby and learning about your breastfeeding relationship.

You and your partner should be aware that the postpartum period consists of weeks, this does not mean that you are in bed for 8 weeks, but it takes time to settle in and to recover and heal from the birth. Our tip: Take the confinement literally and stay in bed for as long as possible. Give yourself, your body and the baby time to settle in. Midwives like to recommend a week in bed, a week around the bed and then in the third week to go outside. Of course, every woman is individual and recovers at different speeds, but time and rest are important for you and your baby.

Postpartum is one of the most intense times you will experience on the journey with your baby. Your body is healing, the hormones are readjusting to not being pregnant, a new being is in your world who depends on you like no one has ever depended on you before.

So it makes sense to anticipate this in advance. Compared to our parents or our ancestors in general, the so-called “village” that looked after and supported new mothers during this sensitive time hardly exists anymore.

Most couples often think only until the birth and are then surprised how important and intensive the postpartum period is. We would like to give new parents a few important points on what optimal preparation for childbirth could look like.

The village mentioned above only exists in very few families today, but it is important to consider how you and your partner can get help and support. Most partners take 2 weeks: on vacation, we recommend 4 weeks so that everyone can be well looked after. It is particularly important in the early days to ask for help and to accept it. For example with pre-cooked food from family or friends. If this is not possible, there is the possibility of organizing a maternity nurse.

maternity nurses

These are special household helpers who are specially trained for childbirth. Statutory health insurance companies cover most of the costs if you are alone in childbirth and cannot get any care or support. Maternity nurses can also support you and your family in the household if there are complications during pregnancy, for example in the event of premature labour.

gift tip

Many maternity nurses also offer their services as vouchers, which is a nice gift idea for moms and dads-to-be.

One of the most important points is communication. It is important to discuss in advance with family or friends when you and your partner would like to see you and your partner in the first few days of confinement. We recommend not receiving any visitors at first, in order to make it easier for you to arrive as a family. Especially with the first postnatal bed without siblings, you and your partner can sometimes lie in bed with your baby until noon. That's not possible with the second or third confinement, so try to enjoy this downtime. Should you nevertheless receive visitors, it is best to select them very carefully and really only if you and your partner really want it. Coffee and cake should not be expected to be served. Rather, you may request that food be brought. If you are expecting your first child, you will have no idea how quickly a day goes by and you felt like you were only breastfeeding and changing diapers the whole day. Taking a shower or brushing your teeth in the middle of the day is completely normal!

Further valuable products

Postpartum pads and period underwear:

Other products we recommend include large pads for postpartum bleeding (e.g., Strampelpeter) and Ooia period underwear for when the initial heavy postpartum bleeding subsides. The period underwear from Ooia, whether nursing bras or period briefs, ensure that there are no unwanted incidents.

And because we are so impressed, we have obtained a code for you from ooia. With our Babybox code, you can save 10% on your purchase of 25 euros or more at ooia. Give it a try, you will be delighted.

Preparation is everything

As you can see, there are many things you can organize in advance for your postpartum period to enjoy it as relaxed as possible. Another important aspect is nutrition during this time. Warm and nourishing meals not only provide you and your baby with essential nutrients but also supply energy and ensure internal warmth. Traditional Chinese medicine views the postpartum period as a phase where various deficiencies can occur. By resting and following the right diet, these imbalances can be corrected. Therefore, it is recommended to consume warm, freshly prepared meals three times a day to counteract iron deficiency, hormonal fluctuations, and potential injuries.

For more tips on postpartum nutrition, check the Birth & Postpartum section.