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Cluster Feedings and Postpartum Recovery

3 Steps to Success

By Jennifer Hodges

Pages:  1  2  

However, Albert says that some women exhibit a "warrior personality." "A person with a warrior personality constantly sends out the message that they can do everything themselves," she says. "As a result, no one ever thinks that she needs any help." These women may need the most help during the cluster feeding and postpartum period.

3. Know Your Other Options
There are some easy things that can be done to help women during this stressful period. First, moms can co-sleep. Both Hunt and McKissock co-slept with their children during this period and found that it was very easy to nurse Baby and then turn over and go right back to sleep.

New moms can also reduce obligations. "There are others things that can be dropped, and the word 'no' can be very freeing," Albert says. "If you have responsibilities that you are not getting paid for, recognize that you do not have the time for them. It helps to reduce the load."

Albert also recommends the following:

  • Vitamin B
  • St. Johns Wort (300 mg, 3 times a day)
  • Exercise
  • Sleep as much as possible
  • Sitz baths if the postpartum recovery is painful
  • Massage

"These are natural ways to deal with recovery and stress," she says. Albert also emphasizes that new moms need to carve time out for themselves "even if it is just making a cup of herbal tea."

Adjusting to life with a newborn can be very stressful and demanding. If the new mom allows herself to be taken care of, she can take care of her newborn. Breastfeeding is a very special bond that only a mother and her baby can share. Being prepared for the feedings, creating a loving and nurturing support system, letting yourself be taken care of and reducing obligations can make cluster feedings and postpartum recovery much easier.

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