How to Navigate: Postnatal problems

Let's talk about how to navigate postnatal problems.

Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for new parents to feel like their early postnatal journey is not going so well.

It's understandable because there's a lot going on when Bub arrives and it can be easy to get a bit overwhelmed, particularly if things are not going as expected.

Whether it's difficulties with breastfeeding, trouble settling your Baby or trouble coping with impact of these changes on your wellness and mental health, please know that you are not alone and that there is support available.

What we do will depend on where the issues are, but here are some simple strategies that we usually incorporate into our plans together.

1. Get back to the basics

Focus on what really matters: milk feeding of any type, connecting with your baby and maternal recovery

Your baby needs milk for both hunger and settling, so just give whatever you've got while we sort any breastfeeding problems.

Bonding is my next essential, because it really does improve breastfeeding, our sleep and mental health and their settling and development.

Last but not least is maternal recovery and it really matters - you must get some rest, ensure you are drinking enough fluids and getting regular nutrition as these have a significant impact on your physical and mental health.

2. Park the extras

Pare back all the extra and potentially unnecessary things if they are compromising any of those basic essentials.

We can always come back to them later if they align with your values.

So if you're spending all your time expressing breast milk and washing equipment rather than bonding with bub or getting some rest then we really need to reconsider the plan and make some adjustments while still keeping your goals in mind.

3. Get support

Sometimes we can worry unnecessarily about something that's completely normal or be heading quite a bit off track, so starting off with an appointment with your Perinatal GP is a great place to start.

Surely you want the fastest and most effective solution, so seeing an expert in that field is the best way to achieve this.

Consider a lactation consultant, psychologist or your own GP and trust in their expertise.