Oh these are exciting times no doubt. Hopefully you are at home with your little bundle and will be able to stay home for awhile and rest and recuperate from the excitement and overwhelm of birth. During this period of time it is so very important that you take care of yourself. Eat lots of good food, get regular massage if you can…did you know there are many schools of massage that offer very inexpensive services. The significance is that touch, and lots of it, will help your immune system recovery, will stimulate additional oxytocin, and will also support in you the grief process that typically can occur following birth. Why grief? Well first of all birth can be very stressful on the bodymind system, you've just brought a new life into the world…wow…you are a life-giving marvel…yet it is extremely taxing physcially and emotionally. The residual impact of the stressful experience will oftentimes lead to hypo-arousal…you may feel sad, tired, overwhelmed…but then cheerful and okay at other times. Your body is grieving and recovering from a significant loss of energy that had been growing inside of you. Be patient and gentle with yourself.

As for your baby the world is new and overwhelming. Just think of all of the new sensory expereinces your child is being exposed to in a moments time from womb to world…whoaa…talk about welcome to DisneyWorld! Therefore she will sleep a tremendous amount, because suddenly her brain begins to spurt and develop faster than ever before, this is overwhelming also. You can help by keeping her close…skin to skin is ideal when you can do it, lots of baby-wearing, breastfeeding is ideal, take naps with her, lots of eye to eye gazing, and lots of support when she cries…because remember the world is new!

Congratulations.

Perhaps you have a question or concern?

B.