PREPARING FOR THE POST PARTUM TIME.

The first weeks as a new family. A time of getting to know each other and cuddling, but also with many new challenges. The new role as mom or dad, learning to breastfeed, changing diapers and less sleep.

With so much preparation for the birth and excitement, we sometimes forget to think about the time AFTER the birth. There are still so many things to do, but preparing for childbirth should be at least as much a part of it. That's why we've put together 9 tips to prepare you well for childbirth. This is the only way you can really enjoy this special time!

1. CLEAR THE CALENDAR
Do not put any unnecessary appointments on your calendar for the first six weeks after the birth. Only home visits by your midwife and the first check-up by the paediatrician are important. Everything else can wait. The same goes for dad, of course. This is very needed at the beginning and should be taken off as well. Don't let family visits pressure you either, only accept them if you really feel like it. Everyone should understand that.

2. CREATE A MEAL PLAN
A healthy diet is particularly important so that you have enough energy for breastfeeding and the sleepless nights after the birth. The food must not be neglected and this requires good planning. The best way to start preparing now is to cook whole meals and freeze them. Don't forget to stock up on healthy snacks. However, if you do not want to go through this stress or do not have enough space in the freezer, you can also create a list of delivery services that can deliver healthy meals to your home. Of course, it is best if you have loved ones in your circle of acquaintances who can bring you a meal that you have prepared yourself for the birth. Don't be afraid to ask about it, too.

3. ESTABLISH COMFORTABLE CORNERS
It's called childbirth, but that doesn't mean that you can only stay in bed. The only important thing is that you and your sweetheart are comfortable. So feel free to set up cozy corners in your apartment before the birth so that when you get home you have various options to retreat to to relax and take care of your baby.

4. KEEP LITTLE HOME REMEDIES READY
Simple home remedies can be of great help to you during childbirth: soothing quark wraps or milk-forming teas can help you with breast engorgement. Flaxseed and prunes will help get your digestion going again. There are a number of other remedies that you can get in advance so that you don't have to rush to the pharmacy when you're in bed. For the case of falls.

5. CREATE ENTERTAINMENT
Of course, your baby is the center of attention and will keep you busy. However, there will also be many times when your baby is asleep and you theoretically "have nothing to do". So that you are not tempted to do something around the house during these times, provide interesting entertainment in advance that will allow you to relax further. A good book or an exciting series are good ways to escape boredom, for example. Preferably something that's easy to digest and doesn't overwhelm you emotionally or mentally.

6. DON'T TAKE AWAY YOUR MATERNITY CLOTHING JUST
You will surely be happy to have your own body to yourself again soon and to be able to wear your old clothes again. Even though you'll have your body to yourself after giving birth, you still need to give it time to recover and remodel. What was right for you in the sixth month should be just right in the confinement. The time to dress the way you like is coming soon, don't worry! In the first few weeks, however, convenience is still the top priority.

7. LISTEN TO YOUR GUTS
Especially with the first baby, you may be unsettled by other opinions and "well-intentioned advice". If you find that something feels wrong, it's okay not to take that advice. When your baby is born, you are a mother yourself and have a very good feeling for what is good for you and your baby and what is not. Also, don't read too many guides, because that will only drive you crazy. There are so many different opinions and approaches. Ultimately, it has to be right for YOU and your baby - not for the others. Trust your gut feeling. You'll do it well!

8. TEARS ARE NORMAL
As the saying goes? Everything has to flow during childbirth: milk, blood and also tears. Don't be surprised if you feel emotional in postpartum, or feel sad or distressed at times. Your body has done something magical and your hormones can go haywire. This is completely normal. You can't really do anything about it. But that time will also pass.

However, if you find that these feelings last more than a few days, then you should seek help as it could be postpartum depression. Seeking help is the opposite of showing weakness. Your baby can only do well if you are well. Your feelings are to be taken seriously and you should not suppress them during this time, but give them space. Not all mums feel the motherly love that everyone is always talking about at the push of a button. For many, this only comes with time and that is absolutely normal and okay. Don't be so hard on yourself, give yourself time.

9. GET HELP!
Don't wait until everything gets too much and you break down under the pressure of everyday tasks. Let others help you! Tidying up, cleaning, washing, shopping - all these tasks can be done by others in the first few weeks. It is important that you take care of this beforehand and not only when your baby is here. If you are unable to find help from relatives or friends, you can also hire a household help for a while.