Pregnancy to Parent Wellness Resources
Pregnancy to Parent Wellness Resources
After birth, we offer Pregnancy to Parent Wellness, a text-message-based wellness program that provides resources and support from your postpartum care team. You will receive weekly texts for the first three months after birth and then monthly texts through 12 months postpartum.
Pregnancy to Parent Wellness Kick-Off
It’s almost time! Check out some tips here to help you plan for postpartum (as much as possible).
Healing after your birth can be a slow process. Whether you had a vaginal or a cesarean delivery, your care team is here to support you as you recover. The Healing After Birth guide contains information to help you manage the healing process. As always, if you have questions, reach out to your care provider for more guidance.
Week 1
- Um, is this a normal part of recovery? Here is a list of when it’s time to call your provider
- Postpartum tip: These past few days have been a blur, and journaling can be a great way to remember every moment of the newborn phase. And remember, your care team is always here for you if you need it.
Need a prompt? Get a journal and a pen. Set a timer for five minutes and start by describing the events of your birth experience in as much detail as you can remember. How did you feel during the birth process? Write down anything that comes to mind. If you encounter emotionally difficult feelings and need more support, reach out to your provider.
Journaling can help you process your emotions, reduce stress and help you stay in the present moment with your newborn during this phase of parenting.
- It’s ok to say no to visitors. More coping and adjustment tips here.
- Take some time for you, and other tips from parenting veterans on how to get through the first year.
- A postpartum doula could be exactly what you need:
Week 2
- Is my baby hungry? Learn the top hunger cues, feeding schedules, supplementing and more.
- If you’re breastfeeding, change it up with “side-lying position,” or any one of these.
- Fed is best, whether you've chosen formula or are having some challenges with chestfeeding/breastfeeding.
- It takes time to heal. Here’s more information on what you can expect.
- What to expect in the fourth trimester? Watch a panel of maternal health specialists answer frequently asked questions here.
Week 3
- Is this just a case of the "baby blues," or could it be something more? View or download this PDF brochure that answers common questions about perinatal depression.
- Anxiety is extremely common and can happen up to a year postpartum. Learn the symptoms and find help.
Week 4
- Ouch! Why does my let-down hurt? Breastfeeding Let-Down 101: Everything You Should Know and Overactive Let-Down.
- Learn more about common struggles with breastfeeding.
- Everything you need to know about returning to work after family leave.
Week 5
- Got a baby in one hand? View a list of 25 One Handed Postpartum Snacks
- “It takes a village” is right. Read this article on growing your village from Postpartum Support International.
- Getting ready for that next round of shots? Read more about vaccine safety here
Week 6
- You’re so busy feeding your baby – but you can’t forget about taking care of yourself. Learn how to keep up healthy habits
- Breastfeeding may be natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy
- Can’t wait to get back into the gym? Check out these FAQs on getting back to exercising.
Week 7
Week 8
From A-Z, here’s a little of everything on breastfeeding.
If you didn’t feel an instant connection with your baby, you’re not alone. Check out tips on bonding with your newborn.
- Got 10 minutes? Try out these safe and effective exercises at home
Week 10
- Postpartum depression can happen at any time. Here’s a refresher on symptoms to look out for.
- Don’t know how to start the mental health conversation? Use this tracker to talk to provider.
- Need a babysitter to help on date night? Check out these tips for feeling confident in your childcare
- Everything you need to know as a breastfeeding employee
- Common misconception: it’s normal to leak pee after birth. Here's a bit about pelvic floor dysfunction and healing
- Read this real-life story about pelvic organ prolapse and the road to recovery.
- Learn how to have a confident bladder.
Week 12
Month 4
- You’re balancing a lot, but it is so important to rest. U-M Health has developed some helpful tips to create healthy sleep habits
- Try these calming techniques to fall asleep faster at night
- Tips for surviving on less sleep
Month 5
- How to get started on solid foods
- An easy-to-follow feeding guide
Month 7
Birth trauma can affect your life drastically; hear these real-life patient stories
- It is easy to feel alone after birth. Check out this tool and poster to be your own strongest supporter:
Month 8
- The pelvic floor is powerful yet does not always do what we expect. There are common urological changes with treatment options here
- Don’t make me laugh! Learn more about bladder leakage
- Being intimate after birth can be daunting. Click here for setting your timeline
Month 9
- Learn about postpartum sex, birth control and family planning
- Can I get pregnant while breastfeeding?
Month 10
- Your child’s pediatrician monitors their development at their appointments. Check out this resource for key developmental milestones
- Did you know that there are many ways you can support your child’s development? For example, “while it’s easy to be affectionate when babies are cute and cuddly, it’s also important to nurture babies when they are difficult, fussy, crying a lot or colicky."
- Thinking of another child? Learn strategies to prepare your child(ren) for the arrival of a sibling
- Still feeling pain after birth? Check out this resource for healthy healing for the pelvic floor
- Check out U-M Health’s Pelvic Disorder Program
Month 11
- Many parents experience trauma from the events of their baby’s birth, and we want to connect you with resources to help you through these feelings
- There are many ways to experience trauma, such as delivering a baby or dealing with the stress of illness. In this article, you’ll find definitions of trauma and PTSD, as well as protective actions to lower your risk of long-term distress
Month 12
- Check out recommendations for a balanced food plate for your baby
Now that you’re one-year postpartum, we wanted to remind you of all our resources about mental health. We hope you’re doing well and that you’ll take a moment to review some of these materials.
- What I tell my pregnant and postpartum patients about depression and anxiety
- Fact Sheet: Postpartum depression (APA)
- Perinatal mental health discussion tool
- Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
- The birth of a mother: My experience with postnatal anxiety and depression
- Pregnancy and postpartum disorders
- Learn about Depression during and after pregnancy
- Learn about Anxiety and pregnancy