The postpartum period is a beautiful yet challenging time for any family, and for VBAC moms, recovery can be especially demanding. A vaginal birth after cesarean requires physical healing, emotional processing, and lots of support. That’s where a supportive partner can make all the difference.
By sharing the load and working as a team, you’re not only helping mom recover but also creating opportunities to bond with your new baby. Here are some practical ways partners can step in and share the responsibilities during the postpartum phase.
1. Take Charge of Diaper Duty
Newborns go through an astonishing number of diapers each day, and the constant cycle of changing can be exhausting for a recovering VBAC mom. This is an area where partners can step in and make a big impact.
Using high-quality products like Coterie diapers and wipes makes the job easier. Coterie’s superior absorbency helps prevent leaks and blowouts, so you’re not scrambling for emergency outfit changes in the middle of the night. Their gentle wipes protect your baby’s skin, ensuring cleanups are quick and hassle-free. By managing diaper duty, you’re giving mom one less thing to worry about while also bonding with your little one during those quiet, tender moments.
2. Handle Household Tasks
The postpartum phase isn’t the time for mom to be tackling laundry or worrying about a sink full of dishes. Step in to manage household chores so she can focus on rest and recovery. Some tasks to take off her plate include:
- Laundry: Newborns create plenty of it, so stay ahead of the piles by regularly washing and folding.
- Meals: Prepare simple, nourishing meals or coordinate meal deliveries from friends and family. Even reheating leftovers can be a lifesaver when she’s too tired to think about food.
- Tidying Up: Keeping common areas clean and clutter-free creates a more relaxing environment for mom and baby.
Small acts like these show love and thoughtfulness, helping mom feel cared for during her recovery.
3. Be a Gatekeeper for Visitors
Friends and family may be eager to visit and meet your new baby, but it’s important to prioritize mom’s healing and your baby’s adjustment period. Act as the gatekeeper by:
- Limiting the number of visitors each day.
- Politely asking guests to keep visits short and sweet.
- Encouraging visitors to lend a hand (e.g., bring a meal or help with chores).
By managing the flow of visitors, you’re helping create a calm, supportive environment where mom and baby can thrive.
4. Encourage Rest and Self-Care after VBAC
After a VBAC, mom’s body needs time to heal, and her emotional well-being is just as important. Support her by creating opportunities for rest and self-care. Here’s how:
- Offer to take over baby duties for an hour or two so she can nap, shower, or simply enjoy some quiet time.
- Set up a cozy postpartum care station with snacks, water, and comfort items within arm’s reach.
- Encourage her to take short walks or do gentle stretches when she feels ready, as movement can support recovery and boost mood.
5. Automate Baby Essentials
Keeping up with essential supplies like diapers and wipes can feel overwhelming during the postpartum phase. Partners can lighten the load by setting up a Coterie subscription service. With diapers and wipes delivered right to your doorstep, there’s no need for last-minute runs to the store. This reliable service ensures you’re always stocked with premium products that make life easier for both mom and baby. And don’t forget code VBAC20 for 20% off your first order of $40 or more!
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Recovering from a VBAC takes time and support, but by stepping up as a partner, you’re helping mom heal and easing the transition to life with a newborn. Whether it’s managing diaper duty with Coterie, preparing meals, or simply being her biggest cheerleader, every act of love and care matters.
Together, you’ll not only navigate postpartum recovery—you’ll thrive as a team, ready to tackle the joys and challenges of parenthood hand in hand. Coterie helps to make the postpartum period even easier with their high quality diapers and wipes. Here at the VABC Link, our team loves Coterie and we know you will, too. Use our code VBAC20 to see for yourself!
5 Ways to Simplify Postpartum Recovery After a VBAC