I found this interesting outline in Elizabeth Davis’ book, Energetic Pregnancy, which I have just reviewed in the book section. It is adapted from an old nursing text — the author is unknown.

Phase One - Taking In (Day 1 - Day 3)

The new mother:

- Is passive-dependent overall; she is a receiver

- Wants plenty of rest and sleep

- Is very hungry, if in the hospital will find meals to be inadequate (friends/family should bring extra)

- Needs to review details of the birth with attendants in order to assimilate and go on

Phase Two: Taking Hold (Day 4 - Day 10)

The mother now:

- Becomes the initiator, the producer

- Actively re-masters care of herself and gives direction to her family on how to assist her.

- Begins to organize care of the baby, once she feels some autonomy in caring for her own needs.

Phase Three: Taking Charge (11 Days - 6 weeks)

The mother continues:

- To test her cabailities, with increasing success

- To experience postpartum fatigue, partly due to physical exhaustion but also to her own inner drive for excellence.

- To be hypercrytical of herself, vulnerable and in need of ongoing support.

Davis writes, “The first three months postpartum have been called the fourth trimester, becuase it takes about that long for you and your baby to get your rhythms in harmony….. Just remember that ultimately, you had to find your own way and rely on yourself during labor, and so it is with mothering as well…. By believing in your inherent connection and allowing for gradual coming together, you will probably find that by the time the fourth month rolls around, you and your baby will be ready to turn out to the world at large.” Aint that the truth…..

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July 5th, 2007 | Permalink