Expert interview with midwife Sandra Sus: Tips for postpartum preparation

In today's expert interview, midwife Sandra shares her key tips for preparing for the postpartum period. Learn how you can best prepare yourself and your home for this special time.

Nina: Hello Sandra, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Please introduce yourself briefly.

Sandra: Hello Nina, I'm happy to be here. I'm Sandra, a midwife (since 2006) and pediatric nurse from Düsseldorf, and during this time I've accompanied many women and families through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. [Website Sandra Sus]

Nina: That sounds very exciting. Today we'd like to talk about preparing for the postpartum period. What are your first tips for expectant parents?

Sandra: The first and perhaps most important tip is to find a midwife early and have a pre-postpartum consultation. During this consultation, we will clarify expectations and discuss what postpartum care will look like. It's important to establish a foundation of trust and clarify any outstanding questions in advance.

Nina: That sounds reasonable. How can your partner support you during this time?

Sandra: It's essential that your partner be involved early on. Together, clarify how your partner can support you and whether taking time off is possible. Your partner's support can make everyday life during the postpartum period much easier.

Nina: What do you recommend regarding the mother's diet during the postpartum period?

Sandra: A good diet is very important during the postpartum period. Have someone cook for you or accept food gifts. Pre-cooking and freezing or using delivery services are also good options. It is helpful Recipes to find out and prepare in advance so that the mother doesn't have to worry about anything.

Nina: What other preparations should you make?

Sandra: The baby's initial supplies should be sorted out. Consider what you really need. A well-equipped changing area is important and should be set up beforehand. Mom should also feel comfortable, including intimate care and everything she needs in the early days.

Nina: Bureaucracy can also be a big issue. What should you do in advance?

Sandra: Exactly, it's advisable to take care of all the bureaucratic matters before the birth: applications, custody, child benefits, health insurance, etc. This way, you'll be free to focus on the baby and recovery after the birth.

Nina: What is the best way to handle postnatal visits?

Sandra: Plan the visit in advance and communicate clearly who is allowed to visit and for how long. Avoid taking too much advice—everyone has an opinion, but ultimately, you know best what's best for you.

Nina: In the preliminary interview, you mentioned the concept of "mothering the mother." Can you describe it in more detail?

Sandra: "Mothering the mother" essentially means that the postpartum mother should be treated like a queen. Her sole responsibility is to get fit, recover, and get to know the baby. Everything else should be taken care of for her.

Nina: What are the baby’s needs in the early days?

Sandra: In addition to sleeping and drinking, skin-to-skin and body contact are especially important for babies. They need closeness, comfort, and a loving environment to feel safe.

Nina: What should be in the hospital bag for the birth?

Sandra: All necessary documents are very important, such as your health insurance card, maternity record, identity card, marriage certificate, and birth certificate. For the mother, I recommend a favorite nightgown, long T-shirts, slippers, socks, a dressing gown, comfortable clothes for the walk home, pajamas with buttons that make breastfeeding easier, nursing bras, comfortable panties, a toiletry bag with cosmetics, glucose tablets, possibly malt beer, and massage oil.

For the baby, you'll need at least two bodysuits in the smallest sizes 50/56, appropriate clothing for the journey home, and a cozy blanket and thin hat would be helpful. Otherwise, you can get everything your baby needs at the hospital.

Nina: Are there any practical tips you would like to share?

Sandra: Absolutely! You should install the car seat beforehand and request a family room at the hospital if desired.

Nina: How can friends and family best support you?

Sandra: Friends and family can help by specifically asking what they can do to make their child happy, whether it's shopping or trips to the pharmacy. But sometimes it's also good to leave the new parents alone and wait until the family gets in touch.

Nina: Finally, please put together a gift box with your favorite baby gifts.

Sandra: My favorites are personalized gifts like a Baby hairbrush with engraving, one muslin blanket, a sweet, cuddly Hand towel, a Silicone teething ring for the first teeth and a wooden cylinder rattle.

These gifts are not only practical but also loving keepsakes.

Nina: Thank you, Sandra, for the valuable tips and the detailed conversation!

Sandra: You're welcome, Nina. I hope I was able to provide some helpful advice and wish all expectant parents a wonderful postpartum period.