Parenting after fairy-tale fertility treatment is just that: a dream. But when your family lives on the other side of the world, those first few weeks with a newborn can be daunting. We’ve helped many NRI and expat families through the process at Ekmi Fertility, and we understand that postpartum support in another country means planning is a little different. Here is how you can succeed in this challenge.
The Reality of Postpartum When Your Family Isn’t Close by
The first six weeks post birth are really physically draining and emotional. You’re healing from giving birth, finding a rhythm for feeding and caring for a tiny human, and are operating on little sleep. Traditionally, it’s the mother and sister and aunt who start bringing in the home-cooked meal, baby care wisdom and a gift of some rest. If that safety net isn’t there, you have to build it.
Building Your Village Before the Baby Arrives
When your family lives in another country, the time to make plans for postpartum support is while you are pregnant – not after the baby is born. Here’s your action plan:
If you can afford it, research and book a postpartum doula in your area.
Interview and hire confinement nanny if 24-hour help is within your budget
Among other things, get in touch with lactation consultants who can offer virtual or even live support
Get involved in local parent groups and expat communities before your due date
Research postpartum meal delivery services
Find a trustworthy house cleaning service that you can book ahead of time.
It’s like you’re building your village from nothing. There’s effort on the front end but also big payoffs when you’re home with a newborn.
Professional Assistance That Matters
Daytime support is also offered by postpartum doulas. They’ll show you how to care for a newborn, help with breastfeeding (and burp her so you can rest), do some light housecleaning and even give you time to take a shower or catnap.
Confinement nannies provide 24-hour support, something that can be particularly important for the first two weeks. They take on the night feedings, make traditional postpartum dishes and bring that crucial element of experience that eases the anxiety of first-time parents.
Lactation consultants fix feeding problems before they escalate into crises. One appointment can save you weeks of stress.
These are the people who would be taking your family’s place. It’s an investment, but so is your health.
To know more Call +919319737070 or email us at info@ekmifertility.com
Leveraging Technology to Bridge Distance
Your family members are not able to be with you, but they can still offer support:
Video calls that allow grandparents to see their grandchild daily. Time them when you’re already awake, sitting still and/or around feeding times.
Shared digital albums let you keep the extended family in the update loop without having to texting photos of everyone that’s changed a diaper.
Messaging groups serve as a forum for asking questions, sharing victories and venting frustrations to people who love you unconditionally.
Partnering for Postpartum Success
Your significant other becomes the person supporting you through it all. Before the baby arrives, have honest conversations about division of labor, sleep schedules and how both of you are going to get breaks. If not, attend those postpartum preparation classes together so that your expectations are in line with the reality.
To know more Call +919319737070 or email us at info@ekmifertility.com
Protecting Your Mental Health
Isolation, however, raises a woman’s likelihood of suffering from postpartum depression and anxiety. When you have time and energy to spare soon after giving birth, vet a therapist who focuses on perinatal mental health. Know the warning signs – profound sadness, trouble bonding, scary intrusive thoughts – and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
At Ekmi Fertility, we have relationships with mental health providers to help support you during your postpartum period when your family is in another country.
You’re Not Alone
The postpartum period without nearby family is hard, but thousands of parents do it every year and still emerge victorious. With some planning, pro help and a commitment to asking for help, you’ll find your own rhythm. We’re here for you, even after pregnancy.
FAQs
When do I book my postpartum support?
Start your research and booking in the middle of your second trimester when there’s more availability, and you have an energy to interview candidates.
What is the average cost of postpartum support in India?
What you pay: Rs.30,000-2,00,000 per month depending on whether the doulas are there part-time or full time as confinement nannies.
Does Ekmi Fertility have postpartum support information?
Yes, we can refer you to reputable postpartum doulas, lactation support and mental health professionals in your area.
To know more Call +919319737070 or email us at info@ekmifertility.com