The excitement of welcoming our third baby was a beautiful high for our entire family. However, being 40 years old and preparing for my third Cesarean meant that I had to plan carefully. This time, it was a scheduled procedure, which many assured me would make recovery easier. But I knew that even with that, major surgery followed by the demands of caring for a newborn wasn’t something I could handle alone.
Our birth experience was beautiful, and we were both healthy and released after two nights in the hospital. During my first night home, I was hit with reality that I needed help for nearly everything. I couldn’t lie down or reposition myself in bed without assistance, and even getting up required help. My body was swollen from post-op fluid retention, and I was dealing with digestion issues from anesthesia. On top of that, my milk was coming in, bringing all the challenges of engorgement and regular nursing.
Thankfully, we had Indy Night Nanny providing overnight care for our baby and for the first time ever, I found myself in the role of being a client. The relief of having our little one handed to me with a clean diaper, ready to nurse, was incredible. Once she was fed, the nanny took over the burping, swaddling, and soothing while my husband focused on caring for me. Those first nights were tough, but with the extra support, they became manageable. We were able to get some sleep—far better than the sleepless nights we would have faced otherwise. It was empowering to tackle those early, exhausting moments as a team with the Indy Night Nannies, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to experience firsthand the invaluable service we provide to so many families.
Beyond the Indy Night Nanny team and amazing care from my husband, here’s what else helped me move from surviving to thriving:
1. Postpartum In-Home Massage
I initially met Sandra when she applied to join the Indy Night Nanny team. Alongside her work as a nanny, she also offered doula, nursing, and postpartum services. I reached out to see if she could provide an in-home postpartum massage, and she was amazing. She catered to my comfort, avoiding the massage table since I had just had a Cesarean. She worked on my legs, feet, arms, hands, and neck. The relief from swelling after just one session was incredible. I felt such a difference that I booked her again two days later. Having care come to you when you’re not up for leaving home is a game changer. Be sure to check out Sandra on Instagram!
2. Bed Adaptations
After the first night—and a lot of tears—my husband placed a quick Amazon order for bed wedges and a bed rail. I felt like a geriatric patient, but it made such a difference. The wedge system helped me mimic the incline of the hospital bed and offered lumbar support. With a few extra pillows, I was able to sleep more comfortably on my back. The bed rail gave me the support to roll onto my side and get up without assistance after a few days. Plus, it had a handy pocket where I could keep my phone and the remote.
3. Meal Train
My wonderful work family surrounded us with love and meals. From the first night home, dinner was taken care of. While I rested, my husband managed the house, cared for our older girls, and brought me whatever I needed. Knowing meals were handled every night gave us one less thing to worry about.
4. Snacks and Easy Access to Food
With our two-story home, I knew I needed to minimize trips up and down the stairs. I created a cozy, functional retreat in our bedroom for me and the baby. Having snacks and a mini-fridge nearby made all the difference. Nut bars, trail mix, beef sticks, cheese, and electrolyte drinks were lifesavers. I could also store breast milk in the fridge and have a bottle ready if needed. These little conveniences helped me feel more independent and took some pressure off my caregivers.
5. Creating a Comfortable Nursing Spot
I set up a cozy nursing space on our recliner with my nursing pillow, additional pillows for support, and a soft blanket. Being comfortable and relaxed made nursing, especially during the night, so much easier. A warm blanket in a cool room was my perfect setup.
No matter how many children you’ve had, your age, or your delivery method, having the support you need during the postpartum period is priceless. Planning ahead, even for the small things, can significantly enhance your experience as your family adjusts to life with a newborn. Every family’s needs and recovery experiences are unique, so be kind to yourself and find what works best for you and your baby.
Now that I’ve experienced what it’s like to be on the client side of Indy Night Nanny, I’m even more grateful for the incredible women who swoop in during the delicate, sometimes overwhelming moments of new parenthood. Their love and support truly make a difference, offering the care that can turn the tide for so many families adjusting to life with a newborn. It’s a powerful reminder of how vital this help is during such a transformative time.
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