How to prepare for postpartum + why it will change your postpartum experience
The Postpartum Period (a.k.a. The Fourth Trimester) refers to the first 6-8 weeks after birth when the body is recovering + finding its new rhythm. But let’s be honest, no parent is only postpartum for the first 2 months - many parents say they’ll never be out of the postpartum period…
Postpartum = parenthood.
So let’s start off on a solid foot!
Many expecting families spend lots of time preparing for baby and birth: making a birth plan, meeting with their birth team, preparing a nursery, and so on, but I’m here to remind you how critical it is to put as much (if not more!) prep into your postpartum!
Preparing for postpartum can radically shift your experience. This isn’t the best time “go with the flow” and “figure it out as it comes” this is the time to figure out how you are going to care for your baby, who is going to care for you, and how it’s all going to come together!
So here are a few things to get you started on your postpartum preparations!
Learn all about the postpartum period.
Read books about the postpartum period! I highly recommend The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson and The First Forty Days by Heng Ou.
More of a podcast listener? Check out Newbies: New Moms, New Babies.
Think about food and eating.
Even if you’re not used to thinking about meals weeks in advance, having a plan for meals + snacks can make the world of a difference when the time comes and everyone is hungry.
The third trimester (or earlier) is a great time to build a meal train! You can either organize this on your own or check out MealTrain.com for some assistance!
Meal prep some simple + nutritious freezer meals. You can even host a postpartum prep party where you invite your friends + family over to help get everything ready for birth + postpartum - make sure to put a few people in the kitchen prepping meals + snacks!
Stock the fridge + pantry! It’s helpful to have things you can easily grab throughout the days and nights. And, as a bonus - fill a snack basket to keep beside your bed (if you plan on breastfeeding - you’ll be hungry too during those late-night feeds)
Consider responsibilities + boundaries
Again, best done ahead of time so everyone is on the same page!
Create a plan with your partner. Figure out who’s going to take on what responsibilities and household tasks when the time comes. If you have older children make sure to include their needs in your plan as well.
You can also take a moment in this conversation to recognize that everything may not work out as planned and discuss ways you can be flexible if needed.
Another part of this conversation can be about family + friends and boundaries around visitors and extra help. Now each family feels differently when it comes to this topic, and there’s no right or wrong answer, there is only what works for you and what doesn’t.
Boundaries can be anything from a “please don’t ring the doorbell” sign on the door to explicitly stating “no visitors for the first X days” - nothing is off the table, this is your journey and you get to decide who and what is included (and when!).
Make sure to take the time to share this with your circle - either a text, email, social media post, or conversation to say “hey, this is where we’re at”. Again, nothing here is right or wrong. Being clear about what you and your family need in the first couple of weeks is so important and helps with avoiding upsets down the road.
Prepare to shift towards slowness + rest
Maybe your body is already forcing you into this one!
In all seriousness, it’s important to remember that no matter what your birth experience looks like your body will be in recovery mode afterward. Take a bit of time to think about what is going to help you mentally and physically recover and work out a plan to ensure you’re going to be taken care of
Sending you love + light on your journey,
xx Lillian
