How to Prepare for Postpartum for New Moms

Use this postpartum preparation list to learn exactly how to prepare for postpartum during pregnancy. From things needed after giving birth to learning all about postpartum rest, this is the guide for you!

We often hear about the joys and challenges of pregnancy and the excitement surrounding the arrival of a new baby. Less frequently discussed, however, is the journey of postpartum recovery.

It’s vital for expecting moms to prepare for postpartum during pregnancy, as this time is crucial for both physical and emotional healing after baby arrives.

The postpartum period, also known as the fourth trimester, is not just a six-week phase for doctor visits.

In reality, it stretches far beyond, with the body potentially taking up to a year to fully rebound from giving birth and all the responsibilities that come with becoming a mother.

This extended recovery timeline might come as a surprise. It underscores the need for a comprehensive postpartum preparation list, focusing on both postpartum rest and the addressing of changes the body experiences after giving birth.

Whether you are preparing for postpartum after a c-section or regular birth, planning how to manage postpartum depression, or looking into the best post-pregnancy books, remember that each step taken is towards ensuring a healthier and more comfortable recovery for you.

After my first pregnancy, I was so shocked about what happens during the postpartum period. So I made sure to better prepare for the second and third time around.

I am so passionate about helping others learn how to prepare for after birth so they don’t end up discouraged and in shock like I was.

So here is your ultimate guide on how to prepare for postpartum recovery!

Some of these links are affiliate links meaning if you purchase from these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Everything I share is my own opinions and things I personally use and love. You can learn more by reviewing my disclosure. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Prepare for Physical Recovery After Birth

The postpartum period brings with it tons of physical transformations. New moms might observe their bodies swelling and feeling sore, a natural aftermath of childbirth.

My feet were so swollen I couldn’t even fit in my shoes to go home from the hospital! I had to stomp around with my husband’s shoes, which barely fit in width too.

Depending on how you give birth, your physical recovery will look different.

Vaginal pain is often the first physical pain you’ll experience; cooling witch hazel pads and sitz baths are the best postpartum supplies for this.

Hemorrhoids occasionally can also be a problem for some. This was the case for me with my second birth (learn how to manage hemorrhoids and feel SO much better, all naturally).

Of course, you will have cramping and bleeding, a normal aftermath. Stock up on some all natural postpartum diapers to help with this and an herbal cramp ease remedy. These all definitely in my postpartum needs checklist!

If you have a c-section, you will definitely want to have a postpartum girdle. It is also very beneficial for vaginal births too!

The best way to prepare for the physical recovery after giving birth is to have a postpartum care kit ready to go!

How to Prepare for Postpartum Breastfeeding

I did not prepare very well for breastfeeding. I just thought it was completely natural and it would be easy right from the start. I was very wrong.

Preparing for postpartum breastfeeding is so crucial! From nipple pain, to baby not latching, you will experience some of the hardest moments while breastfeeding.

Talk to the lactation consultants where you give birth and get some breastfeeding must haves to further help you best prepare.

Pin This Post for Later:

A support system, with lactation consultants and family members offering both emotional encouragement and practical help is so important for your breastfeeding journey.

Having a solid breast pump in case your baby cannot latch or has a tongue tie (like mine did) will help you still increase your supply while working through these hard times.

How to Prepare for Your Mental Health After Delivery

Preparing for after birth entails more than stocking up on postpartum supplies or drafting a postpartum plan. It includes mental health preparedness.

If you want to know how to prepare for postpartum depression, learn as much about postpartum disorders as you possibly can.

Ask your healthcare provider all the questions to know the signs, symptoms, and what you can do to prevent it will be incredibly valuable.

Strategies for coping might encompass discussions with healthcare providers about potential risks for postpartum depression and creating a supportive, open environment where feelings can be shared without judgment.

Essential too is knowing when and how to reach out for professional help, ensuring a safe and nurturing space for both new moms and their babies.

One of the best things for me to mentally prepare was to get a postpartum doula.

However, even when you know the signs and symptoms, it can still happen to you.

I have a degree in psychology, and I studied postpartum depression and anxiety in my classes. However, it still took me months to identify it in myself and reach out to get help.

You can try getting some of these mental health essentials to further help you during the first couple of months.

Best Postpartum Preparation Tips

Now that you are aware of some of the things that occur during the postpartum recovery period, here are some postpartum tips I found so important:

Have a Postpartum Plan in Place

One of the best ways to prepare for postpartum is to have a plan in place. You can use a postpartum plan template to help you cover areas you might not realize you need to prepare for.

A postpartum plan should include:

• Going back to work
• Checking on your mental health
• Self-care practices
• Physical recovery
• Taking care of pets/older siblings
• Meal planning
• Connecting with your spouse after baby comes

Have a Support System

You will need a solid support system to anchor you through the rollercoaster of the fourth trimester.

Having trusted individuals around you can significantly affect your recovery and ability to navigate new challenges, from issues related to breastfeeding to managing the nuances of newborn care.

For new parents, leaning on this pre-built support system can offer relief and guidance. It enables us to tackle the unforeseen with confidence and get invaluable advice on everything, including postpartum needs checklist and postpartum rest.

It is especially important to have people you trust to take care of you during the first 40 days. This is an Ayurvedic postpartum practice that we all should have in place!

Engaging with a network that includes not just family members but also experienced professionals ensures that we are well-equipped.

Read the 4th Trimester Book

One of the best post pregnancy books I’ve found is The 4th Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson. Not only does it help you prepare for your own postpartum journey, but it can also help you heal from past birth trauma.

It is my favorite book for the postpartum period.

Create a Postpartum Recovery Kit

You are going to need tons of things to take care of you during your 4th trimester. From breastfeeding essentials to physical recovery items, mental health necessities, and more, it can be hard to keep track of it!

That’s why I always filled a diaper caddy with all the postpartum essentials. This became my postpartum recovery kit.

Embracing this fourth trimester with the right preparations brings a sense of readiness.

Have Comfy Clothes

You will be hurting and needing to breastfeed constantly right after giving birth.

Just make sure you have tons of comfy postpartum clothes so you can be comfortable and at ease.

Now you know more about the postpartum period, be sure to start your postpartum plan today so you are best prepared for everything that comes during the 4th trimester!

Final Thoughts

The fourth trimester, as daunting as it might seem, offers a unique opportunity for new parents. It allows us to pause, reflect, and embrace the beauty of newborn care with open arms and an open heart.

Preparing for postpartum is very important; but it is equally important to remember that not everything will work out exactly how we plan. Make sure to go with the flow and enjoy this time as much as possible.

You can do this!

If you ever find yourself wanting extra support during your pregnancy, birth, or postpartum journey, I’m here to walk alongside you through my virtual doula services — offering encouragement, guidance, and a listening ear whenever you need it.