Planning and Preparing for Postpartum:
Written By Rebecca Leung
Pregnancy is a time of excitement, preparation, and anticipation. We pour our energy into researching baby products, planning a nursery, and preparing for the birth itself. But what happens after the baby arrives?
The postpartum period is one of the most transformative and vulnerable times in a parent’s life. It’s a time of healing, adjustment, and bonding—not just with your baby but with yourself as you step into this new chapter. Preparing for postpartum is not only an act of self-care; it’s the most selfless thing you can do for your family. When you prioritise your recovery and wellbeing, you set the foundation for a thriving family life.
Why Preparing for Postpartum Matters
We often dive into pregnancy with excitement about the future, but it’s just as important to consider what life will look like in the days, weeks, and months after your baby is born.
Imagine your ideal postpartum experience: What are you eating? How are you feeling? Who’s helping you? Are you resting peacefully with your baby in your arms? Holding this vision can help you shape a postpartum plan that prioritises your healing and happiness.
Why Rest is Essential
Your body has been through a monumental journey—pregnancy, labour, and birth. Whether you’ve had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, your body needs time to recover. Here’s why rest is so important:
Physical Healing: After birth, your uterus has a wound the size of a dinner plate where the placenta detached. Rest allows this to heal while minimising postpartum bleeding.
Emotional Balance: Rest helps you navigate the intense hormonal changes and emotions of early motherhood.
Breastfeeding Support: Rest and skin-to-skin contact encourage milk production and bonding with your baby.
Long-Term Wellbeing: Prioritising rest and recovery now prevents exhaustion, burnout, and depletion in the months and years ahead.
Practical Steps to Prepare for Postpartum
1. Build a Postpartum Plan
Creating a plan for your postpartum period can feel empowering and supportive. Start by asking yourself:
Who’s Taking Care of Me? Identify who will help you with meals, housework, and baby care.
What Does My Ideal Postpartum Look Like? Envision the environment and support you need to feel nurtured.
How Can I Make Life Easier? Stock your freezer with nutritious meals, prepare a comfortable resting space, and organise any essentials you’ll need within arm’s reach.
2. Hire a Postpartum Doula
Of course, I’m going to recommend this—but with good reason! Hiring a postpartum doula is one of the best investments you can make in your recovery and wellbeing.
A doula provides:
Emotional Support: Helping you navigate the highs and lows of new parenthood.
Practical Assistance: Meal preparation, and baby care so you can focus on rest and bonding.
Guidance and Resources: Advice on breastfeeding, sleep, and recovery, tailored to your unique needs.
A Reassuring Presence: Someone who understands the postpartum period and holds space for you to heal and adjust.
Doulas aren’t just for the wealthy or those with endless time—they’re for anyone who wants to feel supported and held during this special time. Even a few hours of doula care each week can make a huge difference in your experience.
3. Ask for Help Early
Asking for help can feel uncomfortable, but it’s one of the most selfless things you can do for yourself and your family. Here’s how to make it easier:
Delegate Tasks: Create a meal roster, ask for help with laundry or cleaning, and let loved ones handle errands.
Be Specific: Instead of saying, “Let me know if you can help,” try, “Could you drop off a meal next Tuesday?”
Involve Your Community: Use apps like Meal Train or local WhatsApp groups to coordinate support.
Remember, your loved ones want to help—they just need guidance on how to do it. By asking for help early in your pregnancy, you set the stage for a smoother postpartum experience.
4. Prepare Your Home
Your home should feel like a sanctuary during postpartum. Here’s how to set it up for rest and recovery:
Create a Resting Space: Stock your bedroom or living area with pillows, blankets, and postpartum essentials like nappies, wipes, snacks, and water bottles.
Stock Up on Food: Fill your freezer with nourishing meals or invest in a meal delivery service. Avoid living off toast and tea—your body needs proper fuel to heal.
Set Boundaries for Visitors: Politely limit visitors in the early weeks, and only invite those who will support you without adding stress.
5. Rethink Productivity
In our society, productivity is often equated with success, but this mindset doesn’t serve new parents. Postpartum rest is productive. By slowing down, you allow your body to heal, strengthen your bond with your baby, and establish a solid foundation for your family.
The Realities of Postpartum
Postpartum is a time of adjustment and learning. Here’s what you can expect and how to prepare:
Your Body After Birth
Bleeding (Lochia): Heavy bleeding is normal for the first week, gradually decreasing over six weeks. Overexertion can increase bleeding, so listen to your body and rest.
Core Weakness: Your body will feel tender, and movements like standing or sitting may be challenging. Go slow, and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity.
Breastfeeding: If you choose to breastfeed, your milk will come in 3–5 days after birth. Skin-to-skin contact and rest support milk production and bonding.
Redefining Rest
Rest doesn’t always mean sleep. While sleep deprivation is inevitable with a newborn, rest can also mean:
Social Rest: Limit visitors and focus on those who energise and support you.
Sensory Rest: Create a calming environment with soothing music, minimal screen time, and warm lighting.
Physical Rest: Lie down as often as possible to heal your pelvic floor and support recovery.
Emotional Rest: Talk about your birth experience with your partner, doula, or trusted friend to process your emotions.
Why Prioritising Postpartum is Selfless
Taking care of yourself isn’t just about you—it’s about your family and community. When you prioritise rest and recovery, you:
Create a strong foundation for bonding with your baby.
Improve your ability to physically heal and emotionally adjust.
Set an example for others, inspiring them to value postpartum care.
Prevent exhaustion, burnout, and resentment in the long term, allowing you to parent from a place of love and energy.
Support for Every Circumstance
Not everyone has access to family or postpartum doulas, but there are still ways to ensure a supportive experience:
Stock Your Freezer: Prepare nutritious meals in advance.
Join a Mother’s Group: Local councils and online communities can connect you with other parents.
Utilise Support Services: Organisations like PANDA and NCT can provide guidance and emotional support.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for postpartum is one of the most selfless and impactful things you can do for your family. By focusing on rest, asking for help, hiring a doula, and creating a supportive environment, you’re giving yourself the best chance to thrive in this new chapter of life.
Your wellbeing is the foundation of your family’s health and happiness. Honour yourself, embrace the help of your community, and give yourself permission to heal and grow. You are not just caring for a baby—you’re building a strong, happy, and healthy future for your family.
With love and encouragement,
Rebecca Leung
