How to Prepare for Postpartum:
YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE FOURTH TRIMESTER
You’ve planned for your baby’s arrival—nursery set, hospital bag packed, and maybe even a detailed birth plan. But what happens after delivery? The truth is, bringing a baby home is only the beginning of a whole new chapter called postpartum. And trust us—this stage deserves just as much thought and care as your birth plan.
At The Necessary Nurse, we know that the weeks after birth can be beautiful and overwhelming all at once. So, let’s walk through how to prepare for postpartum in a way that feels supportive, intentional, and doable.
Why You Need a Postpartum Plan
Think of your postpartum plan as your roadmap through the early days (and nights) of newborn life. While birth gets a lot of attention, postpartum often doesn’t—yet it’s the phase where your body heals, your emotions shift, and your entire routine changes.
A good plan can:
• Help you set boundaries
• Organize support
• Prevent burnout
• Reduce stress
• Keep your household running
It’s not about making everything perfect—it’s about making space for you to rest, recover, and bond with your baby.
Whether you’re a first-time parent or expanding your family, here’s how to prepare for postpartum like a pro.
1. Understand What Postpartum Really Looks Like
The postpartum period, often called the “fourth trimester,” lasts from birth until about 12 weeks after delivery. During this time, your body is healing, your hormones are shifting, and you're learning how to care for a newborn. It's a beautiful but challenging time.
Some common postpartum experiences include:
• Vaginal soreness or C-section incision healing
• Bleeding (lochia) for several weeks
• Breast engorgement or soreness
• Emotional highs and lows
• Exhaustion from round-the-clock newborn care
Being mentally and physically prepared for these changes can ease the transition.
2. Build a Postpartum Care Plan
Just like a birth plan, a postpartum care plan helps you think ahead and outline your needs. Include the following:
• Physical recovery needs (peri bottle, ice packs, nursing pads, stool softeners)
• Feeding support (lactation consultant, pump setup, bottle options)
• Emotional health support (therapist contact, journaling, mental check-ins)
• Household help (who can help with meals, laundry, or errands?)
• Visitor rules (when and how people can visit—especially in those early weeks)
Having a plan will help you feel more in control when life gets busy and unpredictable.
3. Set Up Your Support Team
Recovery isn’t something you should do alone. Before baby arrives, talk with your partner, family, and close friends about what you’ll need.
• Who will help with meals?
• Can someone stay overnight if needed?
• Do you have backup childcare for older siblings?
• Who will run errands or help keep the house tidy?
You can also connect with professionals like postpartum doulas, night nurses, lactation consultants, pelvic floor therapists, or even a cleaning service. If your support system is small, consider virtual communities or mom groups—connection makes a big difference.
4. Make a Sleep and Feeding Plan
One of the biggest challenges in the early weeks is sleep. You can’t always control how your baby sleeps, but you can create a flexible system:
• Try rotating shifts with your partner at night
• Pump or prep bottles in advance to share feedings
• Nap during the day when your baby naps (yes, even just a 20-minute rest helps!)
• Use white noise or blackout curtains to improve rest
Newborns eat often—sometimes every 2-3 hours—so feeding and sleep are deeply connected. Understanding this rhythm ahead of time can help you adjust with more patience and less frustration.
5. Prepare for Emotional Ups and Downs
It’s completely normal to feel weepy, irritable, or overwhelmed after birth. Your hormones shift rapidly, your body is sore, and your life has changed overnight.
But if you find yourself feeling sad, anxious, or disconnected for more than a couple of weeks, talk to a healthcare provider. Postpartum depression and anxiety are common, and help is available. Keep emergency contacts and mental health resources handy.
Talk to your partner about what to watch for, so they can support you too.
6. Stock Up on Essentials (and Not-So-Cute Necessities)
Make a “postpartum kit” with items that will help with recovery. Here are some essentials:
• Peri bottle
• Maternity pads or adult diapers
• Witch hazel pads
• Nipple cream
• Sitz bath supplies
• Comfy clothes and nursing bras
• Snacks and a big water bottle
• Extra phone chargers and a cozy blanket for your nursing station
It’s okay to prioritize your comfort—these little things matter more than you think.
7. Manage Expectations (and Boundaries)
You don’t have to “bounce back.” In fact, we don’t believe in that phrase. Healing takes time—physically and emotionally. Let yourself rest. Say no to things that drain your energy. Tell visitors ahead of time what works for your family.
You might want a quiet house, limited screen sharing of your baby, or help instead of just hugs. Whatever your needs, they are valid.
8. Think About the Long Game
Don’t forget to plan for:
• Your first postpartum check-up
• Returning to work (if applicable)
• Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding goals
• Birth control options after delivery
• Future child care
It’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out yet.
The goal is to be aware, so you’re not blindsided later.
It's a time of change, love, healing, and growth—not just for your baby, but for you too!
By preparing now, you give yourself the best shot at a more peaceful, supported, and empowered experience. At The Necessary Nurse, we’re here to support you every step of the way—whether you’re expecting, postpartum, or just figuring it all out.
