What You REALLY Need Postpartum

Many new parents spend months putting together a baby registry, setting up the nursery, and researching the top-rated baby items that promise to make life easier. As a mom of 4, let me tell you, there are several much more important ways to set yourself up for success during those first few months, and none of them have to do with baby gadgets!

Here are some ways you can truly prepare for the 4th trimester:

Prepare freezer meals or set up a meal train

Many new parents overestimate the amount of energy they’ll have to cook after a new baby arrives and underestimate just how hungry a postpartum mom can be! Keeping yourself well-nourished is key to supporting your energy, your milk supply (if you choose to breastfeed), and your overall mood and recovery.

Having meals and snacks already prepared that only need to be reheated can feel absolutely lifesaving in those early days. And if others are bringing food to you? Even better.

It also helps to prepare foods that can be eaten with one hand, because chances are, the other hand will be holding a baby.

Take a prenatal breastfeeding class if you plan to breastfeed

This one is huge.

Many moms spend time preparing for labor, birth, and newborn care, but don’t spend much time preparing for breastfeeding. While breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t always come naturally right away.

Knowing what to expect and how to troubleshoot common challenges can make a huge difference during those early postpartum weeks. Many hospitals offer prenatal breastfeeding classes, and private-practice IBCLCs often do as well.

Set up postpartum stations around the house

There’s nothing worse than finally getting your baby perfectly latched… only to realize your water bottle and snack are across the room. Okay, there are worse things, but it’s still frustrating!

Try setting up small stations in the areas where you’ll spend the most time with your baby, like the living room and bedroom. Include things like:

• A filled water bottle

• Easy one-handed snacks

• A phone charger

• Diapers and wipes

• Burp cloths

• Nipple cream

• Extra clothes for you and baby

Having everything within reach makes life so much easier during those early weeks.

I also highly recommend creating a bathroom postpartum recovery station stocked with items like:

• Pads

• Witch hazel pads or TUCKS

• A peri bottle

• Dermoplast spray

• Comfortable underwear

Decide ahead of time how you want to handle visitors

A new baby is such an exciting time, and chances are you’ll have lots of eager family and friends wanting to visit. While some parents love having visitors right away, others may feel overwhelmed by it.

Rather than trying to figure this out while sleep-deprived and emotional, have a conversation with your partner ahead of time about what feels best for your family.

Some couples choose to decline visitors for the first couple of weeks so they can settle in together. Others only invite a few trusted people who are truly there to support them.

Whatever you decide is okay. The important thing is that you and your partner are on the same page and communicate your wishes clearly.

You can also check out my blog post on navigating visitors during the early postpartum days for more tips and ideas.

Figure out who your support system is

Having a baby is a major life transition for both parents, and having support can make a huge difference in how you navigate it.

This support may come from parents, in-laws, siblings, friends, neighbors, or anyone who helps you feel safe, supported, and cared for.

Postpartum support groups can also be incredibly valuable. There’s something very comforting about sitting in a room with other moms who are in the same phase of life and understand exactly what you’re going through.

Motherhood was never meant to be done alone.

Lower expectations and focus on recovery

This may be one of the hardest, but most important, things to prepare for mentally.

Your only jobs during the early postpartum weeks are to recover, rest when possible, feed your baby, and adjust to this major life transition. The laundry can wait. The dishes can wait. Your healing matters too.

Giving yourself permission to slow down and accept help can make a huge difference in your physical and emotional recovery.