4 Reasons Why You Need A Postpartum Plan
and how to make one before baby arrives
Let’s be real—by now, you’ve probably spent more time researching strollers and nursery colors than thinking about what happens after the baby arrives.
And honestly? You’re not alone!
So many of us get caught up in the excitement of prepping for the big day that we forget what comes next. I definitely did with my first.
Sure, there will be diapers, feedings, and all the baby snuggles, but what about you? What about your recovery, your mental health, and how you’re going to navigate those sleepless nights?
That’s where having a postpartum plan comes in. And trust me, it’s a total game-changer!
In this guide, we will dive into why you need one, what to include, and how it can make those first few weeks a whole lot smoother.
Let’s get you ready to feel confident, supported, and ready to take on this new chapter like a pro!
Why You Need a Postpartum Plan Before Baby Arrives
Okay, let’s talk about the "why." I know it’s easy to think, I’ll just wing it, how hard can it be? But here’s the thing—postpartum is unpredictable. One day you’re feeling like a superhero, and the next, you’re crying because your favorite shirt isn’t dried yet. The hormones, the exhaustion, the baby blues—it’s all real, and having a plan can make all the difference in how you manage it.
Prevent the Overwhelm
Imagine this: you’ve just had your baby, you’re sleep-deprived, and everyone is asking you questions. Do you want visitors? Do you need help with meals? Without a plan, all these decisions pile up, and suddenly, it’s a lot. A postpartum plan helps you decide things like who will visit, who will bring meals, and who will help around the house before you’re too tired to think straight. It’s like giving future you a big, warm hug!
Support Your Recovery
Your body just did the most amazing thing—growing and delivering a baby! But now it needs to recover, and that takes time. With a postpartum plan, you can prioritize things like rest, healing, and self-care (because yes, you deserve it!). Having a plan in place makes sure you get the time and space you need to recover without feeling guilty about it.
Mental Health Benefits
Let’s not forget about your mental health. The emotional rollercoaster of postpartum can be intense. From baby blues to postpartum anxiety or depression, it’s important to plan for your mental well-being too. Knowing that you have a support system in place—whether it’s a therapist, a doula, or just a friend to vent to—can be so comforting. Your postpartum plan can include who to call if things feel overwhelming or if you just need a breather.
Encouraging Bonding
Here’s the beauty of planning: it frees up your time to focus on the good stuff, like bonding with your baby. When you’ve already figured out the details, you can spend more time enjoying those sweet newborn snuggles without stressing over logistics. It’s all about creating space for the moments that matter most.
What to Include in Your Postpartum Plan
Now that you’re sold on the idea of having a postpartum plan, let’s talk about what to put in it.
Physical Recovery Needs
First things first, your recovery is key. You’ll want to think about:
Rest and Healing: Plan for how you’ll get the rest you need (because trust me, you’ll need it). This could mean setting boundaries with visitors, scheduling naps when the baby naps, or making sure your partner takes on night shifts when possible.
Postpartum Check-ups: Make sure you have your follow-up appointments scheduled—your postpartum check-up is just as important as all those baby appointments. (Just a reminder though that these can’t be scheduled until after the baby arrives because they are time-specific.)
Comfort Care Kit: Think of it as your survival kit—items like pads, perineal sprays, nipple cream, and comfy clothes. Have it all ready to go so you’re not scrambling when you need them.
Mental and Emotional Health
Your emotional health is just as important as your physical recovery. Include:
Support Systems: Make a list of people who can support you emotionally, whether it’s your partner, a close friend, or even a postpartum doula. Just knowing who’s in your corner makes all the difference.
Therapy or Counseling Resources: If you’ve struggled with anxiety or depression before, or if you just want to be prepared, include contacts for therapists or support groups that specialize in postpartum mental health.
Infant Care Plan
Yes, you’re going to be busy with baby care, but planning can save you so much stress. Include:
Feeding Plan: Whether you’re planning to breastfeed, formula-feed, or a mix of both, outline your approach and list contacts for lactation consultants or feeding support, just in case.
Sleep Schedules: Newborn sleep is all over the place, so plan for how you’ll handle those sleepless nights. Will you take shifts with your partner? Use a bassinet or co-sleep? Think about what works best for you.
Diapering and Bathing Essentials: Make sure you’ve stocked up on all the essentials—diapers, wipes, baby shampoo—so you’re not rushing to the store with a newborn in tow. Subscription services may be a big life savor in the first 3 months.
Household and Life Logistics
You’ve got enough to worry about without thinking about laundry and meal prep. Plan for:
Meal Planning and Prep: Whether it’s meal prepping in your third trimester or setting up a meal train with friends, figure out how you’ll stay fed when you have zero energy to cook.
Household Chores: Delegate chores to your partner, family, or even hire some help temporarily. You don’t have to do it all. Hiring extra help will give you more time to rest and bond with your baby.
The Benefits of Postpartum Planning
Now that you’ve got the basics of what to include, let’s talk about why it’s all worth it.
Confidence and Control
Having a plan in place gives you confidence. When you know what to expect and how to handle the early days of postpartum, you feel more in control. It’s like walking into motherhood with a roadmap instead of just hoping you’ll figure it out as you go.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
The beauty of a postpartum plan is that it helps reduce the "Oh no, what do I do now?" moments. By preparing ahead of time, you can avoid unnecessary stress and focus on what matters—taking care of yourself and your baby.
Promoting a Peaceful Environment
When you’re not worrying about every little detail, you can create a peaceful environment at home. You’ll have more time to bond with your baby, and that’s what it’s all about.
Building a Support Network
Having a plan also helps you build your "village." Whether it’s friends dropping off meals or family helping with baby care, you’ll have people ready to support you—and that’s priceless.
How to Create Your Own Postpartum Plan
Ready to create your plan? Here’s how to do it:
Reflect on Your Priorities: Think about what’s most important to you in your postpartum experience. Is it rest, mental health, or making sure you have time to bond with your baby?
Write it Down: Put your plan in writing! Whether it’s in a notebook or on your phone, having it all in one place will make it easier to follow.
Involve Your Partner: Make sure your partner or support person is on board with the plan so you’re both working together.
Stay Flexible: Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay! Your plan is a guide, not a rulebook.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Before you dive in, here are a few mistakes to avoid:
Focusing Only on Baby: Don’t forget about your own needs in the planning process. Your recovery is just as important as baby care!
Being Too Rigid: While it’s great to have a plan, be prepared to go with the flow. Things change, and flexibility is key.
Not Asking for Help: Don’t try to do everything on your own. Postpartum is a time for leaning on others—it’s okay to ask for help!
Creating a postpartum plan is one of the best things you can do to ensure a smoother transition into motherhood. By taking the time to plan, you’ll feel more confident, supported, and ready to embrace those first precious weeks with your baby. So, take a deep breath, grab a notebook, and start planning—it’s a gift to yourself and your new family!
