Postpartum Prep Ideas
1. Create a Postpartum Recovery Plan
Stock up on recovery essentials: Purchase items like maxi pads, perineal spray, sitz bath supplies, ice packs, comfy underwear, and stool softeners for mom’s healing.
Set up a recovery station: Prepare a designated spot (e.g., near the bed or couch) with snacks, water, diapers, wipes, nursing pads, and entertainment (books, remote, etc.).
Research postpartum symptoms: Learn what’s normal (e.g., bleeding, soreness) and when to call a doctor (e.g., heavy bleeding, signs of infection).
2. Plan for Nutrition and Meals
Pre-make freezer meals: Cook and freeze easy meals (e.g., casseroles, soups, muffins) for the first few weeks.
Stock pantry staples: Buy non-perishable snacks like nuts, granola bars, and dried fruit for quick energy.
Arrange a meal train: Ask friends or family to sign up to drop off meals post-birth, or research local meal delivery options.
Hydration prep: Get a large water bottle with a straw for easy sipping, especially if breastfeeding.
3. Learn Baby Care Basics
Take a newborn care class: Sign up for a class (in-person or online) to learn diapering, bathing, swaddling, and soothing techniques.
Practice with a doll: Use a stuffed animal or doll to get comfortable with holding, burping, and changing diapers.
Watch breastfeeding/pumping videos: If planning to breastfeed, familiarize yourself with latch techniques and pump setup.
Read up on sleep cues: Learn to recognize when a newborn is tired (e.g., yawning, rubbing eyes) to establish early routines.
4. Set Up the Home
Assemble baby gear: Install the car seat (get it checked by a certified technician), set up the crib or bassinet, and organize a changing station.
Wash baby items: Clean clothes, blankets, and burp cloths with gentle detergent.
Declutter key areas: Clear space in the bedroom, living room, or nursery for ease of movement with a newborn.
Prep a diaper caddy: Fill a portable caddy with diapers, wipes, cream, and a change of clothes for quick access anywhere in the house.
5. Build a Support Network
Identify helpers: Talk to family or friends about specific postpartum support (e.g., laundry, dog-walking, holding baby while you nap).
Hire professionals if needed: Research doulas, lactation consultants, or cleaners and book them in advance if budget allows.
Set visitor boundaries: Decide who can visit, when, and for how long, and communicate this to loved ones.
6. Educate Yourself on Feeding
Choose a feeding method: Decide if you’ll breastfeed, formula-feed, or combo-feed, and gather supplies (bottles, formula, nursing pillow, etc.).
Meet with a lactation consultant: If breastfeeding, schedule a prenatal consult to ask questions and build confidence.
Test-run equipment: Practice assembling and cleaning a breast pump or sterilizing bottles.
7. Plan a date night
prioritizing your relationship by planning ahead on ideas you may have on when and what to do as a first date
it could be a staying-in date, or have a family/friend help babysit for a couple of hours so you both can focus on each other
