Postpartum Prep: 5 Things You Can Plan Now for an Easier Fourth Trimester

Mother and baby experiencing the postpartum period together.

Hi, lovely mamas!

As a mum of three, I’ve been on the wild ride of new parenthood myself. And if there's one piece of advice I could whisper into every new mother's ear, it would be this: "Start planning for postpartum now." We spend so much time preparing for birth—the birth plan, the hospital bag, the nursery—that we often forget to prepare for what comes after. The postpartum period can be incredibly exhausting and lonely, but it can also be a magical and loving experience when you feel truly held and supported.

A little bit of planning now can make a huge difference, allowing you to focus on healing, bonding with your new babe, and navigating life with your newborn with less stress. Here are five areas you can start planning for today to set yourself up for a beautiful fourth trimester.

1. Plan Your Postpartum Support Village

You'll hear me talk about this a lot because it’s so important. Motherhood is not meant to be done alone. Think about the support you'll need after the baby arrives.

• Ask for Help: Ask your support network when they are available to help and what tasks they might be happy to assist you with. Having this discussion in advance will be a real life saver when the time comes. If you don't have many people available to help, you may like to consider hiring help.

  
  

• Organise Meals: Services like Meal Train or simply setting up a group chat with your friends and family can be a lifesaver. This takes the pressure off you and your partner to cook, ensuring you're getting fed and nourished without lifting a finger. If you prefer not to ask for help with meals, you can always cook extra food during your pregnancy and freeze meals in preparation for postpartum (Tip: you will need a lot of freezer space if you choose this option!).

  
  

2. Book Your Postpartum Healthcare Appointments

Your body has just done something incredible, and it needs time and attention to heal. Don’t wait until you're in the thick of it to research providers and book these essential appointments.

• Pelvic Floor Physio: Booking an appointment with a pelvic floor physiotherapist was a non-negotiable for me. They can help you with your recovery and ensure you’re healing correctly.

• Lactation Consultant: Even if you've already had children, every baby and feeding journey is different. Having a lactation consultant on speed dial is a great idea.

3. Buy Postpartum Essentials During Your Pregnancy

This one is simple but genius. Start adding those postpartum items to your weekly grocery shop a few months before your due date. Instead of buying everything at once, you can spread out the cost and the effort.

• Think about: Perineal sprays, maternity nappies, nipple creams, comfortable underwear, and nourishing snack options for those late-night feeds.

4. Get on the Same Page with Your Partner

You and your partner are a team. Having an open discussion about your expectations for postpartum can prevent a lot of stress and miscommunication down the line.

• Sleep Shifts: Talk about a "sleep plan." Who will take which shift with the baby? Even if it's just a couple of hours for each of you to get some uninterrupted sleep, it can make a huge difference.

• Dividing the Load: Discuss how you’ll split up household tasks, even if it's just the light housework like dishes and laundry that I often help families with.

5. The Power of a Postpartum Doula

All of this planning can feel like a lot, and that's exactly where I come in! This is what I do. As a postpartum doula, I'm here to support you every step of the way.

All of my postpartum packages include a 60-minute prenatal postpartum planning session. This is our chance to sit down and create a comprehensive plan that's tailored just for you and your family. We’ll talk through your emotional well-being, practical support needs, and all the things that will make your transition into motherhood smoother.

Ready to book a session and feel deeply supported?

I'm ready to help you plan for a truly magical and loving postpartum experience. Get in touch via the link below to book a free 30-minute chat with me and find out more about my packages.

Bec xxx