How to Prepare for the Postpartum Period – Not Just the Birth

Because the fourth trimester deserves as much love and planning.

Let’s Talk About the Bit That Comes After the Birth

You’ve likely spent time thinking about your birth plan. Maybe you’ve explored hypnobirthing, practiced your breathing techniques, or considered where and how you want to give birth.

But have you made a plan for what happens next?

The postpartum period (also called the fourth trimester) is the first few weeks and months after your baby is born. It’s a time of big emotions, huge physical changes, and adjustment for everyone in the family - and yet, it’s the part we often skip over in our preparation.

Let’s change that!

Here are some of the most important ways to start planning for your postpartum period - and how I can support you along the way.

Parents with newborn baby

1. Build a Postpartum Support Plan

Think of this as your “what-do-I-actually-need-once-I’m-home” plan.

During pregnancy, people love to ask: “Have you packed your hospital bag yet?” Let’s get them asking: “Who’s bringing your meals?” “Who’s around to help?”

Your postpartum support plan should include:

• Food – Batch-cooked meals, snack stations, a meal train (get someone else to organise it!) and a few favourite takeaway menus saved on your phone (you can still order in! You don't have to cook every day.)

• Rest – Who can hold the baby while you nap or shower? Can you take shifts with your partner?

• Emotional support – Friends who check-in, family or friends that are supportive, a therapist or support group, a postnatal doula (hello!)

This isn’t about being rigid or unrealistic. It’s about knowing what support could look like, so you’re not figuring everything out while running on three hours of sleep. Of course, it is important to keep in mind that what you feel now you might need, might look slightly (or completely!) different when the time comes. And that's totally ok. You will have explored your options ahead of time so you will know how to navigate this time better and where to seek support if you need it.

2. Stock Up on the Things That Really Matter

Spoiler alert: your baby doesn’t need a wipe warmer. But you? You might really appreciate a few practical, comfort-boosting items.

Here’s a short and sweet list of postpartum essentials I often recommend:

• Absorbent maternity pads or postpartum underwear (you can get some disposable as well)

• A peri bottle or jug for gentle rinsing after using the toilet

• Nipple balm and breast pads (if you’re chest/breastfeeding)

• A massive water bottle, snacks you can eat with one hand, comfy clothes

• A baby wrap or sling so you can cuddle hands-free

Bonus tip: Set up little “stations” around your home – a feeding station by the sofa, a nappy caddy near the bed, a basket with snacks and water in easy reach especially for the times when no one else is around. Your future self will thank you!

3. Understand What’s Normal – and When to Reach Out

No one gives you a manual for the postpartum period. And between hormones, Google rabbit holes, and well-meaning but conflicting advice, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Here’s a rough guide:

Totally normal

• Crying at everything (happy tears, sad tears, biscuit-related tears)

• Feeding the baby all. the. time.

• Waking up sweaty

• Leaking from unexpected places

Not normal – reach out

• High fever, chills, or pain

• Soaking through a pad every hour

• Feeling persistently low, numb, anxious, or detached

• Painful breastfeeding that doesn’t improve with support

You don’t have to know everything. You just need to know that you’re not alone - and where to turn for help. That’s where I come in, too.

Please note that the above is just a list - for anything that you or your partner might be concerned do not hesitate to reach out to your care team or professionals.

4. Give Yourself Permission And Time to Recover

You have just grown and birthed a human being. That deserves rest, care, and space - not pressure to “bounce back.”

Here’s what you’re allowed to do (just in case no one told you yet): 

• Say no to visitors

• Stay in your pyjamas all day 

• Cry for no reason 

• Ask for help 

• Eat biscuits in bed 

• Do absolutely nothing except feed your baby and rest

Exercise for you: Think about yourself as a new parent and write down a few things that will be ok. Think about you talking to your future self saying "It's ok to..." and write down a list. You can also write down where you can seek support if you need to. Keep it handy so that you can go back to it when your baby has arrived - you might find it useful!

In many cultures, the postpartum period is seen as sacred. In Greece, the concept of "σαράντα μέρες" (the 40 days) is still strong for many families - a time for rest, healing, and staying close to home. It’s a tradition worth honouring, wherever you are.

5. Consider Postnatal Support – You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

This might be the most important thing I say in this blogpost: you’re not meant to do postpartum solo.

There is a lot of meaning behind the saying "It takes a village to raise a child" - we are not meant to be super-humans and do everything ourselves. If you have family and friends nearby who will actually help (not just hold the baby while you clean), amazing. But sometimes you need unbiased, non-judgmental, expert support - and that’s where postnatal doulas come in.

As your doula, I can offer:

• Emotional support (on the tough days and the good ones)

• Tips for baby care, feeding, recovery, sleep (yours and baby’s!)

• A calm, reassuring voice when things feel chaotic

• Virtual support so you can stay in your bubble - and I come to you, via screen (or in-person depending on where you are)

Together, we can make sure you feel held, seen, and supported - so that you can focus on resting and bonding with your baby.

6. Don’t Forget the Partner – They Need Support (and Can Offer It Too)

Your partner or co-parent is on this journey with you - and while the spotlight often stays on the birthing person and baby (understandably!), they also need support and a plan.

Partners often ask: “But what can I do?”The answer: quite a lot.

Here are some ways a partner can support in the early postpartum weeks:

• Be the gatekeeper – Help protect the bubble by managing visitors, calls, and texts.

• Take over the practical things – Cooking, laundry, feeding the parent while they feed the baby.

• Be emotionally present – Check-in. Ask, “How are you feeling today?” and listen... respond... understand and respect.

• Learn together – Feeding cues, nappy changes, how to soothe baby — this is new for everyone.

• Look after yourself too – You can't pour from an empty cup. Take breaks when you can and ask for help if you need it.

Postnatal doula support includes you, too. If you’re feeling unsure or want to feel more prepared, I’m here to guide both of you through this transition with confidence and calm.

Final Thoughts: Your Recovery Matters

Pregnancy and birth often get all the attention. But what comes next? It’s just as important.

Preparing for your postpartum experience — practically and emotionally — can make all the difference.

If you’d like support that’s kind, evidence-based, and all about YOU and your needs, I’d love to help.

📩 Click here to learn more about my virtual postnatal doula support or feel free to drop me a message anytime at info@parentpath.eu. When you are ready to connect with other new mamas, have a look at the monthly virtual eCafe for expectant and new mums.