Preparing for Motherhood: A Postpartum Checklist
Preparing for motherhood– that’s a thing?
The transition into Motherhood, especially for first time mothers, can be daunting. It’s something most women hope will come naturally. And to a point, it will!
OR they think they have to “do it on their own”/ with their partner exclusively.
OR they simply have no idea where to start and the fear of overwhelm keeps them from even thinking about it– essentially creating more stress and overwhelm after the baby's arrival.
We’ve discussed assembling a birth team before, now we assemble a postpartum squad. This squad will be in charge of helping you prepare the things on this list prior to Baby’s arrival & maintain the list after Baby’s arrival.
Your new baby will be perfect. Your new baby is perfect.
Guess what –SO ARE YOU.
YOU MATTER, MAMA— before and after Baby’s arrival.
Let’s dive in!
You know that saying they have on airplanes –”You must put on your oxygen mask first before helping others with theirs”? It might sound selfish even though it’s not.
This checklist is your oxygen mask. You may already be aware of some or all the things listed. You may not. With this list, you’ll know you are one step closer to a smoother transition into Motherhood.
This checklist is for all new mothers (and friends and family of new mothers). Every item on this list is simple to do and vastly underrated. Your recovery period will be smoother and your mind more at ease if you check off even half the things on this list.
If you are a new mother or know someone who is / soon will be a new mother, I invite you to print this out for them. Let’s empower them to put on their oxygen masks first (metaphorically) so they are better equipped for a smoother transition into this phase of life.
THINGS TO PREPARE FOR PRIOR TO BABY’S ARRIVAL
Assemble your helping hands. This is a small circle of people you will allow into your personal space to reduce chaos in the first few weeks. They will assist with
Cleaning the house, cooking / delivering food, supporting you, caring for the baby when you need time alone
Stock up on snacks, so many snacks!!
Stock your pantry but NOT with tons of white bread and milk. Instead, focus on high-quality, whole foods that fill you up and nourish your body.
Prep and organize your herbs for teas and infusions if that's your jam
If you’re nursing, keep in mind that you’ll be burning a lot more calories each day and may feel hungrier than usual.
Provide eager-to-help friends (assuming they’re not in your PP Squad) with a list of your favorite snacks for them to drop off during your first few weeks home with the baby.
They will not be offended if you set that boundary with them. If they are, or you know they will be, that may be a conversation to have early on.
You can keep the snacks they bring in a basket next to your usual spot for nursing or feeding the baby since you’ll likely be stuck there for a few hours a day.
ALTERNATIVE: have them set up a “meal train”-- you’ll be surprised how many people are willing to cook you food you actually want to eat!
4. Fill your freezer with lots of pre-made broth and stews (homemade & from scratch is ideal)
5. Prep a well-stocked bathroom basket for ... well, you know. Some necessities include:
Extra-large maxi pads: For postpartum bleeding
Disposable underwear
Witch hazel pads: for cooling relief from post-delivery sensitivity & hemorrhoids
Nursing pads: to help manage leaking breasts; change often to prevent infection
Peri bottle: use this instead of toilet paper during recovery
6. Make your nest. In your room, your living room, the nursery. These places will be where you spend the first few weeks as a Mom.
7. Get a quality water filter. Removing chemicals from your drinking water is vital as you’ll be drinking a LOT after the birth. This will positively support your body and breast milk.
8. If your budget allows, consider hiring a house cleaner, postpartum doula, lactation consultant, and/or a baby nurse for additional support.
RELATED: People You NEED On Your Birth Team
You are Superwoman & you are not expected to do it all yourself.
I am here for you & I hope this helps.
You are INCREDIBLE.
For more FREE Resources, Directories, and Pre/Postnatal Support, Check out the TSL Resource Library!
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