Postpartum Prep Matters
Welcoming a new baby into the world is a beautiful and exciting time, whether it’s your first or your third, like me. But it can also be challenging and overwhelming. The arrival of the baby involves a lot of planning and most moms are only focused on what this all means for baby. However, it’s so important to take the time to also prepare for your own postpartum recovery and self-care. Preparing for postpartum can make a huge difference in your whole parenting experience. Taking care of yourself and your family is critical during this time.
I wanted to share this blog post because I have realized that, despite the fact that I have done this twice before, I am finding myself stressed, worried, and feeling unprepared. I have barely done any baby shopping and at the same time, I feel like my house isn’t in order. That has a huge impact on my ability to be fully present in this journey. So I just want to share some tips on how to prepare for postpartum and prioritize self-care that I hope will help you or another mommy.
Get Your House Cleaned and Organized
Before your due date, one of the first things you can do to prepare for postpartum is to get your home cleaned and organized. A clean and organized home can make a huge difference in your mental and emotional well-being as you navigate a new baby who needs you all the time while your body is trying to heal at the same time. It can help reduce stress and create a peaceful environment for you and your baby. Declutter your home and get rid of unnecessary items to make space for the new addition to your family.
A big bonus note for this one: Hire a professional cleaning and/or organizing service if necessary!! I say this all the time – I am BIG on outsourcing what I can’t (or don’t want to) do myself. Now, I know keeping costs down is really important when welcoming a new baby so I understand if this can’t make it into your budget. But it’s still possible. Hire your nieces and nephews, friends, or neighborhood high school kids, whatever! Find some free or cheap options to help you prep and make sure everything is in its place.
Prepare Your Kids’ Closet and Room
If you have older children, make sure their room and closet is organized before the baby arrives. Stock up on basics and essentials they will need, while also getting rid of things that no longer fit them to make space. Make sure they have plenty of clothes to wear and their room is set up for them to be comfortable. This will help reduce stress for all of you and ensure that your older kids feel comfortable and secure during this time of change. Life is much easier when you can send them into their room to find their own pajamas or tell them to clean up their room and everything has its place.
Create a Postpartum Schedule for Your Kids and New Support Person(s)
If you plan on hiring a nanny or caregiver to help with your children during postpartum, it’s important to create a schedule that works for everyone. Make sure you create a postpartum routine that includes everyone’s responsibilities and tasks. Having a schedule in place can help everyone stay on track. This will help ensure that your older kids’ needs are met, while also allowing you to have some time for yourself to rest and recover.
Organize Postpartum Support
Having a support system in place can make a huge difference in your postpartum experience. Consider asking family and friends for help or hiring a postpartum doula or nanny. You deserve all the support you can get. Having someone to help with household chores, childcare, or even just emotional support can make a big difference in how you feel during this time. Like I said above, just make sure everyone is clear on their responsibilities and tasks to avoid any confusion.
Get the Baby’s Room Together
Before the baby arrives, make sure their room is set up and ready for them. Take some time to organize the nursery or nursery space in your bedroom so that everything is in its place before your baby arrives. Have their crib and changing space ready, stock up on diapers and wipes, and have their clothes washed and organized. Make sure you have a comfortable chair for nursing or feeding the baby.
Make Sure Your Closet is Organized
After giving birth, you may not feel like yourself for a while. And that’s okay. Take some time before the baby arrives to organize your closet and make sure everything has its own place. This goes back to what I was saying about not getting lost in the baby prep and also planning for yourself. Do not forget that your physical as well as your mental health impacts your baby, your ability to bond with your baby, and your overall healing process. So anything you can do to make yourself feel special, cared for, and prepared is worth it.
Setting Up Postpartum Friendly Outfits to Wear
In addition to organizing your closet, consider setting up postpartum-friendly outfits to wear during the first few weeks after giving birth. It can be helpful to have a postpartum-friendly wardrobe with comfortable and easy-to-wear outfits. Comfortable clothing that is easy to breastfeed in, and that doesn’t put pressure on your abdomen, can help you feel so much better and confident during this time.
Prepare Some Meals
Last but not least, meal prepping can be a lifesaver during the postpartum period. Consider making freezer meals or having a meal delivery service in place for the first few weeks after giving birth (I’ve heard good things about Factor). Stock up on healthy snacks and easy-to-prepare meals to keep your energy levels up. Having healthy and filling meals prepared ahead of time can help reduce stress and ensure that you are getting the nutrition you need during this time of recovery. Postpartum is not easy. But you got this, mama. It’s all about prepping.
Remember Yourself in Postpartum
These are just a few recommendations, but I hope they help. If you have tips that helped you or someone you know, please share them with the community. Preparing for postpartum and prioritizing self-care can make a huge difference in your postpartum experience. Take the time to organize your home, create a support system, and prepare for your baby’s arrival. Just remember to take care of yourself and prioritize rest and relaxation during this exciting and challenging time.
