Preparing for Postpartum

Your Recovery Plan in the Third Trimester

There's a stillness that settles in as you enter the third trimester. Maybe you've felt it. The anticipation of meeting your baby builds, but so does a gentle awareness that your life is about to shift in ways you can't fully imagine. But you may find yourself folding minute garments, arranging drawers and fantasising about that first moment you can cradle your little one. And, while all of that preparation is beautiful and important, there's another piece of the puzzle that often gets missed: preparing for your healing.

As much as this season is about celebrating new life, it's also about recognizing the important work your body and heart are about to do. Birth is an epic event — whether it's your first or your fifth — and the time that follows is equally worthy of deep thought, care and gentleness. Postpartum recovery isn't something to fear, but it is something to prepare for mindfully. Envision a world in which you have a safe berth to rest, where the things you need are within reach and where you're surrounded by support. That's what this is about: preparing a recovery plan that supports you as you enter into motherhood. Let's take a step through it, together. 💕

Setting Aside a Time for Rest and Refreshment

Once your baby is here, your body will be in a sacred healing mode and your heart will be working with an entirely new rhythm. One of the kindest things you can do at this moment is to create a time zone where rest is not just possible — it's assumed.

Place of Nesting — Your bed, a recliner, a spot on the couch, wherever you feel most comfortable ("nest" style) with your space should be inviting ease. Consider the places you feel most at ease and the places you will be comfortable throughout the night with your baby.

Have All Necessities Within Reach — A stocked basket or cart next to you can be stress relieving and save energy. Include:

• Hydration – A big, spill-proof water bottle (birth and breastfeeding can make you crazy thirsty!
• Nourishment – Grab-and-go options such as almonds, protein bars, sliced fruit, or even nourishing bone broths
• Comfort Items – Lip balm, hair ties, soft blanket, favorite candle or essential oil roller
• Healing Tools – Peri bottle, witch hazel pads, nipple balm and any medications you may need
• Baby Essentials – Diapers, wipes, burp cloths and more swaddles

Set the Mood — Dimming lights, soft music or even silence can all help. Listen to your body — what feels right for you?

Keep in mind, this is all for you as much as it is for your baby. You are both adapting, and you deserve ease.

A Gentle Guide to Collecting Postpartum Supplies

Here's what to have on hand so you can focus on healing, not scrambling. These supplies are little love notes to yourself, easing your body and your mind through the early days.

For Physical Healing:

• Mesh or Cotton High-Waisted Undies — Comfort over style, mama. These hold pads in place and are gentle on sensitive skin.
• Postpartum Pads – Heavy flow is typical in those first few weeks. Get a combination of heavy-duty and lighter offerings.
• Peri Bottle – A must-have for gentle cleaning after bathroom usage. The angled ones for easier use, some moms swear by.
• Sitz Bath or Herbal Sprays – These provide lovely relief to tender spots and assist with healing.
• Breast Care — If you are nursing, lanolin or nipple balm, cooling pads, and a high-quality supportive bra can be lifesavers.

For Emotional Support:

• A Journal – For filling with thoughts, feelings and mini achievements. Writing can be grounding.
• Affirmations — Sticky notes on your mirror or cards next to your bed with reminders like: I am healing. I am enough. I am loved.

Extras That Feel Like a Hug:

• Calming herb teas or milk-making herb teas
• Cozy socks or slippers
• Some peaceful music or an uplifting podcast

Preparing those before your baby comes means one less thing to worry about later. You're doing a great job rethinking ahead.

Getting Help and Taking Care of Your Heart

You don't have to go through this alone. And you're not meant to. 💗 The early hours can be horrific, but if you plan ahead you can surround yourself with care.

Call in Your People — Consider who can come be there for you, not just the babe. A partner, family member, friend or neighbor can help with:

• Meals (homemade or delivered)
• H조 some chores as washing dishes or doing laundry
• Nursing the baby While you Shower or Nap

Consider Getting Professional Help — If you can afford it, research postpartum doulas or lactation consultants. Even a single visit can help make a difference.

Make Easy Meals — Batch cook and freeze or organize a meal train. What if it weren't selfish to allow these gifts in—after all, you need help, and deserve all the help and care that you can get!

Here's what I've seen work over and over: Request specific help. People want to help you, and as long as they know how to do so, it's easier.

Bringing This Transition Back Down to Earth

As you approach that point of change, remember this: your recovery matters. The tenderness you offer yourself will ripple through your early days as a mother. There will be times when you're laughing, times when you're crying, times when you're overwhelmed with eternity — and all this, while you're growing, and healing, and becoming.

You are not alone in this. Thousands of mothers have traveled this road, and thousands are traveling it alongside you at this very moment.

Mantra to hold: I trust my body's wisdom. I deserve deep rest and gentle care.