Today I want to share 5 ways that you can prepare for a smooth and happy postpartum experience. I’m currently pregnant with baby #3, and these are the steps that I’m taking to ensure that I’m ready for resting, healing, nourishing my body, and bonding with baby. These easy tips will help you head into the fourth trimester feeling confident and prepared so that you can enjoy those baby snuggles!
Prepare for a Happy Postpartum Experience by Making Nourishing Meals Ahead of Time
Why are nourishing meals important?
Preparing nourishing meals is one of the most important things that you can do to prepare for a restful postpartum period. My midwife recommends what is called the 5-5-5 rule. 5 days in the bed, 5 days around the bed, and 5 days in your room. This might seem extreme, but you have a wound the size of a dinner plate inside your uterus where the placenta has detached! Imagine if you had a wound that large on any other part of your body! No one would question whether or not you need to rest and heal. However, rest is only possible if you have meals prepared in advance. Sure, you can order fast food or maybe you have a meal train set up, but I promise having at least a handful of home cooked meals is such a blessing to your future self!
What kind of foods are nourishing?
The importance of eating nourishing, home cooked food during this period cannot be overstated. During pregnancy and breastfeeding your body is working hard to nourish and grow baby and your body can easily become depleted of essential vitamins and minerals that you need for energy, immune function and long term health. Warm, nourishing broths and soups, and dishes high in protein and healthy fats are all very important to aid your body in healing and continuing to nourish baby through the 4th trimester. Here are some examples of the meals that I’ve prepared:
Breakfast Ideas:
Homemade Sourdough Pancakes
Homemade Waffles
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Breakfast Sandwiches made with Homemade Sourdough English Muffins
Dinner Ideas:
Creamy Garlic Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe
Chili & Homemade Cornbread Muffins
Cheeseburger Soup
Split Pea Soup
Italian Beef Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Pot Pie
White Chicken Chili
Potato Cheese Soup
Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Beef Stroganoff Sauce
Homemade Bone Broth- Perfect for sipping any time of day
I’ve linked some of the recipes above that are from other sites. Others are my own recipes that I’d love to share on the blog in the future! As you can see above, I stocked my freezer with these meals by doubling my meals every time I cooked, pouring the leftovers into a container to cool in the fridge, then adding them into a vacuum seal bag and sealing them with the Food Saver.
Prepare for a Happy Postpartum Experience by Creating Nursing Stations
In addition to nourishing meals, I like to create nursing stations that have everything I’ll need while I’m breastfeeding. Here’s what I like to include to make sure I am comfortable, hydrated and supported while I’m nursing:
Water Bottle with a Straw– It’s super important to stay hydrated while you’re nursing!
Nursing Support Pillow- The Boppy is a classic, but I also love this one if you’re looking for something a little bit firmer and higher quality.
Haaka– This is one of my favorite items to have on hand. You suction it to the breast that the baby is not nursing on and it catches the milk that would otherwise be wasted. I made a large freezer storage of breast milk just by using the Haaka.
Organic Cotton Disposable Nursing Pads
Breast Pump– This is a hands free, wireless pump and I cannot express how much I love this pump. I spent hours hooked up to a breast pump after I had my first baby, and it was loud and painful. This pump is quiet, discreet, and LIFE CHANGING if you have a toddler that you’re running after while pumping for your baby. I understand this option is pricey, but you can also request a breast pump for free from your insurance!
Nursing Cover– There are a million nursing covers out there but I love that this one is stylish and versatile.
Warming Breast Therapy Pillows– I was so glad I had these when I got mastitis after having my second baby!
Snacks- Some of my favorites include Bobo’s Oat Bites and Chomps Meat Sticks.
Of course, it can be such a sweet time of bonding with baby, but I also love to have a book nearby so I’m not tempted to scroll on my phone while I’m nursing baby.
Prepare for a Happy Postpartum Experience by setting up a Postpartum Recovery Area
Lots of people like to purchase a cart like this and stock it with all of their postpartum recovery items. I love this idea, but I don’t have a lot of space in my bathroom for a cart. Instead, I opted for clearing out the bottom drawer of my bathroom vanity to stock up my supplies. Either way, having supplies close by and easy to access is a great way to prepare for optimal healing. Obviously, there are endless options when it comes to postpartum products, but I prefer ones that use more natural ingredients instead of harsh chemicals. Here are some essentials that I have on hand:
Natracare Large Organic Cotton Pads
Frida Mom Postpartum Underwear
Frida Mom Witch Hazel Cooling Pad Liners
Frida Mom Perineal Healing Foam
Earth Mama Organic Herbal Sitz Bath
Alternatively, you can also purchase many of these products together in the Labor and Delivery + Postpartum Kit.
Having these supplies on hand can help to support a smooth recovery.
Prepare for a Happy Postpartum Experience by Putting Together Changing Baskets For Around the House
Having a changing station in my bedroom as well as our playroom has been a game changer for us, particularly after having our second baby. At night, it allowed me to change the baby before nursing, so that I didn’t have to get out of bed. During the day, it allowed me to change the baby wherever I was in the house, while keeping an eye on my older daughter. Plus, my daughter loved to help change the baby by setting out the changing mat and getting a fresh diaper. If you live in a two story home, it can be really helpful so that you don’t have to go up and down the stairs just to do diaper changes! Here are some items I like to include:
Cute Basket- This one is my favorite
Diapers
Wipes
Teethers or little toys for baby to hold
Extra change of clothes
Burp clothes that you can grab quickly if you need to clean up a mess
If you have older children, Prepare Activities to keep them occupied
Since I’m planning on being in my room for 2 weeks following the birth of this baby, I went ahead and prepared a basket of books and activities that my 2 older children can enjoy while snuggling with me and baby. Some of these include:
Some of their favorite story books
Bonus Tip: Create a List of Postpartum Resources
Before I had my first daughter, I did research and made a list of resources and professionals that I could reach out to if I needed help. This might not sound super important, but it was really helpful for me to have a team of professionals that I trusted if I needed additional support. Here are some ideas of who I included on the list:
Lactation Consultant
Breastfeeding Support Groups
Pediatrician
Chiropractor
Postpartum Doula
House Cleaning Services
Meal Services
Mental Health/Therapist
Postpartum comes with so many emotions, changes and unknown challenges, but I hope these tips help you to feel prepared, empowered, and ready for a happy postpartum experience!
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