Why you should prepare for postpartum while pregnant

The importance of fourth trimester planning

Pregnancy often comes with an outpouring of care and attention (whether desired or not!). At a minimum, you’re seeing your provider for regularly scheduled appointments to check on the well-being of both you and your baby. You may also find yourself being doted on by your loved ones and strangers holding doors for you and offering you their seat to take a load off your feet. You may allow yourself afternoon naps (let’s be real, you’re not making it til dinner time if you don’t), or to indulge a little more on your usual (acceptable) vices, while your body changes in ways you’ve never experienced as you grow a human inside of you. 

But what happens after the baby is born? For many parents, the focus shifts entirely to the baby as they feel the weight of a new life in their hands. And amidst all the excitement and emotions, their own well-being slips quietly into the background.

The reality is that your own postpartum care isn’t just important—it’s essential. In fact, prioritizing your healing, rest, and emotional support after birth may be the most important investment you can make in your transition into parenthood. 

Your body and mind go through immense change

Whether you had a vaginal or cesarean birth, your body just accomplished something monumental. You need time and space to recover—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Unfortunately this must happen at the same time you’re experiencing the largest, most rapid hormonal shift ever, coupled with sleep deprivation and a body that’s shifting into milk production mode as you learn how to feed and care for your newborn. That’s A LOT of change in a matter of days! Ignoring your own needs at this time can lead to a longer recovery, postpartum anxiety or depression, and serious health implications later in life.

Mental health after birth

Postpartum depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation are more common than many people realize. 1 in 5 women (and 1 in 10 men) experience a perinatal mood disorder, with those numbers likely being higher, especially for high-stress parenting groups.* But when you establish a support system ahead of time—whether it’s a therapist, a postpartum doula, or a trusted friend—you’re not just reacting to those challenges when they arise, you’re proactively taking care of your future self (and by doing so, you’re taking care of your baby too). 

Your needs matter (they always have)

Prioritizing postpartum support isn’t selfish, it’s an act of self-respect and love, and it’s necessary for you and your baby. When you take care of yourself, you’re showing up for your family in the most wholehearted, powerful way possible. When you’re nourished, rested and supported, you’re better equipped to care for your baby.

A well-supported parent is more present, more connected, and more confident.

Getting used to your new role as a parent brings all sorts of highs and lows. By considering your fourth trimester support weeks or months before birth, you’re showing yourself what an amazing new parent you already are.

*Source: Postpartum Support International

Unsure where to begin?

I offer a Postpartum Planning Session as one of my support options where we’ll spend 2-3 hours customizing a fourth trimester care plan for your individual lifestyle and circumstances. We’ll cover an array of topics related to physical healing after birth, postpartum mental health, setting yourself up for breastfeeding success, ways to feel rested when you’re sleep deprived, who will help after baby is born, and much more.