This post is written by Liesel at Mommy Labor Nurse

You’re growing a whole human—and that’s already a lot. But while you’re still pregnant and maybe feeling that nesting itch (or just looking for something productive to do while waiting on baby), there are a few things you can do now to set yourself up for a smoother transition to postpartum life.

Because here’s the truth: so much energy goes into prepping for labor—but what happens after baby comes? That’s where a little postpartum prep can make a big difference. And no, it doesn’t have to be a huge project. 

Just a few small steps can help postpartum you feel a lot more supported, fed, and comfortable (and hey, that is very important!).

Let’s break it down 👇

1. Stock up on Recovery Items

Listen, postpartum recovery isn't exactly glamorous—but having a fully stocked bathroom setup can make a world of difference, especially when you’re waddling to the toilet 2 days after birth.

Think of this as your personal “survival kit” for those first few days and weeks after birth. The less you have to look for stuff while healing, the better. 

I highly recommend stocking a “postpartum basket” with the essentials and keeping it in the bathroom you will be using most after delivery. 

Here are the things I would include:

• Peri pads (a couple different thicknesses for when bleeding starts to taper)

• Mesh undies or depends

• Peri bottle

• Dermoplast

• Tucks pads

• Stool softener

• Wet wipes

• Trash can with a lid

Some women prefer a compact rolling cart instead of a basket, either one gets the job done. Whether it’s a cute basket, a rolling cart, or a bathroom caddy, having everything in one grab-and-go spot makes you feel organized and way less frantic. 

2. Freezer Meals for the Win!

Stock that freezer with meals and snacks you can easily thaw and cook during the early postpartum days, weeks, and months.

Postpartum hanger is no joke. And figuring out meals in the newborn fog? Not for the faint of heart. Stocking your freezer is easier than you think. While still pregnant, start making a double batch of whatever you’re making for dinner 1-2 times a week and then store.

Dinner is the most common meal to prep for but don’t forget about breakfast, lunch, and snacks too! Future you—with sore boobs and two hours of sleep—will be eternally grateful for that frozen enchilada tray or chicken casserole.

3. Learn What to Expect in the First Few Weeks

Knowing what your body will go through - physically, mentally, and emotionally - in the days, weeks, and months after giving birth is incredibly important. 

Yes, birth is a big event but postpartum is where things get real. Learning about the “wait, is this normal?!” stuff can help you feel so much more prepared.

Here are some things that often take new mamas by surprise:

• Bleeding: expect vaginal bleeding after vaginal and C-section births for several weeks

• Night sweats: wowee did this one catch me off guard, hormones to thank for this

• Cramping/contractions: say what?! As your uterus contracts back down expect some belly discomfort (not as intense as labor) that can intensify if / when you breastfeed

• Emotional roller coaster: again, hormones to thank 

• Odor: it’s hard to describe but postpartum can carry a particular smell (don’t worry, it doesn’t last forever)

• Breastfeeding challenges: latch, engorgement, supply, oh my! Highly recommend taking a course if you plan on breastfeeding 

Familiarizing yourself with these things will help you feel less shocked if and when they happen to you. You’ll be able to say, “Okay, I expected this,” instead of feeling like something’s wrong or you’re failing because I promise you, you aren’t.

Knowledge really is power here (which leads me to my 4th point below). And even if everything doesn’t go perfectly, because let’s be real—it probably won’t!, you’ll have a toolkit of information to help you stay calm and confident.

4. Take a Breastfeeding Course 

Of course if you don’t plan on breastfeeding you can skip this one! If you are planning on breastfeeding I highly recommend taking a course while you are still pregnant.

Remember just above when I said knowledge is power? Well, holds true for this too. This was an area where I really dropped the ball during my first pregnancy. I thought, “I’m a nurse, I help women breastfeed, how hard could it be” and boy was I wrong!

My breastfeeding struggles had a lot to do with why I ended up experiencing postpartum anxiety. If I had taken a breastfeeding course would I have still experienced postpartum anxiety? Maybe, but at least I would have felt more prepared navigating the struggles of the breastfeeding world because lemme tell you, they are real!

5. Get Your Postpartum Tribe Together

You don’t have to do this alone—and you absolutely shouldn’t! Take some time, while you’re still pregnant, to think about what kind of support you’ll need after baby arrives and make a plan. 

This goes above and beyond the support your partner can (hopefully) provide. I’m talking about your tribe, mama. This means family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, your therapist, and more. The saying “It takes a village” exists for a reason.

Identify your village, your tribe, your support system, identify the things they might be able to help you with, and either you or your partner communicate with them before you bring your little one home.

Examples of things your tribe might be able to assist with:

• Being “on call” for older children leading up to your due date

• Being “on call” for pets leading up to your due date

• Helping stock your freezer

• Bringing groceries or meals after you have your baby

• Helping with laundry

• Hanging with baby while you shower, nap, rest

• Walking the dog

The list really is endless. And no “task” is too big or too small, people genuinely want to help and support you, so let them!

Final Thoughts

Postpartum is a wild, beautiful, exhausting, emotional ride—and prepping for it doesn’t have to be another stressor on your list. Think of it as a gift to yourself. A little intention now can mean a whole lot of comfort and confidence later.

You’ve got this, mama. ❤️