You’ve probably been told to pack your hospital bag, make a birth plan, and install the car seat. But has anyone reminded you to make a postpartum plan?
Because that is the part where you’re healing, figuring out feeding, riding the hormone rollercoaster, and learning how to take care of a tiny human while taking care of yourself. And that’s no small thing!!
As a birth photographer, doula, and mom of six (including twins – yes, it’s as wild as it sounds!), I’m here to gently shout: you deserve a plan for postpartum, too!
What Is a Postpartum Plan (and Why Do You Need One)?
A postpartum plan is basically a game plan for those early weeks after baby arrives. Think of it like a cheat sheet for survival: who’s bringing food, who’s holding the baby so you can shower, how you’ll sleep (kind of), setting boundaries, and how your partner can actually help.
It’s not about rigid schedules. It’s about support, rest, and giving yourself the best chance to heal and adjust without burning out.
Use the 5-5-5 Guide to Protect Your Rest
I love this framework… it’s old school but so smart:
- First 5 days: IN BED. Yes, seriously. Stay horizontal. Snuggle. Heal. Sleep! And stare at your beautiful baby.
- Next 5 days: ON the bed. Sit up more, maybe change a diaper or two. Take longer showers. Still take it easy.
- Final 5 days: NEAR the bed. Short walks, light movement. Still protect your bubble.
👉 Bottom line: Your job is to recover and bond. That’s it.
Food Is Love (And Also Fuel)
Feeding yourself is just as important as feeding the baby. Make it easy:
- Warm, nourishing meals: oatmeal, soups, rice bowls, eggs, stews (and things you love that you can make now and freeze for later!)
- One-handed snacks: smoothies, yogurt, trail mix, boiled eggs
- Herbal teas + water + electrolytes = your postpartum hydration station!
Pro tip? Set up a meal train before birth. Or say yes when someone asks, “What do you need?” The answer is always food.
Your Support Team: Build It Now
This is your “who’s doing what” list so you’re not figuring it out at 3 a.m. while wearing mesh underwear and trying to make toast.
Think about:
- Your partner’s role
- Do you want to hire postpartum doula?
- Have lactation support set up ahead of time! Have them on speed dial!
- Emotional/mental health help – therapist? Doctor? Trusted friend?
- Helpers for meals, errands, big siblings
Don’t wait until you’re in it. Line up your support while you still have brain cells available.
Feeding, Sleep & Visitor Boundaries
Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, pumping around the clock, or any combination of it all, it helps to think ahead:
- Who’s getting up at night? (Split shifts work!)
- What’s your partner’s role during feeds? (They can burp, change, soothe.)
- How will you handle visitors? (Hint: “We’re not ready for visitors yet” is a full sentence.)
Take Care of Your Mental Health Too
Baby blues? Super common. But if you feel anxious, hopeless, angry, or just not yourself—you don’t have to tough it out.
Postpartum depression and anxiety are real, and support is available.
I can just about guarantee that you know a mom that experienced PPD and they may or may not have talked about it because it is that common. But YOU should talk to someone about it with NO SHAME whatsoever. Asking for help is the strongest, bravest thing you can do for yourself and for your baby.
Add a therapist, support group, or hotline to your postpartum plan now so you’re not scrambling later.
Want to Feel More Prepared (Without the Overwhelm)?
I created a free, real-life friendly Postpartum Planning Guide just for you. It’s short, practical, and packed with tips to help you prep for the early days—without needing a million tabs open!
✨ You’ll get:
- A simple breakdown of the 5-5-5 rest guide
- Meal & snack ideas that actually sound good
- Partner support tips
- A printable plan you can fill in and stick on the fridge
It’s like a postpartum pep talk + checklist in one. Go grab it!
And if you want someone in your corner IRL to help you prep…
That’s what I do. I’m a birth doula, photographer, and chaos-tamer here in Northern Colorado—and I love helping families feel supported through it all.
I offer birth support, photography, films, and postpartum planning that’s simple, flexible, and real-life tested (by me and my six kids).
✨ [Learn more about working with me]
✨ [Let’s talk about your birth and postpartum needs]
You’ve got this! But you don’t have to do it alone.
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