Everyone prepares for the baby. Very few people prepare for the person who just gave birth. Let's change that.
Physical recovery essentials
- Peri bottle (for perineal care after a vaginal birth)
- Cooling or witch hazel pads
- Stool softeners (ask your midwife or OB)
- Comfortable, high-waisted underwear in a few sizes
- Nursing bras or stretchy bralettes
- Nipple cream if you plan to breastfeed
Feeding support
Line up a lactation consultant before baby arrives if you plan to breastfeed. The first two weeks are often the hardest, and having support booked in advance means you're not scrambling while sleep-deprived.
Mental health check-ins
Postpartum mood disorders affect up to 1 in 5 new mothers. Build in daily emotional check-ins — even a simple 1–10 mood score. If you're consistently below 5, reach out to your healthcare provider. You deserve support, not just survival.
Your village list
Write down 10 people and what they could help with: a meal, a grocery run, holding the baby while you shower, texting to check in. Most people want to help — they just need to be told how.
Track your recovery
The Nest & Rest Postpartum Planner includes daily recovery check-ins, a feeding and sleep log, a village helper list, and freezer meal planning pages.