Discover the best postpartum tips for new moms to ensure a smooth recovery and transition. From rest and nutrition to self-care and support, find essential advice for the fourth trimester.

My little girl is in preschool now, but I can still vividly recall my pregnancy and the challenging “fourth trimester.” Let’s be real, I wasn’t exactly planning to get pregnant, but hey, life has its surprises, right? As a result, I felt pretty scared and overwhelmed thinking about becoming a new mom and how it would change our family dynamic. It used to be just my husband and me, and soon, we’d be a family of three.

Some might call it selfish, but let’s be honest – I wasn’t dead set on exclusively breastfeeding.
I was open to pumping and formula, and that really took the pressure off. Honestly, not stressing about it and accepting that I’d need help saved me during my postpartum journey. I think being a little selfish and focusing on my own well-being actually made me a better mom. It all turned out great; she’s a healthy, clever girl, and now that she’s a bit older, we’re like best friends. So if you’re feeling unsure, please take a look at my postpartum tips and know that you’ve got this, girlfriend!

Rest and Recovery

It’s totally okay to place your baby in the hospital nursery. I know it might be hard to think about right now, but trust me, these are the nights when you can rest and recover after labor. You can always ask to bring your baby for a feeding—that’s what I did. It might seem a bit selfish and scary, and I know you’ve been eager to see your baby for so long, but it’s okay to admit that you need some rest. As moms, we tend to blame ourselves for so many things, so spare yourself this one!

Perineal Care

Hey ladies, after a natural labor, our bodies can feel pretty worn out. It’s super important to take good care
of your perineal area. You can keep all the supplies in one basket in your bathroom so that you can easily grab what you need.

Peri Bottle for Postpartum Care

Postpartum Underwear

 Sitz Bath Salts

Cleansing Pads with Organic Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera

Postaprtum Pads

 Hot and Cold Postpartum Pads

Breast and Nipple Care

As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t exclusively breastfeed. I was switching between breastfeeding, pumping, and formula feeding. Each method had its own challenges. Breastfeeding was tough because my nipples hurt a lot. Pumping meant being stuck with a breast pump, and with formula feeding, I struggled to get the water temperature just right.
No matter which feeding method you choose, it’s possible that you might experience some nipple or breast pain. It’s important to know how to take care of it and avoid it.

Nipple Butter

Nursing Pads

Nipple Shield for Breastfeeding

Breast Pump

Establish a Routine

I am a bit of a control freak, and having a daily routine helps me stay grounded. The first few days after returning home from the hospital will inevitably be hectic. However, as you settle in, establishing a routine for both yourself and your baby can bring a sense of calm and structure.

For me, it was crucial to carve out time in the morning for a shower (I vividly remember how refreshing that felt!), eat a healthy breakfast and have a sip of coffe This self-care time was non-negotiable—it helped me start the day on the right foot.

Equally important is setting aside dedicated moments to bond with your baby and learn their cues. During the early weeks, when your baby sleeps for much of the day, you have a perfect opportunity to observe and understand their needs better.

Ask For Help

I totally get it – as a mom, it’s so easy to feel like you have to do everything by yourself to be the best mom. But guess what? It’s totally okay to ask for help! Whether it’s from your partner, mom, nanny, or friend, accepting a helping hand doesn’t make you a bad mom. In fact, it can be a game-changer for you and your little one. Just communicate what you need and what’s best for your baby, and you’ll see that getting some support won’t make you any less of an amazing mom.

Take Postnatal Vitamis

Pregnancy and childbirth can deplete vital nutrients in your body. If you’re breastfeeding, your nutrient requirements increase to support milk production. Postnatal vitamins are packed with B vitamins and iron, which can help fight fatigue and enhance your energy levels. The nutrients in postnatal vitamins, such as vitamin C and zinc, aid in tissue repair and the healing process. Calcium and vitamin D in postnatal vitamins help maintain your bone density. Postpartum hormonal changes can impact your hair and skin. Nutrients like biotin, vitamin E, and collagen in postnatal vitamins can help keep your hair and skin healthy.

Accept the change

In the beginning, I was really scared of all the changes that were coming my way. But guess what?
Everything turned out way better than I expected. Our household dynamics shifted a lot in the first year,
but we always had each other’s backs. My husband was helping me with night feeds and changing diapers.
It was such a relief! I made it clear from the start that he should be involved in all baby-related stuff, and it made a world of difference.

I have to admit, there were some pretty tough moments. I remember feeling overwhelmed when both my baby and I were in tears, not knowing how to comfort her despite trying everything. And here’s a little reminder:
it’s totally okay to feel the baby blues. But if it sticks around, seeking help from a specialist is nothing
to be ashamed of. It’s just temporary, and things will definitely improve. Make sure you keep an eye on yourself and take action if you feel like things are getting a bit out of hand.

I feel like I could keep going forever with all my tips and advice, but it looks like I’ve covered the most important parts. I wish you all the best—remember, you’ve got this! Enjoy the ride!

If you are wondering what to pack in your hospital bag, check out my blog post about the essential items you will need.