How to Prepare a Postpartum Plan for After Baby is Born
- Ashleigh Richmond
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Bringing a new baby home is a joyous experience, but it can also feel overwhelming without a plan in place. A postpartum plan helps you prioritize your health, support your baby’s needs, and ensure you have the resources and boundaries necessary for a smooth transition. Here’s a guide to help you create your own personalized plan.
1. Consider How You Want to Feed Your Baby
Feeding is a central part of newborn care, so it’s important to outline your goals ahead of time:
Will you breastfeed, formula feed, or use a combination?
Do you plan to pump, and if so, when and how often?
Who can help you with latch support, milk supply issues, or preparing bottles?
Setting expectations early can reduce stress and help you feel more confident in feeding decisions. Consider a prenatal lactation appointment or book our infant feeding 101 class!
2. Decide Where Baby Will Sleep
Safe sleep planning is essential:
Will baby sleep in your room or in a separate nursery?
Will you use a bassinet, crib, or co-sleeper?
Consider how easy access at night will be for feeding and diaper changes.
Having a sleep setup ready can make those first weeks much more manageable.
3. Plan How You Will Feed Yourself
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Preparing meals and snacks ahead of time can make all the difference:
Stock your freezer with easy-to-reheat meals.
Keep snacks within reach during feedings.
Consider hydration and easy ways to drink water while holding the baby.
Prioritizing your own nutrition supports both recovery and energy for caring for your newborn.
4. Outline Your Visitor Plans
Decide in advance how you want to handle visitors:
How long will you have visitors stay?
Who is allowed to visit in the first days or weeks?
Will you set specific visiting hours or days?
Setting boundaries ensures you have space and time to recover while still welcoming support.
5. Define Parent Roles
Communicate with your partner or co-parent about roles and responsibilities:
Who handles night feedings?
Who manages diaper changes, laundry, or household chores?
How will tasks be divided if you have other children?
Clear expectations reduce stress and help everyone feel involved and supported.
6. Make a Self-Care Plan
Caring for yourself postpartum is just as important as caring for your baby:
Schedule time for rest and naps whenever possible.
Plan for gentle movement, like walking or postpartum yoga.
Incorporate mental health check-ins or support groups.
Identify small daily moments of joy, like reading, a warm shower, or a cup of tea.
Self-care helps sustain your energy and emotional well-being during this transformative time.
7. Identify Your Support Team & Village
Knowing who you can rely on is critical:
Who can help with meals, laundry, or cleaning?
Who will provide emotional support?
Are there professionals you may need, like lactation consultants, postpartum doulas, or therapists?
Having a trusted “village” allows you to ask for help without feeling guilty and ensures your needs are met.
Final Thoughts
A postpartum plan doesn’t have to be rigid, it’s a guide to help you navigate the first weeks and months with confidence. By considering feeding, sleep, self-care, support systems, and boundaries, you’re setting yourself and your baby up for a healthier, happier start.
If you have questions about how to prepare to feed your baby, we’re happy to help!
Book a visit with Wisco Lactation! We offer home & office visits in Southern Wisconsin and NE Illinois. Including Milwaukee, Madison, Kenosha and the surrounding areas. Virtual visits offered worldwide!
