Louise 
Thinking Ahead: How to Plan for a Gentle Postnatal Recovery
At 40 weeks pregnant, it’s easy to focus all your energy on labour and birth — and no wonder!
But what comes after, namely your postnatal recovery, is just as important.
This is a huge transition, physically and emotionally. Planning ahead now, while you’re still waiting for your little one, can make a world of difference when you’re home and focused on recovery with your new baby.
Here’s how to prepare for a gentle, nurturing postnatal recovery — because you deserve care, too.
Create a “Baby Moon” Mindset
Forget the pressure to “bounce back” or host a stream of visitors.
Instead, think about your first weeks as a baby moon — a time to rest, recover, and bond quietly with your newborn for optimal postnatal recovery.
Give yourself permission to:
Stay in your pyjamas all day
Say no to visitors (or have a “one a day” rule)
Sleep whenever you can (even at 10 a.m. — no guilt!)
This time is precious and short. Setting the right mindset now helps you protect it later.
Stock Up on Essentials for You
New babies need surprisingly little — but new mums need quite a bit to feel comfortable!
Here’s a quick list to have ready to ease your postnatal recovery:
Plenty of maternity pads (you’ll likely bleed for a few weeks after birth)
Big, soft knickers (yes, granny pants — trust us, you’ll thank yourself)
Comfortable clothes that are breastfeeding-friendly and easy to nap in
Nipple balm if you’re planning to breastfeed
Perineal care: if you have stitches or soreness, a soothing product like our Scar Repair Oil can be a gentle way to help your skin heal
Nutritious freezer meals and healthy snacks — because you won’t feel like cooking at 2 a.m.!
A water bottle with a straw to stay hydrated without needing both hands free
Little comforts make a big difference when you’re healing postnatally.
Set Up Your Support System
Before baby arrives, it’s worth having some honest conversations about who will aid in your postnatal recovery — and how.
Can your partner, family, or friends take on household tasks like laundry or food shopping?
Would you appreciate someone bringing you a home-cooked meal instead of a cuddly toy for the baby?
Are there any services locally that offer support or meal deliveries?
It’s easy to feel like you have to “do it all” once baby arrives. But in many cultures, the mother is cared for as much as the newborn.
Let’s bring a bit of that tradition back for better postnatal recovery.
Prepare Emotionally, Too
Your hormones will take a huge dip after birth — it’s normal to feel weepy, overwhelmed, or emotional around day 3 to 5.
This is known as the baby blues and usually passes within a few days.
If you ever feel things getting heavier, or if you’re worried about your mood, please reach out. You are not alone, and early support makes a significant difference in your postnatal recovery journey.
Knowing this in advance can help you (and your partner) recognise when it’s time to get some extra TLC.
Move Gently, Listen Carefully
You don’t need to rush back to exercise — in fact, your body needs time to heal from the inside out, which is crucial for postnatal recovery.
In those early weeks:
Short, slow walks are perfect if you feel up to it
Pelvic floor exercises (even gentle squeezes) are important for recovery
Rest is productive: lying down when you can helps your body recover better than pushing through tiredness
When you’re ready, gentle stretching, breathwork, and postnatal yoga can feel amazing — but there’s absolutely no rush.
In Short…
You are about to do one of the most powerful, transformative things in life.
You deserve just as much care as your new baby.
Planning now for a gentle postnatal recovery — with good food, comfy clothes, supportive people, and healing time — can help you feel stronger, calmer, and more confident in the beautiful weeks to come.
Your body knows what it’s doing. Trust it. Honour it.
And when in doubt, rest some more during this postnatal recovery period.
