If I could describe my first three months of motherhood in one word, it would be…a blur.
A very sleep-deprived, slightly chaotic blur.
So when I had my second, I made a quiet promise to myself: no more YOLO parenting in those early weeks.
Because as it turns out, express delivery isn’t very express sometimes.
Postpartum Preparation List 101
For Feeding (Whatever That Looks Like for You)
Feeding will take up a big part of your day (and night), so having things within reach makes all the difference.
Helpful essentials:
- A comfortable nursing pillow or support cushion
- Burp cloths (more than you think you need)
- Bottles and a simple cleaning setup
- A breast pump or milk storage options (if needed)
- A small “feeding station” you can reach in the dark
P/S: I really liked having an extra mini fridge so I didn’t have to walk up and down when pumping in the middle of the night – so if that’s your vibe, you should get one too!
For Sleep (Or Something Close to It)
Sleep looks very different in the early weeks, but a few things can help everyone settle a little easier.
Helpful essentials:
- A safe sleeping space (cot or bassinet)
- Swaddles that are easy to use – *none of those Velcro ones, please; they wake babies up more than put them to sleep* (especially at 2 a.m.)
- A dim night light (we really liked the baby hatch)
- A simple white noise option
For Mum’s Recovery (Because You Matter Too)
Somewhere between feeding and soothing, it’s easy to forget that your body is recovering too.
To ensure your 50-year-old self isn’t struggling, prepare for the arrival of the ‘new’ you too.
Helpful essentials:
- Comfortable, loose clothing
- Postpartum care items (pads, soothing sprays, essential oil diffuser, etc.)
- Easy snacks and water within reach
- A small corner where you can sit and rest
- An iPad with your favourite series predownloaded (because you will not have patience for buffers)
For Nappy Changes And Daily Care
You’ll be changing more nappies than you ever imagined, so keeping it simple helps.
Helpful essentials:
- Diapers/nappies (try different brands at first to see what works best and once you’ve decided, online and bulk purchase is the way to go!)
- Gentle wipes or cotton + water
- Barrier cream
- A simple changing setup (doesn’t have to be fancy but a cart would be cute)
For Getting Through the Day
The emotional and mental side of those early days… welcome to the bread and butter of motherhood.
Helpful essentials:
- A baby carrier (for when you need your hands back)
- A stroller for short walks (highly recommend a cup holder)
- Your phone charger within reach (always)
- Someone you can text when it feels like a lot
Reminder Before You Overprepare
If you’re an expecting mummy freaking out about what to prepare, take it from me – you don’t need a perfectly set-up home.
You just need a few things that make your life easier, your baby comfortable, and your days a little calmer.
Everything else, you’ll figure out along the way.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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