Preparing for the Fourth Trimester
A Gentle Guide to Postpartum Readiness
When we think about preparing for a baby, so much of our energy goes into birth plans, baby gear, and nursery decor. But what often gets overlooked is one of the most important chapters of your parenting journey: the fourth trimester — also known as the first few months after birth.
At The Nurturing Company, we believe that postpartum preparation and support are just as vital as prepping for birth. Your healing, bonding, and emotional well-being matter deeply. Here’s how you can start nurturing yourself before baby arrives.
1. Build Your Village
You don’t have to do it all alone. Line up support now, whether it’s your partner, family, friends, or us as your postpartum doulas. Think about:
Meal support: Organize a meal train or prep freezer meals.
Household help: Arrange for someone to help with laundry, cleaning, walking the dog, or errands.
Make a list of everything you do within a month (yes, everything) and try to think of someone who can help with each item. If you don’t have someone assigned to any item, plan to offer it as suggested support if family or friends visit.
Emotional support: Make a list of people you can talk to, especially those who’ll listen without judgment.
2. Create a Comfortable Recovery Space
You’ll spend a lot of time resting and feeding your baby. Set up a cozy spot (or more than one) stocked with:
Water bottles and snacks (hydration and nutrition are key!)
Nursing or feeding essentials
Phone charger and remote
Soft lighting and calming music
We always recommend that you consider the 5-5-5 postpartum healing schedule.
5 days in bed
Only leaving the bed to go to the bathroom (no stairs)
Your only job is to rest, bond with baby, eat nourishing meals, and recover.
5 days on the bed
A few short trips around the bedroom or into another room of the home (only climbing stairs once a day)
Continue letting your body lead — if you feel tired, rest.
5 days near the bed
Spend more time around your home (and possibly outside for some fresh air).
Do light activities—but nothing that stresses your healing body.
Postpartum is not about "bouncing back"; it’s about rebuilding gently. The 5-5-5 rule is a radical act of self-care in a culture that often glorifies doing it all. This rhythm can help lower the risk of postpartum complications and support your emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
3. Prepare for Postpartum Healing
Make a postpartum products basket or cart to keep near or in your bathroom. Stock it with things like:
Postpartum underwear or adult diapers (you and baby will look so cute in your matching outfits 😉)
Sitz bath herbs
Peri spray bottle (one that you can completely invert - think Fridamom)
Witchhazel pads or spray
4. Understand What’s Normal
Newborn life is intense and can feel like a time warp. Knowing what’s typical — like cluster feeding, diaper blowouts, or emotional ups and downs—can help you feel more confident. And remember: you can always reach out to us, your therapist, or your provider if something doesn’t feel right.
5. Make a Postpartum Plan
Like a birth plan, a postpartum plan helps you prioritize your needs. Include:
What boundaries you’ll set for visitors
When and how you’ll get rest
What kind of support do you want from your partner
Need help crafting yours? We offer postpartum planning sessions to help you feel empowered and supported.
6. Prioritize Grace
Your body will be recovering. Your heart will be expanding. You will be getting to know a brand new person — and a new version of yourself. Be gentle. Lower expectations. Rest. Ask for help. Accept help. You’re not meant to do this alone.
Let Us Support You
Whether it’s through postpartum doula care or simply being a listening ear, The Nurturing Company is here to walk alongside you. You deserve care, comfort, and a soft place to land after birth.
You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.
