Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To Do List: Postpartum Weeks 1-4

Welcome to the first four weeks of postpartum in this month-by-month checklist guide to a healthy pregnancy, birth, and postpartum! This to-do list with a twist contains key tips and action items for optimal health and birth and post-birth preparation, in addition to reminders for fun things, too.  Take a look at the checklists from months 1-10 of pregnancy.

Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To-Do List: Postpartum, Weeks 1-4

Weeks 1-4 post-birth is the beginning of what is referred to as "postpartum." While postpartum is often defined as the first 6-8 weeks after birth, some postpartum changes can last far beyond (up to 6 months and beyond). The following are helpful and healthy things you can do during this time after you've given birth.     

 Refer to your postpartum plan for a solid guide and helpful resources. 

 Get sleep whenever and however you can. Apart from taking care of your baby, taking care of yourself is paramount and sleep is critical to your well being.  

 Stop thinking about "should." I "should" be happy; I "should" know how to do xxxx; I "should" post pictures; and so on. Your experience is yours -- do not compare it with others' or how others think you should be. 

 Let visitors know when they can visit -- you are in charge of your space and time with your baby.    

 Continue taking your prenatal vitamin.

 If something feels off, you feel overwhelmed, you don't feel like yourself, or you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, contact your doctor, the hospital, or a therapist right away. Postpartum mood disorders are incredibly common and very treatable.   

 Accept offers for help! People love to feel helpful, so when someone inevitably asks "what do you need" or "let me know if I can help," etc., get specific: "I would love a hot meal this week" / "Could you run an errand for me?" / "Would you stop by and sit with the baby while I shower?"  

 Monitor your postpartum bleeding -- if you're soaking through more than one pad an hour or passing clots egg-sized or larger, call your doctor or midwife.   

 Attend pediatrician and postpartum appointments.   

 Experiencing difficulty with body/breastfeeding? Don't wait it out -- contact a local lactation consultant quickly.  

 Make sure you're eating enough, especially if body/breastfeeding.    

 Drink lots of water -- keep a water bottle by your side to help you remember to hydrate.  

 Feeling weak in your core is common -- consider purchasing a belly binder for support in the early days and weeks.