When it comes to motherhood, you really don’t know who you’ll be until you’re in it. I went into my first pregnancy assuming I’d be an anxious postpartum girly, but it turns out I was an anxious pregnant girly—which I was not planning.

To be honest, I thought you could only really have mental health flare ups during postpartum, but it turns out is is also very common during pregnancy!

I spent so much of that season focused on birth that I found it very difficult to think of anything beyond that. Which makes sense because when I finally had Theodore and entered the postpartum season, it hit hard.

While that season was full of beauty and joy (seriously, such a sacred time) it also took me out in ways I wasn’t prepared for. Physically, emotionally, hormonally was all a LOT. I really felt like things were continually happening TO ME, instead of me having any type of control.

This time, I’m trying to do things differently. As you know I am a cozy, wellness-habit loving, kind of girl, and since becoming a mom I have become even more aware of how important it is to put intentionality into the small things, and weaving self care into the day to day.

I am bringing that into my postpartum prep this time, thinking of ways I can pre-plan to support myself as best as possible. Because let’s be so real: you can plan as much as you want for your birth, but the reality is you have SO much more control over your postpartum experience than your birth.

If you’re in the season of prepping or recovering, I hope this gives you some ideas, or at least the reminder that you’re not alone!!

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Let’s Talk About My First Postpartum

Looking back, I can see how hyper-focused I was on birth. I was the girl who, even at 10 years old, couldn’t fall asleep because I was scared to give birth one day. That fear carried into pregnancy. I planned for every possible detail of labour, but then my baby was in my arms and I had a whole other journey of healing ahead of me!

Postpartum lasted way longer than I expected. The 6 week recovery period is only a small glimpse at what it really takes to heal your body, come back to yourself (the new version of yourself) and feel like your hormones and emotions aren’t going absolutely wild. I really do think that for me it took a good 2 years to actually feel fully “myself” (and that is right when I was ready to get pregnant again LOL).

Financially, last time we were in a hard spot. I was back shooting weddings just three and four weeks postpartum. At the time, it felt (and kind of was) necessary. But in hindsight, I pushed my body WAAY too soon. I went on walks days after birth just so I could prep for the weddings. And while yes, I did it, I didn’t give myself time to rest. It impacted my healing, mentally and physically, and probably was what made recovery even longer.

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How I am preparing for a better postpartum recovery

This pregnancy has felt so different. I am way more tired from toddler mom life, but I am way less anxious. I’ve experienced birth, so the fear is no where near what it was last time. I am spending a lot of time this season preparing for my postpartum experience vs my actual birth.

Here’s what I’m doing to set myself up for a more supported, slow postpartum season:

1. Meal Prepping Like Crazy

The goal? Not to cook dinner for the first 4–6 weeks. Last time we lived in the city with endless takeout, but now that we are in the country with no options for skip the dishes, I’m focusing on nourishing frozen meals that support recovery. I batch-cooked meals based on protein types (ground beef and chicken), plus power snacks, smoothie packs, and treats like cookie dough. Good food impacts everything—mood, energy, milk supply—so I’m making it as easy as possible!!

2. Prebooking Pelvic Floor Physio

I skipped this last time after birth, but not again. A good pelvic floor physio can really change the game when it comes to birth prep and recovery! I waited until I was pregnant to go back and I majorly regret it. This time I will be going back earlier to help with any pain in pelvic floor as well as learning to re-engage core!

3. Having Comfy, Matching Lounge Sets

This might seem boouje, but it makes such a difference! Often it can either be old pyjamas or full-on outfits, and trust me when you are around your bed / not leaving the house, staying in your milk stained pyjamas all day is not going to make you feel good.

This time I’ve purchased a few matching lounge / pj sets: comfy, nursing-friendly & cuter than an old tshirt and boxer shorts. It’s my way of feeling a bit more myself and adding to the rountie of “getting ready” even if it is low maintenance

4. Restocking some easy self-care items

I want to make sure I am stocked up on EASY things that make me feel good and that I can incorporate while still taking care of baby.

Some of my faves:

• Salty Face Face tanning mist (hello, glowy skin even when you are so tired)
• eye patches and a headband for morning routines
• fun drinks at home (electrolytes, matcha, teas, Pebble ice machine!!)
• one line a day journal

5. Creating Postpartum Recovery Stations Around the House

Last time, my nightstand was a cluttered mess and totally overwhelmed me. This time I’ve cleared drawers and prepped a nursing/self-care cart with diapers, snacks, skincare for easy access.

6. Tapping Into My Support System

I’ve been reaching out early: asking friends to hang with my toddler, checking in with family about their availability, and making a list of ways people can help (laundry, dishes, garbage runs). I also have text scripts saved so I don’t have to figure out the words, I can just copy and paste from my notes app.

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LET’S BE REAL

There’s no way to fully prepare for postpartum, and of course, you don’t fully know what your recovery will look like, HOWEVER, I do believer there are lots of things you can do to help.

This is your reminder that when you are picking out all the cute baby stuff, to also plan for how you will be best supported in this new season!

🎧 More resources + podcast episodes:

• Everything I used everyday during postpartum
• What’s on my nightstand in the third trimester
• My Honest Review of the Brick (phone addiction tool)
• How to do a life reset

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