Fourth Trimester Prep Tips to Set You Up for Postpartum Success
We spend months preparing for birth: attending prenatal classes, packing the hospital bag, writing a birth plan. But what about preparing for what comes next? The first weeks and months with a newborn—aka the fourth trimester—can feel like a whirlwind that’s equal parts joy and exhaustion. And while you can’t plan for every hiccup or diaper blowout, there are ways to make the transition gentler on your body, mind, and home.
Here’s how to prepare for the fourth trimester—physically, mentally, and practically.
Physical Preparation: Honor Your Healing Body
Birth is monumental—no matter how your baby enters the world. Your body deserves rest, care, and support during the recovery phase. Preparing your body for this important work starts before your little one arrives.
Stock up on postpartum essentials.
Think beyond diapers and onesies. Gather supplies to support your healing body:
- Perineal care items (think pads, peri bottles, sitz baths—see more postpartum care products)
- C-section recovery supplies (c-section parents swear by these essentials)
- Breastfeeding supplies, like nipple cream, nursing bras, breast pads, and a comfy nursing pillow
- Snacks and water bottles—hydration and nourishment are key, especially if breastfeeding
- Postpartum recovery wear, such as belly wraps or high-waisted underwear
Prioritize rest and recovery.
Plan for your first weeks at home to focus on healing, not entertaining. Create a cozy, calm nest where you can rest as much as possible. Remember, sleep is vital for your well-being—read up on ways to prioritize your sleep after Baby arrives. And consider brushing up on the 5 S’s for soothing babies, which is a great tool for boosting everyone’s sleep.
Don’t forget to also listen to your body! Whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or a cesarean, honoring your body’s needs—including rest, gentle movement, and postpartum check-ups—is crucial for recovery.
Mental and Emotional Preparation: Build Your Support Network
The fourth trimester isn't just a physical shift—it’s an emotional rollercoaster. From hormone changes to identity shifts, it’s normal to feel all the feelings in these early weeks.
Download your free postpartum wellness toolkit.
One solid first step? Take a look at our Postpartum Mental Wellness Toolkit—it’s a free guide full of exercises to help you and your family emotionally prepare for the tender postpartum period.
Discuss expectations early.
Talk with your partner about how you’ll handle night feedings, household chores, and visitors. Clear, compassionate communication now can help prevent misunderstandings later.
Identify your support system.
Make a list of friends, family members, doulas, lactation consultants, or mental health professionals you can lean on and tasks you can delegate. If you’re feeling anxious about the emotional side of new parenthood, consider taking a newborn care class or joining a prenatal support group. Connection with other parents can ease feelings of isolation and offer valuable perspective.
Learn the signs of mental distress.
Postpartum mood disorders affect about 1 in 5 new moms. While plenty of parents get through the postpartum period with their mental health intact, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with signs that you need extra support. Know the signs of baby blues vs. postpartum depression vs. postpartum anxiety and get a sense of the mental health resources available to you.
Give yourself grace.
Remember: It’s okay to not love every moment of new parenthood. Give yourself permission to grieve your old routines, ask for help, and take breaks. You are doing your best—and that is enough.
Practical Preparation: Feather Your Nest
When the baby arrives, even simple tasks can feel overwhelming. Planning ahead can make the early days smoother.
Prep your home for baby—and you!
- Set up safe sleep spaces (crib, bassinet, or SNOO Smart Sleeper).
- Stock your pantry with easy meals and snacks. Consider making and freezing a few hearty meals before birth.
- Arrange diapering and feeding stations in convenient spots around your home.
- Keep postpartum supplies within arm’s reach of your bed or favorite nursing chair.
Consider tools that support you in the fourth trimester.
Products like the SNOO can help by soothing your baby’s fussiness and boosting safe sleep—helping the whole family rest a little easier. Not sure if it’s for you? Read real parent experiences.
Plan for help.
Whether it’s scheduling a meal train, arranging pet care, or budgeting for a postpartum doula, set up the support you need ahead of time. Consider creating a postpartum visitor policy to protect your rest and bonding time with baby.
Organize important contacts.
Before Baby arrives, save contact info for your pediatrician, lactation consultant, and postpartum care providers. Having these numbers ready will save you stress when questions arise (and they will!).
Embracing the Fourth Trimester Mindset
Above all, remember the fourth trimester is a time of adjustment—for your body, your baby, and your whole family. It's a phase of learning, loving, and leaning into support. By preparing physically, emotionally, and practically, you can create a softer landing into this beautiful, challenging season of life. Be gentle with yourself. Take each day, each feeding, each diaper change as it comes. You are not alone!
Have questions about a Happiest Baby product? Our consultants would be happy to help! Submit your questions here.