Most expecting families spend so much time preparing for labor and birth that they forget to plan for what happens afterward. But once baby is here, there are still important things to do, decisions to make, and support systems to put in place.
The postpartum period, often called the fourth trimester, usually refers to the first 12 weeks after birth. It can be beautiful and tender, but it can also bring big physical, emotional, and practical changes as you recover and adjust to life with your newborn.
This postpartum checklist covers the most important things to keep on your radar after baby arrives, from paperwork and feeding to recovery, bonding, and self-care.
As a postpartum doula who has supported hundreds of families and as a mother of two myself, I’ve seen firsthand how much easier those early weeks can feel when you have a simple plan for what comes next.
Key Takeaways
- The postpartum period usually refers to the first 12 weeks after birth.
- Important postpartum tasks include adding baby to insurance, ordering a birth certificate, and reviewing legal documents.
- New moms also need time for physical recovery, nourishment, hydration, rest, and emotional support.
- If you plan to breastfeed or pump, ask for help early if feeding feels painful, confusing, or stressful.
- Not everything on this checklist has to happen immediately. Focus on what matters most, then ask for help with the rest.
Related: Why It’s Important to Prepare Now for the Postpartum Period
Postpartum Paperwork and Planning
The first few weeks after birth involve more paperwork and logistics than many parents expect. Taking care of these items early can save you time and stress later.
1. Add Baby to Your Health Insurance Plan
Contact your insurance company and add your daughter or son if you haven’t already. Medical bills start adding up from the moment a baby is born, so having your baby on your plan will save you some major headaches.
Related: 5 Steps To Understanding Your Health Insurance Before Giving Birth
2. Order Baby’s Birth Certificate
If you had your baby in a hospital, most hospitals would submit the birth certificate paperwork if you agreed to it. You will receive your baby’s Social Security card in the mail, and from there, you can go online to order hard copies of your baby’s Birth Certificate. Be sure to request two copies when you do. Also, ensure that you receive their Social Security card in the mail and store it in a safe location when you do.
If you have a home birth or a birth center birth, your midwife will submit the paperwork instead of the hospital. You’ll then receive your baby’s Social Security card in the mail and can order a Birth Certificate online.
3. Add Baby to Your Will and Other Legal Documents
This can be a sensitive and emotional topic to discuss with your partner, but it’s necessary. If you haven’t already done so, create a will and sign up for a life insurance plan. It’s important to have this even when they’re newborns.
Related: The Importance of a Will and Life Insurance for Your Family
4. Contact Work About Leave or Short-Term Disability
Once you have given birth to your baby and settled down a bit, it’s time to contact your office to ensure everything is set up for you to receive any maternity leave or paternity leave benefits you’re entitled to. This will vary for everyone, so check to see what benefits you are eligible for.
5. Schedule Newborn Photos
If you wanted newborn photos, hopefully you contacted a newborn photographer during your pregnancy and reserved their time to photograph your newborn. Now that your baby is here, it’s time to introduce them to the world and schedule your photo session.
Related: How to Make a Postpartum Plan (Free Template Included)
6. Send Birth Announcements
It’s time to spread the good news! Several sites offer gorgeous pre-designed templates for your baby’s birth announcement.
7. Write Thank You Notes
Even though you sent your thank-you notes from the shower, you may still have several people you want to thank now. Write a thank-you note to your doctor or midwife, nurse, doula, friends, and family who have been helping you postpartum. They will be so grateful for those kind words of thanks.
Related: Should Moms Still Be Expected To Send Thank-You Notes?
Feeding and Newborn Care
Once the paperwork is underway, you can shift your focus toward feeding, caring for your baby, and settling into your new routine together.
8. Start Pumping, If It Makes Sense for You
Building a freezer stash of breastmilk can be helpful if you plan to return to work, want someone else to help with feeds, or simply want backup milk on hand. This isn’t mandatory, but pumping once a day (preferably in the morning, when you produce the most milk) after you’re finished feeding your baby can help increase your breast milk supply and provide some much-needed backup stock.
9. Start Tummy Time
Even newborns are supposed to have daily tummy time (time spent on their bellies to develop strong neck and back muscles, among other benefits). Even when they are just days old, it’s beneficial to have them lie on your chest so they can practice lifting their head to look at you or to nurse.
Related: Benefits of Tummy Time for Newborns and Babies
Postpartum Recovery and Self-Care
Caring for a newborn is important, but so is caring for yourself. These simple reminders can help support your recovery during the fourth trimester.
10. Get Fresh Air When You Can
I cannot tell you enough how nice it is to leave the house. Some fresh air makes a nice difference and can give you the much-needed energy boost to help you handle your day. Make it a point to leave the house at least once a day, even if it’s just walking around the block.
Related: 21 Postpartum Self-Care Tips for New Moms
11. Keep Taking Your Postpartum Vitamins
Your body has a lot of healing to do after giving birth, and it’s common for women to have vitamin deficiencies, resulting in fatigue, an aching body, and difficulty thinking clearly.1 Postpartum vitamins can help you.
12. Eat Nourishing Snacks and Meals
Your body is working hard to recover, and nourishment matters during this stage. If you are breastfeeding, it’s also important to provide your child with the best nutrients. Eating healthy snacks, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help you feel much better. Consider stocking up on these postpartum snacks.
Related: Pantry Snacks To Stock Before Baby Arrives
13. Stay Hydrated
For recovery and breastfeeding, it is essential to drink plenty of water. Your postpartum body is undergoing numerous changes, and water can help keep your bowels regular and soft, and aid in milk production.
14. Take a Shower When You Can
Showering and a little lip gloss will make you feel fresh and human again. Even a quick shower can help you feel a little more like yourself. It doesn’t have to be a full routine. Clean clothes, brushed teeth, or a little lip gloss can make a hard day feel more manageable.
Related: Postpartum Essentials: What You Really Need for Mom and Baby
15. Rest and Recover
You just gave birth to a baby. Don’t push yourself to do more than you must. This is the time that you need to rest. Giving yourself time to rest now can support a smoother recovery in the weeks ahead.
16. Ask for and Accept Help
If you need help, don’t hesitate to get it. There is no shame in needing your mom, a friend, a neighbor, or anyone to come over and help you do dishes and laundry, cook you a meal, or hold your baby while you take a nap or a shower. Hundreds of years ago, women lived together and could help each other. The so-called “village” was much more literal even 50 years ago.
Related: 15 Best Things to Do for a New Mom
17. Ask for Support With Postpartum Emotions
Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing feelings of sadness or the baby blues. Asking for help, talking to a counselor, or getting on medication to treat postpartum anxiety or postpartum depression are not things to be ashamed of. Postpartum mood disorders result from hormonal changes and don’t mean you’re weak, crazy, or a bad mom.
Bonding With Your Baby
Amid the paperwork, appointments, and sleepless nights, don’t forget to make space for connection. Building your relationship with your baby is one of the most meaningful parts of postpartum.
18. Bond With Your Baby
Try to enjoy and cherish your time with your newborn as you get to know them. I know you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, frustrated, and confused, but I promise this time is temporary, and things will get better. Taking time to bond with your baby is so important. And it’s cliché, but as they say, “The days are long, but the years are short” is so true. Just know that no mother enjoys every moment of motherhood, so do your best to find the good in each day and remember that the difficult times, too, shall pass.
Related: 8 Easy, No-Pressure Ways To Bond With Your Baby
The postpartum period can feel full, emotional, and overwhelming, but you do not have to do everything at once. Take care of the time-sensitive items first, then let the rest happen with help and support. Your healing matters. Your rest matters. And soaking in these first weeks with your baby matters, too. The rest really can wait.
