Most expecting families are so focused on labor and birth that they forget to plan for what happens afterward, known as the postpartum period or “fourth trimester.” Postpartum is the first 12 weeks after your baby is born, and while it can be a beautiful time, it also brings big physical and emotional changes. This postpartum checklist will help you navigate those first weeks with confidence, from essential paperwork to healing, bonding, and self-care.
Postpartum Checklist: What to Do After Baby is Born
Here’s your comprehensive postpartum checklist to help you stay organized, supported, and confident as you adjust to life with your newborn.
1. Add Baby to the Insurance Plan
Contact your insurance company and add your daughter or son if you haven’t already done so. 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.
2. Apply for 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 will be able to 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 for FMLA/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. Call a Newborn Photographer
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.
6. Order, Address, and Mail Out 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 out your thank-you notes from your shower, you may 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?
8. Start Pumping
Building up a freezer stash of breastmilk is excellent, especially if you plan to return to work. 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. Do 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.
10. Get Outside
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: Postpartum Essentials: Must-Haves for Mom and Baby
11. Continue Taking Your Postpartum Vitamins Daily
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 Healthy Snacks and Meals
Your body is healing and needs only the best. 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: 20 Easy Postpartum Snacks to Stock in Your Pantry
13. Drink Lots of Water
For recovery and breastfeeding, it is essential to drink plenty of water. Your postpartum body is undergoing numerous changes, and water can help — it will keep your bowels regular and soft, and aid in milk production.
14. Take a Shower and Get Ready
Showering and a little lip gloss will make you feel fresh and human again.
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. You don’t want your recovery to last longer than necessary.
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. Seek Support for 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.
18. Bond With Your Baby
This is the most important. Try to enjoy and cherish your time with your newborn as you get to know them. I know that you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, frustrated, and confused, but I promise that 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.
The postpartum period can feel overwhelming, but you’re doing an incredible job. Remember, recovery takes time, and every small step matters. Lean on your support system, take care of your body and mind, and soak in these first precious weeks with your baby — the rest can wait.
