How to Prepare Yourself for Postpartum

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most joyous milestones, but the weeks and months after birth can also bring physical recovery, emotional adjustments, and a whirlwind of new routines. Thoughtful preparation—both practical and emotional—can make the postpartum period smoother, more comfortable, and more empowering. Below, we outline key steps to get ready, plus the must-have items from Little West Street that will nurture you and your little one.

1. Build Your Postpartum Recovery Kit

A postpartum recovery kit ensures that you have everything at hand to manage discomfort, promote healing, and support breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.

• Perineal Care Supplies: Nurses’ pads, witch hazel pads, a peri bottle, and sitz bath additives.
• Comfortable Clothing: High-waist underwear, loose dresses or leggings, nursing bras, and soft camisoles.
• Hydration & Nutrition: A water bottle with tracker, healthy snacks, and meal prep for freezer-ready nourishment.
• Emotional Support: A journal, soothing playlists, or a meditation app for moments of overwhelm.

2. Stock Up on Little West Street’s Postpartum Essentials

Burp Cloths & Bibs

Even the most seasoned parents get caught off guard by spit-up, drool, or milk dribbles. LWS’s soft organic cotton burp cloths and bibs protect your clothing and keep your baby cozy. They’re machine-washable, quick-drying, and gentle on sensitive skin.

Muslin Swaddles

Swaddling supports your baby’s startle reflex, helping them sleep more soundly. LWS swaddles are generously breathable and printed in delightful patterns—perfect as nursing covers, stroller blankets, or play mats.

Soft Towels

Postpartum life involves a lot of laundry. Invest in a few soft towels from Little West Street, especially crafted for those early moments, with no harsh chemicals or irritating dyes. These towels are lightweight yet absorbent—make after-bath snuggles a joy.

Crib Sheeting

Soft, breathable, and perfectly snug, Little West Street’s crib sheets ensure a comfortable sleep for your baby. Available in playful prints, they’re designed to stay put through every nap and bedtime. It's always a good idea to have a few extras on hand—little ones tend to make a mess!

Crib Bedding Sets

Transform your nursery into a serene sanctuary with Little West Street’s stylish and soft crib bedding sets: a lightweight quilt (which can be personalized!), bumper, and a matching pillow (for décor only). Handcrafted details, from pintucks to piping, add a layer of luxury that comforts both baby and parents.

3. Organize Your Nursery for Ease & Safety

A well-planned nursery layout saves time and stress:

• Diaper Changing Station: Keep diapers, wipes and creams within arm’s reach.
• Feeding Corner: A comfortable chair or glider, side table for water/snacks, and a basket of Little West Street’s burp cloths and bibs.
• Clothing Storage: Group outfits by size and season; have a “today” drawer for immediate changes.
• Night-Time Essentials: Install a soft night-light, store extra crib sheets and towels in a lower drawer, and keep a white-noise machine nearby.

4. Plan Your Support Network

No one should navigate postpartum alone. Before your due date:

• Share Your Plan: Let your partner, family, or friends know what you need—meal trains, help with errands, or simply a listening ear.
• Hire Help if Needed: Consider a postpartum doula or night nurse, even if only for the first few weeks.
• Join Communities: Online forums or local new-parent groups can offer advice, encouragement, and camaraderie.

5. Postpartum Prep for Busy Women

Here’s how you should prepare yourself for the postpartum time if you’re a busy woman:

1. Get yourself help!

You won’t be able to do the things you did before. If you’re a business owner, hire a personal assistant (ideally a few months before delivery)—or at least someone to handle daily tasks—so you can focus on recovery and your baby.

2. Take care of your nutrition.

Cook and freeze healthy meals, or arrange a delivery service for fresh, balanced food. Your body needs quality fuel—and don’t forget to stay hydrated!

3. TAKE YOUR TIME!

Tell friends and family you’re unavailable for visits until you feel ready. The pressure to host endless visitors can drain your energy; guard it wisely.

4. Accept the new normal.

You won’t have the same time or power you had before birth. Your body needs to heal, and your attention will be on your baby—embrace that shift.

Side note for mompreneurs:

I once told my team I’d be back in a few weeks—naively underestimating postpartum’s demands. Thankfully, my assistant managed many tasks, but I still needed to be involved. My postpartum months were a mix of emotions, stress, and pressure. Planning ahead is essential as you would not be as available as you’d like. That’s why I’m passionate about helping fellow mompreneurs prepare—so they can focus on healing, bonding, and thriving.

6. Prioritize Self-Care & Mental Health

Physical recovery goes hand in hand with emotional well-being:

• Rest When You Can: Sleep when your baby sleeps—even short naps add up.
• Mindful Moments: Use Little West Street’s swaddles as a cozy wrap for gentle stretching or meditation.
• Express Feelings: It’s okay to feel overwhelmed—talk to your partner, a friend, or a counselor.
• Celebrate Small Wins: First smile, first nap, or mastering a new swaddle wrap!

7. Simplify Feeding & Laundry Routines

Feeding and laundry can feel endless—streamline both:

• Feeding Station: Keep a basket of Little West Street’s burp cloths and bibs next to your nursing chair or bottle prep area.
• Linen Schedule: Have two sets of crib sheets per week; change them on wash days. Hang towels to air-dry between uses.

8. Embrace Flexibility & Go with the Flow

Babies are unpredictable; your best-laid plans may change. With Little West Street’s essentials ready,, your support network in place, and self-care tools within reach, you’ll feel confident adapting to each new day:

“Postpartum has its rhythm. Be kind to yourself, cherish each milestone, and lean into the soft comforts of home.”

Conclusion

Preparing for postpartum is about more than stocking diapers—it’s about building an environment of care, comfort, and support. With Little West Street’s much-loved burp cloths, bibs, swaddles, crib sheets, towels, and crib bedding, along with a solid recovery kit and a dedicated support system, you’ll navigate postpartum with strength and grace.