How to Decide How Much Postpartum Care You Will Need
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Let’s be honest — there’s no magic formula to determine exactly how much postpartum support you’ll need before your baby arrives. But there are some helpful ways to get a pretty good idea. Over the years, I’ve worked with countless families, and one of the most common questions I get is: “How do I know how much postpartum support I will need?!”
Together, we talk through each family’s unique dynamics — their strengths, challenges, and everything in between. Based on these conversations, I’ve created a list of questions to help you think through how much support you might need, and where that support should come from.
How much sleep do you (and your partner, if applicable) need to feel functional during the day? Are you a 10–12 hours per night kind of person, or can you function on 4–5 hours and still feel like yourself?
What’s your current routine like? Is one of you a night owl and the other an early riser? That could actually work in your favor! But if you’re both on the same schedule, think about how you’ll divide responsibilities so each of you can get at least 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
What’s your mental health history? If either parent has experienced anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders, extra sleep and emotional support are essential for the first 3–4 months. Postpartum fatigue and hormonal shifts can increase the risk for both parents.
How will the birthing parent get the rest they need? Most people need about 3–4 weeks of “in or around the bed” recovery time after giving birth. What responsibilities, such as work, errands, or caring for other children and pets, will need to be managed during that period?
Who will take care of the household chores? Grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and all the things that keep a home running don’t stop just because there’s a newborn in the house. Who will help manage these tasks while you’re recovering?
What’s your current support network like? Do you have family, friends, or a community who can step in? What kind of help is actually helpful, and what’s not? Think about how you’ll set boundaries with visitors who might unintentionally add stress rather than ease it.
These are just a few prompts to help you envision your unique postpartum journey and start planning for the support that will make the biggest difference for your family.
While pregnancy, birth, and welcoming a new baby come with plenty of unknowns, one thing is sure: Surrounding yourself with loving, helpful support in the areas that matter most to your family can make all the difference.
This is just one of the exercises we work through together in my Postpartum Prep and Preparing for Parenthood sessions. Time and again, I’ve seen how families who take the time to do this kind of reflection feel more prepared and recover more smoothly, because they give themselves the support and rest that every parent deserves.
If you’d like to learn more about my Postpartum Prep and Preparing for Parenthood sessions, or any of my other services, please visit: www.DoulaDeb.com/how-I-can-help. I’m here to help you every step of the way!
