I am officially one month away from my due date for my first baby, and it's really starting to set in that I have just a few weeks left before my entire life changes. My husband and I are so excited to welcome our little one into the world, but we're also feeling a little overwhelmed thinking about what's to come! Luckily, I've been working in the parenting sector for years now, so I'm very familiar with all the classes, books, products, and other offerings out there, which has helped me feel more prepared. As we put together our birth preferences and make our plan for labor and delivery, there's another piece of the puzzle that feels equally (if not more) important: preparing for the fourth trimester.
If you're unfamiliar with the term, the fourth trimester refers to the first few months postpartum, since the major physical and emotional changes don't just end the minute baby is born. This can be a challenging time for new parents, because it's a huge transition. But there are a lot of ways to plan for the postpartum period that can help you feel more prepared and confident.
Postnatal Retreat
Starting at
$995
from
One of the biggest things I'm doing to plan for the fourth trimester is booking a stay at Boram, a postnatal retreat here in NYC. In South Korea, the practice of receiving around-the-clock postpartum care is taken very seriously, and the outcomes for moms are incredible. In the U.S., we focus so much on how baby is doing after birth, and we often forget to support moms through this life-altering time. Boram focuses on supporting moms throughout the postpartum period, giving them the support and resources they need to start caring for a new baby. Boram's calming environment really spoke to me, because I'm an anxious person and I know I'll feel overwhelmed in those first few weeks of motherhood. Not only is childbirth physically hard to recover from, it's also emotionally and psychologically challenging — knowing that my baby and I (and my partner) will have 24/7 care after birth puts my mind at ease. Boram is based in the Thompson Central Park, a beautiful hotel just south of Central Park in Manhattan. The all-inclusive postnatal retreat experience includes pre-birth support (courses, chat groups, etc.), interactive workshops and events, lactation support, a mothers' lounge, nutritious meals, therapeutic services (like postnatal massages and foot baths), and 24/7 care for mom and baby, including a nursery. I can't wait to spend a few days embracing my new life as a mom while knowing I have all the support I need to step confidently into motherhood.
Bloom & Rise One-Time Birth Box
$120
from
Bloom & Rise
There are so many postpartum product recommendations out there, but I love that Bloom & Rise curates the perfect box with essential supplies for vaginal and C-section recovery. Plus, all the products are from women-owned, eco-friendly businesses! The box includes things like perineal spray and balm, sitz bath supplies, grippy socks for the hospital, and postpartum underwear.
Seraphine Maternity Hospital Bag Bundle for Labor
This outfit bundle may say "for labor," but I fully intend to use it in my last few weeks of pregnancy, during labor, and postpartum. The set comes with four pieces: a loose-fitting pajama top with lift-up nursing access, pajama bottoms that fit over a baby bump, a maternity and nursing nightie with snaps for nursing and skin-to-skin, and a robe to wear while in labor (or whenever). The fabric is supersoft and cozy, without being too warm. I can't wait to start wearing these ASAP.
Ingrid + Isabel Cooling Crossover Nursing Bra
$44
from
Ingrid + Isabel
I'm planning on breastfeeding, but finding comfortable breastfeeding bras has been more challenging than I expected — they're either too tight or too loose, too structured or too soft, and I feel like Goldilocks. I've also been incredibly warm throughout my pregnancy (and I have a feeling I'll be warm during my nursing journey), so this cooling bra immediately caught my attention. The stretchy, breathable fabric is made with cooling minerals and has moisture-wicking properties to help with milk and sweat. Although I haven't used it for nursing yet, I've worn it around the house and it's super comfortable.
Solma Ready-to-Drink Lactation Tea
Lactation teas have been around for a long time, but ready-to-drink lactation teas are new to the breastfeeding world. Since I'm expecting my baby in May, it'll be pretty warm out, so I won't necessarily want to drink a lot of hot tea — Solma's bottled chamomile, lemon, and rooibos teas are a great alternative (and they're so much more portable)! I'm looking forward to sipping these while I'm on-the-go, whether I'm in the car, out for a walk, or just spending time in my yard.
Lansinoh Breastfeeding Essentials
Although I felt pretty prepared for pregnancy (and I feel pretty prepared for having a baby), one thing I really didn't know much about was breastfeeding. There's a lot to learn when it comes to nursing, but I pretty quickly figured out that when it comes to breastfeeding, Lansinoh has all the essentials. This is the perfect starter kit, since it comes with nipple cream, a silicone breast pump, hot and cold therapy packs, and breast milk storage bags.
Earth Mama Organic Periodic Tea
$6.29
from
Earth Mama
I have been obsessed with Earth Mama teas throughout my pregnancy — the Heartburn Tea soothes uncomfortable heartburn, the Elderberry Immune Tea boosts immunity, and the Third Trimester Tea supports all the needs of late pregnancy — and they all taste absolutely delicious. I'm looking forward to trying out the Periodic Tea once my baby is here, because it's made with a blend of cinnamon and herbs that have been traditionally used for postpartum support.
Rael Organic Cotton Cover Disposable Period Underwear
If there's one thing I've heard from every mom I know, it's that the hospital disposable underwear is the number-one postpartum staple. Although there are a lot of postpartum pads out there, I know I'll feel a lot more comfortable in disposable underwear, so I stocked up on some extras from Rael, which provides 12-hour comfort and protection.
Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials
Frida Mom and Frida Baby products are some of the most popular right now among parents, and it's easy to see why. They're great at making pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and parenting essentials that don't break the bank. This postpartum recovery kit includes all the things I'll need for "down there" after I give birth: disposable postpartum underwear, instant ice maxi pads, witch hazel pad liners, perineal healing foam, and a caddy to keep everything handy.
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