The third trimester arrives and you are in the final stretch (literally)! You feel like you are about to burst and everything is getting uncomfortable. You have to pee every 30 minutes, you can’t get comfortable lying on your side or back and your feet hurt. But, especially if this is your first child, you still have time to prepare for postpartum healing. As with any goal, the key is a plan or else we default to what’s easy. But planning and postpartum don’t have to be hard. Just set yourself up in advance.

What can you do to prepare? 

  1. Set your expectation. The first step is to acknowledge that your health is important too and needs to be made a priority. No more guilt surrounding what you need to heal.
  2. Stock up on the essentials. Your vaginal canal and perineum are going to need some TLC after childbirth. Plan for icing, rest, and minimal exertion to allow for healing. You’ll want some perineal cream and compression underwear. For more of my favorite products, check out my post-partum toolkit.
  3. You’re going to need a place to vent. Set a regular zoom call with your bestie, your sibling or your mom so that you can vent, laugh or cry. It’s all good.
  4. Tend to your mental health. Begin a meditation or intentional breathing routine. This allows the nervous system to unwind and keep cortisol levels down.  Check out apps like Calm or Insight Timer, my 2 favorites or get a good ole-fashioned book, ‘8-Minute Meditation’.

Prep for postpartum with my free guide- What to Expect (for Postpartum) When Expecting. The guide will help you know what’s to be expected, when you can get back to activity, and how to gain back control after childbirth!

Download the guide!

In health,
Jenn Lane, Physical Therapist and Pelvic Floor Specialist