Preparing for Postpartum: Tips for Partners and Families

Kayden Lindeman
Jul 15
3 min read

Supporting a New Parent with Confidence, Compassion, and Intention

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s biggest transitions—not just for the birthing person, but for their partner and the entire family. While much of the focus often lands on birth preparation and baby gear checklists, the postpartum period deserves just as much attention. It’s a season of recovery, adjustment, and deep emotional shifts. And for partners and loved ones, it’s a chance to show up in a truly transformative way.

Here’s how partners and family members can intentionally prepare to support a new parent through postpartum.

1. Understand What Postpartum Really Looks Like

Postpartum isn’t just a few weeks of healing after birth—it’s a gradual recovery process that can take months. The birthing person may experience physical discomfort, hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and emotional ups and downs. Understanding this ahead of time can help you meet their needs with more patience and empathy.

It’s also helpful to read up on:

Postpartum mood disorders (like baby blues, postpartum anxiety, and depression)
Normal newborn behaviors, such as cluster feeding and wakeful nights
The importance of rest and nourishment for both parent and baby

2. Create a Postpartum Plan (Not Just a Birth Plan)

While birth plans get a lot of attention, a postpartum plan can be just as important. This can include:

Who will handle household chores and meals
Who will care for older children or pets
How visitors will be managed
What signs to watch for in terms of mental health support
Whether you’ll hire a postpartum doula or other support professional

Having a plan takes the pressure off during those early foggy days and gives everyone clarity about their role.

3. Be the Gatekeeper and Advocate

One of the most valuable things you can do as a partner or close family member is to protect the birthing person’s space. This might mean saying “no” to unexpected visitors, limiting social obligations, or helping them navigate well-meaning but overwhelming advice.

Your job is to help create a calm, supportive environment where they can rest, heal, and bond with the baby.

4. Learn Basic Newborn and Recovery Care

Knowing how to change a diaper or swaddle a baby is helpful—but so is knowing how to support a recovering parent. Ask your doula, midwife, or lactation counselor how you can:

Help with breastfeeding/chestfeeding support
Encourage hydration and regular meals
Spot signs of clogged ducts, infections, or mood changes
Assist with baby wearing, bottle prep, or sleep routines

You don’t have to be perfect—just informed and willing to learn.

5. Offer Help Without Waiting to Be Asked

In the postpartum haze, it’s hard for a new parent to articulate what they need. Instead of saying “Let me know if you need anything,” offer specific help:

“I’m bringing dinner Tuesday—do you prefer chicken or salmon?”
“I’m coming over to do laundry and clean the kitchen. Is 2 p.m. okay?”
“I’ll take the baby for a walk after their next feeding so you can nap.”

Initiative, consistency, and follow-through go a long way.

6. Care for Yourself, Too

Partners and loved ones need support, too. The postpartum period can bring up feelings of helplessness, stress, and exhaustion for everyone in the household. Make time to check in with yourself and one another. Reach out to your community or professionals if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Caring for yourself helps you show up stronger for your growing family.

7. Hire Support if Possible

Postpartum doulas (like me!) offer nonjudgmental, hands-on support with newborn care, feeding, rest, emotional processing, and more. Even a few visits can make a huge difference in easing the transition. Lactation counselors can help establish feeding rhythms and troubleshoot issues early, while meal delivery services or house cleaning can take a big load off everyone.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for postpartum is one of the most loving things you can do for a new parent. With intention, planning, and teamwork, this season can be one of deep connection and growth. As a doula, I’ve seen the difference it makes when families feel supported—when they have a plan, a village, and a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

If you’re expecting a baby or supporting someone who is, I’d love to connect with you about how postpartum doula services can ease the journey.

Need help building your postpartum plan or want to learn more about in-home or virtual support? Contact me here to schedule a free consultation.