Why do we have Birth Plans, but not Postpartum plans?

How many videos have you come across scrolling social media, laying out each woman’s Birth Plans, or even what she’s packing in her Hospital Bag? So much planning goes into bringing a baby into the world, but we often forget the planning needed to usher a mother into motherhood.

Around the world, cultures outside of the United States hold postpartum mothers with such delicacy. Common rituals include The First 40 Days of a mother soaking in as much physical rest as possible, and being cared for by the community surrounding her. Many of these cultures don’t allow women to strain their bodies, focus their attention on nourishing the mother, and seclude her from society. At the same time, she recovers from her body’s largest transition of its life.

Unfortunately, in our culture, because of the financial burden of birth & life, and the added pressure to return to work and everyday life as soon as possible, postpartum healing for moms gets drowned out by adjusting to life as a new family, and ‘bouncing back’ to normal as soon as possible.

I am encouraged to see that the conversation has begun to shift towards true healing periods for mothers. Perhaps you’ve even heard of Western Cultures’ newly adopted system, the 5-5-5 rule - meaning a new mother spends 5 days in bed, 5 days on bed, and 5 days around the bed as a way of ‘taking it easy’ after birth. But in reality, 15 days is not enough to heal the dinner-plate-sized wound a new mother carries in her uterus, let alone the emotional and mental toll pregnancy and birth take on a woman.

What would it look like if we as a society planned for postpartum, like we do for birth?

Birth plans have become so common in our society that we could all easily list out what we want for our birth - medical intervention, or all natural, vaginal or cesarean, we might even have a playlist ready for birth.

But what comes to mind when I mention a postpartum plan?

Let’s talk through some of the major questions you should be asking yourself to plan for a truly restful and healing postpartum experience.

1. Household Automation

Postpartum isn’t the time to run errands or manage logistics. Ask yourself:

• What can be put on autoship — paper towels, toiletries, diapers, pantry staples?

• How can I simplify grocery shopping — gift cards, free pickup, or having someone else grab the order?

Small systems you set up now remove dozens of decisions later.

2. House & Family Care

Your home becomes your entire world postpartum — which means support matters.

• What will visitation look like? Who can visit, when, and under what boundaries?

• What tasks can you delegate to family or friends instead of trying to carry everything yourself?

• If you have older children or pets, who will help care for them so your energy can go toward healing and bonding?

The more you secure ahead of time, the more protected your peace will be.

3. Rest & Healing

Postpartum rest isn’t indulgent — it’s medicine.

• How will you and your partner divide sleep so you both stay healthy?

• What matters to you in physical recovery — pelvic floor therapy, bodywork, supportive tools?

• Do you have mental health resources identified if you need them?

Your healing deserves planning just as much as your birth.

4. Caring for Baby

The early days with a newborn bring joy, intensity, and a thousand tiny unknowns.

• What feeding method are you hoping for — and what’s your backup plan if you need one?

• Do you know where to access lactation support or newborn guidance?

• Who can step in to give you and your partner breaks, whether family, a doula, or an infant care specialist?

Support isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline.

5. Getting Back Into the World

You’ll eventually step out of the newborn bubble — slowly, achingly, beautifully.

• How long do you want to stay cocooned at home?

• Where will you find community once you’re ready — mom groups, walks, therapy circles, local meetups?

Postpartum isn’t just recovery, it’s re-entry.

Planning for postpartum doesn’t mean controlling it. It means creating a softer landing for one of the most transformative seasons of your life. The more support you put in place now, the more you can rest, bond, and actually heal.

If you want to go deeper and build a customized plan for your home, your healing, and your family, or if you’re local to the Wilmington area and are looking for hands-on support, you can view our postpartum services here.

Because birth is one day…
but postpartum is a season.