Prioritizing Your Mental Health in Postpartum: A Guide to Confidence and Calm
The postpartum period, or the "fourth trimester," is a transformative and often challenging time. As a mom of three, I’ve been there—juggling sleepless nights, shifting emotions, and the high expectations we place on ourselves as new moms. Whether it’s your first or third baby, preparing for postpartum in a way that supports your mental and emotional health is key to not just surviving but thriving during this season.
If you’re an ambitious mom like many of the women I work with, the idea of "slowing down" during postpartum might feel foreign. But the truth is, the postpartum period is not about doing it all—it’s about embracing flexibility, rest, and giving yourself grace.
In this post, I’ll share some practical ways you can prepare for postpartum with confidence and a calm mindset.
1. Embrace the Messy and Unpredictable
As moms, especially those of us who tend to be high-achievers, we might be tempted to plan for every detail. But one of the most important things I’ve learned is that postpartum is inherently messy and unpredictable—and that’s okay.
Rather than setting rigid expectations for how you should "bounce back" physically or emotionally, focus on flexibility. Give yourself permission to let go of perfection and instead, embrace the present moment, however chaotic it may feel.
2. Prioritize Rest Over Productivity
It’s easy to get caught up in the notion that we must be constantly productive, but postpartum is the perfect time to redefine what productivity means. Resting during this period isn’t lazy or unproductive—it’s essential for your healing, both physically and mentally.
Allow yourself to rest without guilt. The more you recharge, the better you’ll be able to show up for your baby and family. Create a plan with your partner or support system to ensure you’re getting adequate sleep and downtime, even if it means asking for help with household tasks or baby care.
3. Build a Village of Support
You’ve probably heard the phrase, "It takes a village," and nowhere is that more true than in the postpartum period. Having a solid support system can make all the difference in how you experience the early weeks with your newborn.
Take some time before the baby arrives to plan for support. Ask yourself:
Who will help with meals, laundry, or taking care of other children?
Do you have friends or family members who can watch the baby so you can nap or shower?
Are there professionals you can turn to, such as postpartum doulas, lactation consultants, or a therapist?
Communicating your needs ahead of time will make it easier to ask for help when you need it.
4. Prepare for Your Emotional Health
While we often focus on the physical recovery after birth, your emotional well-being is just as important. Postpartum can bring a whirlwind of emotions, from joy and love to overwhelm and anxiety. It’s important to know what’s normal and when you might need extra support.
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), including postpartum anxiety and depression, affect 1 in 7 moms. Recognizing the signs early and having a plan in place can be empowering. If you find yourself struggling with feelings of sadness, worry, or guilt that don’t seem to go away, it’s okay to ask for help.
I’ve created a free Thriving in Postpartum guide for ambitious moms that includes actionable tips on how to navigate these emotions and create a postpartum plan that prioritizes your mental health. You can grab it here to start preparing for this transition.
5. Let Go of the Pressure to Do It All
High-achieving moms often feel an intense pressure to do it all perfectly—to have a spotless house, a well-fed baby, and look put together at all times. But striving for this unattainable ideal can lead to burnout and resentment.
Instead, remind yourself that you’re enough as you are. You don’t have to "do it all" to be a great mom. Focus on the things that matter most, like bonding with your baby and taking care of yourself, and let the rest go.
Ready to Take Action?
Preparing for a confident postpartum journey doesn’t mean everything will go perfectly—it means giving yourself the tools and mindset to navigate the ups and downs with grace. By embracing rest, seeking support, and prioritizing your mental health, you’ll create a postpartum experience that allows you to thrive.
For more tips and a deeper dive into how to set yourself up for success, download my free Thriving in Postpartum guide, where I walk you through how to create a plan that works for you and your unique journey. You deserve to feel confident and calm as you step into this next chapter of motherhood.
