Having a baby is one of the most incredible experiences you will ever have. Carrying a precious life, giving birth, and meeting your son or daughter for the first time is truly a gift from Jesus. Caring for your baby is one of the greatest privileges and best jobs in the world.

And.

The postpartum season can be really hard.

Especially with your first.

Having a baby changes everything. You, your spouse, your marriage, and life itself is never the same. It can be difficult to navigate these changes. You wonder if you’re doing it right, if life will ever feel normal again…if you will ever feel normal again.

I don’t think there’s any way to dodge the difficulty. However, as I look back on my first postpartum season, knowing what I know now, I think there are ways it could have been more peaceful. There are mindsets I wish I had adopted, truths to which I’m glad I could cling, and essential items I know I appreciated.

Today, I want to share how to have a more peaceful and prepared postpartum. If these tips can help you have even a little more preparation and a little less anxiety during this time, I’ll be glad.

So let’s dive in.

21 Tips for Your Postpartum Season

1. Rest.

You’ve just gone through a MAJOR change. Your body has undergone a miraculous and difficult experience. Give it time to rest.

2. Keep that baby nursing.

The best thing for your baby is to be close to you, and the best way to encourage your milk supply is to keep him on the boob.

3. Believe in your body’s ability to care for your baby.

Trust that God made your body to care for your little one. He made you his Mama. You have what your baby needs.

4. Don’t ask for everyone’s advice.

As a first-time-mom, it can be tempting to ask everyone for their advice. But this can be overwhelming. Get advice from wise people, and then let the rest go.

5. Let others care for you.

This is a short season. You don’t need to do it all. Let others care for you.

6. Remember the big picture.

Beware getting hyper focused on the here and now. Remember that this season – and whatever struggles you’re facing in it – won’t last forever. Zoom out. Remember the big picture. God has blessed you and your husband with a child! What a gift!

7. Stay connected to your spouse.

Remember that you’re a team. Days and nights may seem like a fight, but you are on the same side. Though it’s really hard when you’re sleep deprived and unsure, pray for God’s help. You are figuring this parenting thing out together, and you love each other and your baby with everything in you. Stay connected.

8. Get outside.

No matter if it’s hot summer or cold winter, get outside, even for a few minutes. Put on hats or bundle up if necessary. Getting fresh air will clear your head, refresh your perspective, and be good for you and your baby.

9. Don’t worry about sleep training.

Babies’ sleep is unpredictable. There may come a day when you want to do some sleep training, but for right now, don’t worry about it. It will all work out.

10. Focus on protein.

Your body is being pushed a lot right now. Lack of sleep and nursing around the clock is draining. Make sure to nourish your body. Focus on protein, things that will keep you full and not give you a sugar crash in an hour.

11. Drink LOTS of water.

In the first few days or weeks of nursing, you will NEED lots of water. Trust me.

12. Be open about how you’re feeling.

If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, confide in a trustworthy person about it. Have someone who’s watching out for you, and get the support you need, whether that be a doctor, a counselor, or a godly friend.

13. Say no.

Have boundaries. If you’re not up for visitors, say so. If you need to rest, do it. Don’t stretch yourself so thin that you can’t show up for your baby and family. That needs to be priority.

14. Sleep when you can.

You will be tired in this season. You won’t sleep as much, so take advantage of it when you can. Perhaps nap when your baby does, or learn to nurse laying down. Ask someone to hold the baby for twenty minutes while you take a rest. However you can, prioritize sleep.

15. Don’t believe everything you’re feeling and thinking.

Remember that your emotions are valid but not necessarily true. Remember that your thoughts aren’t always trustworthy. When we’re tired and overwhelmed, we don’t always think clearly. Remember that, and don’t just trust everything you’re feeling. Go to God’s Word. Bounce things off your husband, and ask God for wisdom in every step.

16. Look to God for help.

Psalm 121:1-2 says, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

When you feel exhausted or worried or overwhelmed, remember where your help comes from. Go to him. Tell him everything, and ask Him to guide you.

17. Do something luxurious.

Refresh yourself in some small way. Perhaps it’s a sweet-smelling soap or lotion that you put on every day. Maybe it’s a beautiful new bathrobe that you wear after showering. Find something small that makes you feel revived and lovely. Because you are.

18. Use a baby wrap.

I love baby wraps. Baby can be snug, and Mom can get something done.

19. Have food prepped (or get a meal train).

Having food premade is such a blessing after you have a baby!

20. Listen to the Bible.

Listen to Scripture while you nurse! This is a great way to get the Word in when you’re newly postpartum.

21. Use a peri bottle (and other essentials).

Unless your hospital provides them, make sure to have all these essentials ready for your postpartum season.

God sees you and loves you, Mama. Now go take a nap!