Tap any box to check it off. Your progress saves on this device.
Rest is productive. The first 40 days after birth are for healing, feeding, and getting to know your baby. Fill this in during your third trimester, share it with your people, and let them carry the rest.
Page 1. My postpartum village
Write down who is handling what. One person per job keeps it simple.
Page 2. Meal train
Favor warm, soft, nourishing foods: soups, stews, broths, and grains. Ask friends to drop off and keep visits short.
Page 3. Visitor boundaries
Copy and paste these into a text when people ask to visit.
- "We are so excited for you to meet the baby. We are resting for the first two weeks and will reach out when we are ready."
- "We would love a visit. Could you bring a meal and stay about 30 minutes?"
- "Thank you for thinking of us. Please wash your hands when you arrive, and stay home if you feel sick."
- "The best gift right now is a load of laundry or a walk with the dog while we nap."
Page 4. Feeding and diaper log
Track each feeding and diaper for the first two weeks. Bring this page to your postpartum visits.
Page 5. Rest and recovery tracker
Check off what you got to each day. Small things count.
- Water bottle refilled at least three times
- Ate three meals or snacks
- Rested or napped while baby slept
- A few minutes outside or by a window
- Shower or warm rinse
- A moment just for myself
- Bleeding is getting lighter, not heavier
- Checked in on my mood
Page 6. Mood check
Once a week, circle how you are feeling, from 1 (really struggling) to 5 (feeling like myself).
If you feel down most days for more than two weeks, or have any thoughts of harming yourself, call your midwife or call or text 988. In Houston, the 24/7 Crisis Line is 832-416-1177.
Free guide
Get the full guide, free
Tell us where to find you and the rest of the guide opens right here. You can print it or save it as a PDF.
We will never share your information. See our Privacy Policy.
This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Always talk with your midwife or health care provider about your situation. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.
Questions about your own care?
Catrice offers free consultations for Houston-area families planning a home birth or looking for prenatal and postpartum support.
Book a Free Consultation
