Hey parents-to-be, let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention—the postpartum lying-in plan. You’re gearing up to welcome your baby (or maybe you’re reading this with a newborn in your arms—either way, congrats!), and while there’s tons of advice about pregnancy and birth, having a solid postpartum lying-in plan is just as important.
You’ve spent months preparing for labor, but have you thought about what happens once you bring your tiny human home? Trust us—having a realistic, supportive postpartum plan is just as essential as packing your hospital bag. And no, this isn’t about “bouncing back” (seriously, who came up with that term anyway?). It’s about giving yourself grace, space, and permission to rest, recover, and bond with your baby.
Let’s break down what a postpartum lying-in plan actually is, why it’s a total game-changer, and how you can create one that works for you and your growing family.
What is a Postpartum Lying-In Plan?
Think of a postpartum lying-in plan as your fourth trimester survival guide—a way to set yourself up for a smoother, less stressful recovery after birth. In many cultures, new parents are encouraged to rest, stay home, and allow their bodies to heal while bonding with their baby. If you’re a first-time mom and want a deeper dive into preparing for postpartum, check out our guide: First-Time Moms: How to Prepare for Postpartum.
In simple terms, this plan helps you:
- Recover from birth (your body just did the equivalent of running a marathon—plus an obstacle course).
- Bond with your newborn without feeling pressured to “get back to normal.”
- Get the support you need so you’re not the one making dinner, cleaning, or entertaining guests.
- Reduce stress, postpartum complications, and burnout.
It’s basically the team game plan for those early days, making sure both you and your baby get what you need.
How Long Should Your Lying-In Period Last?
Traditionally, many cultures recommend a 40-day postpartum recovery period—but don’t let that number stress you out. The key here is to give yourself as much time as possible to rest, heal, and adjust to your new normal.
Here’s a rough timeline to guide you:
- Days 1-7: Full-on rest mode. Stay in bed, soak in baby snuggles, and let others take care of you.
- Days 8-14: Gradually introduce light movement, like stretching or short walks. But still—no major housework or errands!
- Weeks 3-6: Slowly ease back into life, but keep rest a priority.
- Beyond 6 weeks: Continue to listen to your body and ignore the pressure to be “back to normal.”
Bottom line? No rush, no pressure. Your body needs time to heal, and your focus should be on recovery, not productivity.
Creating Your Postpartum Lying-In Plan
Here’s how to build a postpartum plan that actually works for you and your partner.
1. Set Up Your Recovery Space
You’re going to be spending a lot of time in bed or on the couch, so make your space as comfy as possible:
- Cozy pillows and blankets
- A nightstand stocked with water, snacks, and baby essentials
- Dim lighting for those middle-of-the-night feeds
- A comfy chair for your partner or visitors (if you want them)
- A stack of postpartum personal care essentials: peri bottle, herbal spray for ‘down there’, nipple cream (moms rave about this organic one), and comfy postpartum pads or just get Depends.
Think of this as your postpartum nest—your little sanctuary where you can heal and soak up all the newborn goodness of your goddess self that just brought life into this world!
Not sure what postpartum essentials you’ll need? Check out our list of 7 Must-Have Postpartum Care Items for New Moms to make sure you’re fully stocked and ready for recovery.
2. Build Your Support Team
You don’t have to do this alone! Before the baby arrives, take time to set up a strong support system to help with daily tasks so you can focus on healing and bonding with your baby.
Consider a Postpartum Doula for Your Support Team
A postpartum doula can be a game-changer in those early weeks. They offer hands-on support with baby care, meal prep, emotional well-being, and even light household tasks.
Before baby arrives, make a list of who will help with what:
- Baby care – Who can hold the baby so you can shower or nap?
- Meal prep – Who’s bringing over food or setting up a meal train?
- Household help – Who’s handling laundry, dishes, and general tidying?
- Pet care – Who’s walking the dog or scooping the litter box?
- Errands and appointments – Who can drive you to doctor visits if needed?
Having a plan in place makes it easier for people to jump in and help—without you having to ask. Want to schedule a FREE Postpartum Doula Consult? Get STARTED HERE!
Dads, You Need Rest Too!
Parenthood is a team effort, and while moms are recovering, dads and partners are adjusting to new responsibilities too. It’s easy to slip into “superhero” mode, but remember—running on empty helps no one. Sleep deprivation, stress, and the pressure of managing it all can take a toll.
Make sure you’re also prioritizing rest and asking for help when needed. Whether it’s trading off nighttime duties, calling in reinforcements, or hiring a Postpartum Doula, taking care of yourself means you can show up even stronger for your partner and baby.
Postpartum isn’t just about moms—dads can experience emotional and physical exhaustion too. Learn more about how postpartum depression can affect fathers too
3. Plan for Nourishment
Your body just did something incredible, and it needs real, nutrient-dense food to heal. Stock up on:
- Warm, healing meals like soups, stews, and oatmeal
- Hydration support (herbal teas, coconut water, and lots of water)
- Healthy snacks you can grab with one hand (because the other will probably be holding a baby)
- Ask family and friends to bring over meals or even send gift cards for Door Dash and UberEats.
Pro tip: Batch cook and freeze meals ahead of time or arrange for meal deliveries. Because trust us—you will not feel like cooking.
Looking for a delicious way to support your milk supply? Try these 8 Pumpkin-Spice Recipes to Increase Lactation for a seasonal and tasty boost!
4. Set Boundaries with Visitors
It’s okay to say no to visitors, or at least set some ground rules:
- Short visits only
- You decide who and when you feel ready. Don’t fall into guilt or obligation!
- Scheduled visits instead of surprise drop-ins
- No sick visitors (because newborn immune systems are delicate)
- Invite people over that will help and not just hold the baby
Your priority is rest and bonding—not entertaining guests. Our doula tip…is where pajamas! People will realize that you are in the resting and healing phase and not stay as long.
Not all visitors bring positive energy, and sometimes setting boundaries can be tricky. If you’re dealing with overbearing family members or unsolicited advice, check out How to Handle Toxic Family, Baby Visitors & Unsolicited Advice in Your Postpartum for tips on protecting your peace.
5. Choose a Postpartum Mantra
Sometimes, you need a reminder that resting is your #1 job. Pick a mantra to repeat when you start feeling like you should “do more”:
- “I will stay in bed and remember my #1 job is to rest, heal, and bond.”
- “I will lift nothing heavier than my baby.”
- “I will limit visitors—everyone will meet baby in time, but I’ll never get this moment back.”
Write your mantra on a sticky note and place it where you’ll see it often—on your nightstand, bathroom mirror, or even your phone’s lock screen.
6. Ease Back into Life Slowly
As Postpartum doulas we often see when moms are too active, climbing the stairs too much or doing too much housework, they start to bleed more. The 6 weeks after birth is about healing the paper plate sized wound in your uterus. And too much activity (even beautiful walks at the Vancouver Farmers market) can set you back in healing.
Once you start feeling better, don’t rush into full-on mom mode. Instead:
- Take short, slow walks outside
- Do light housework if you feel up to it (but still delegate when possible!)
- Schedule postpartum self-care (massages, baths, or even just a solo Target run)
- Continue prioritizing baby snuggles and recovery
Bonus: We’ve got you covered with a free Postpartum Lying-In Cheat Sheet! This easy-to-follow guide will help you stay on track with your rest, recovery, and support system during the fourth trimester.
Download your Postpartum Lying-In Cheat Sheet here!
Final Thoughts
Parents-to-be, your postpartum lying-in plan isn’t about being “extra”—it’s about giving yourself the space to heal, bond, and adjust to this beautiful (and sometimes messy) new chapter. You deserve rest, support, and care just as much as your baby does. Remember that as humans, our babies are born in a needy state for milk and connection. This fourth trimester is about creating a bond and healing as your transition into your new role.
So, take it slow. Let others help. And most importantly, enjoy this sacred time together.
Want to have Postpartum Doula Support in your Fourth Trimester? Schedule a FREE Doula Consult here!