When we talk about preparing for birth, most conversations focus on labor positions, birth plans, and hospital bags. But what happens after birth often gets overlooked—despite the fact that postpartum lasts far longer than labor itself.
In this episode of The MamasteFit Podcast, Roxanne shares exactly how she’s preparing for postpartum this time around—and how her previous postpartum experiences have shaped her preparation. From hemorrhage recovery to pelvic floor support, breastfeeding challenges, mental health, and realistic expectations, this is a raw, honest look at what postpartum preparation really looks like.
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Why Postpartum Preparation Matters
Postpartum can be physically, mentally, and emotionally intense. Roxanne’s past experiences have ranged from extremely difficult to incredibly smooth—and each one has influenced how she’s approaching this postpartum differently.
Her first postpartum came with minimal preparation and major challenges, including breastfeeding difficulties due to a tongue tie and a prolapse likely exacerbated by doing too much too soon (yes, including going TV shopping three days postpartum—0/10, do not recommend).
Her second postpartum was emotionally taxing, marked by isolation in a new city, limited support, and a colicky baby.
Her most recent postpartum, however, felt almost ideal—except for a significant postpartum hemorrhage that left her severely depleted for months.
That hemorrhage, in particular, became a major turning point in how Roxanne thinks about postpartum recovery.
Nutrition & Iron: Preparing the Body Before Birth
One of the biggest changes Roxanne has made during this pregnancy is intentional iron support.
After experiencing anemia and a postpartum hemorrhage previously, she’s focused on:
Iron supplementation (at an appropriate dose)
Regular lab work to monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit
Craving—and honoring—iron-rich foods like red meat, steak, and seaweed
The result? Her iron levels this pregnancy are excellent—setting her up for better energy, healing, and resilience postpartum.
“It took me a month to shower without feeling like I needed help. I don’t want that again.”
This time, the goal is simple: avoid a hemorrhage if possible, and support recovery if it happens again.
Pelvic Floor Prep: Prolapse, Pressure, and Support
Roxanne lives with a prolapse and significant pelvic pressure postpartum. Rather than hoping it won’t happen again, she’s planning ahead with:
Pelvic floor physical therapy already lined up
Support garments (Love Steady bloomers) to reduce pressure during early movement
Awareness that symptoms may not just be prolapse, but potentially vaginal varicosities, which she plans to explore postpartum with her care team
This honest approach highlights an important truth: postpartum recovery isn’t always linear, and symptoms can have multiple causes. Support—not denial—is key.
Postpartum Care Essentials: What She Has Ready
Roxanne has fully stocked her postpartum care station so she doesn’t have to wait days for relief. Her setup includes:
Perineal & Vulvar Care
Disposable underwear / diapers
Perineal sprays (herbal + Earth Mama)
Tucks pads for hemorrhoid support
Sitz bath basin + herbal sitz bath supplies
Peri bottles (multiple—including one for herbal infusions)
Suppositories, stool softeners, magnesium
Bidet (a game changer for postpartum hygiene)
Being prepared means relief is available immediately, not two days later via Amazon.
Breastfeeding Prep: Learning From Experience
Breastfeeding has been challenging in the past, especially with tongue ties and nipple damage. This time, Roxanne is preparing in advance:
Lining up lactation support and a dentist familiar with tongue tie releases
Silverettes for nipple healing
Coconut oil for nipple care
Nursing pads and milk collectors for heavy leaking
A plan to introduce a bottle earlier than with previous babies
Awareness of oversupply risks and avoiding unnecessary pumping
Having navigated multiple breastfeeding journeys, Roxanne emphasizes that preparation doesn’t guarantee ease—but it can reduce stress when challenges arise.
Mental Health Support: Planning Beyond the First Month
Roxanne is deeply aware that postpartum mental health challenges often appear after support fades, not during the first few weeks.
Her mental health plan includes:
Ongoing therapy, with flexibility to increase frequency
Medication check-ins if needed
Awareness of postpartum mood disorders beyond just depression, including anxiety and OCD
Recognizing that hemorrhage and physical depletion can significantly impact mental health
“The normal amount of anxiety is none—but many of us don’t experience that.”
Support doesn’t end at six weeks—and neither should mental health care.
Rest, Recovery & Gentle Movement
Rather than rushing back to activity, Roxanne is prioritizing:
Rest
Nourishing food
Low-stimulation activities (coloring, reading, TV)
Gentle movement using MamasteFit’s Early Postpartum Recovery Program
She’s realistic about expectations—no puzzles, no intense hobbies, no pressure to “bounce back.”
“It’s okay to just chill for a month.”
And that includes honoring tissue healing timelines before returning to higher-impact exercise.
The Role of Support
One important note: Roxanne acknowledges that her experience includes significant partner support, family support and maternity leave—privileges not everyone has. That reality shapes postpartum recovery, and it’s important to acknowledge disparities in support when discussing “ideal” recovery.
Final Thoughts: Preparing for Postpartum Is an Act of Care
Postpartum preparation isn’t about controlling outcomes—it’s about supporting yourself through whatever unfolds.
Roxanne’s approach this time around is grounded, honest, and compassionate:
Prepare nutritionally
Line up support early
Stock postpartum care supplies
Plan for mental health
Rest without guilt
Move gently, when ready
Postpartum lasts far longer than birth—and preparing for it is one of the most powerful ways to care for yourself.
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