Creating a Postpartum Care Package for Yourself

Postpartum is a raw, beautiful stretch—a time when you’re meeting your baby, yourself, and your family in new ways. As a doula who supports families through birth, postpartum, sibling transitions, and abortion care, I’ve seen how those early days can feel like a whirlwind, leaving little room for you. A postpartum care package is a quiet gift to yourself—a stash of comfort to ease the ride. Let’s explore how to build one that’s yours—simple, thoughtful, and ready to hold you through it all.

Understanding the Need for Postpartum Care

For new parents, postpartum isn’t just recovery—it’s a rebirth of sorts, messy and real. A care package isn’t about extravagance; it’s about tending to yourself when the world feels upside down. As a doula, I’m not here to guide your physical healing (that’s for your healthcare team!), but I can share what I’ve seen: a little prep can wrap you in kindness when you need it most.

A Personal Hug: Birth takes a lot—energy, emotion, everything. A package stocked with your favorites can feel like a lifeline. I’ve watched parents sigh with relief over a cozy sock or a sweet snack.

A Family Lift: It’s not just you—siblings and partners feel the shift too. One family I supported added a “big sib” treat to the mix—small joys that ripple out.

A Gentle Hold: For those I’ve walked with as an abortion doula, postpartum takes a different shape—still, a care package can soothe, honoring your body’s story.

Building Your Postpartum Care Package

This isn’t a rulebook—it’s a canvas for what feels good to you. Here are some ideas I’ve seen families love, open for your own spin.

Comfort Basics: Tuck in the soft stuff—big pads or comfy undies, a warm wrap, maybe a plush towel. One mom I supported swore by a giant scarf she’d worn in labor—her postpartum armor.

Fuel on Hand: Stock easy eats—nuts, dried fruit, granola bars, or your go-to chocolate. Keep it simple; you won’t want to cook. I’ve seen parents grin when they pull out a treat they forgot they packed.

Soothing Touches: Add a balm for dry lips, a scented lotion, or a heat pack for aches. Nothing fancy—just gentle. A family I worked with included a lavender sachet—small but mighty.

Family Bits: Toss in something for the crew—a sibling coloring book, a partner’s favorite tea. One dad I supported loved his coffee stash—it kept him in the game.

Memory Spark: Slip in a journal, a pen, a tiny photo frame. Jot a note or save a moment when you can. I’ve seen parents treasure a scribbled “I did it” from day one.

Care as a Piece of Your Journey

This package isn’t just stuff—it’s a promise. For postpartum, it’s a soft landing—easing those bleary days with a touch of you. For birth, it’s a bridge—carrying your strength forward. For siblings, it’s a tether—one little girl I know raided her mom’s package for a “special snack,” giggling as she shared. And for those I’ve supported through abortion care, it’s a balm—a quiet way to cradle what’s been, no rush or fuss.

It’s your care, packed with love.

Creating a postpartum care package is a joy—a chance to tend to yourself, step by step, in a season that asks so much. As a doula, I’m here to cheer you on as you fill it, whether it’s a solo comfort or a family nod. This journey is yours, and with this little stash, you’re weaving a space of love, strength, and ease—ready for whatever’s next.