Toolkit Items
Navigating postpartum recovery and transitioning to new parenthood. We have created a checklist and guidance for new mothers to create their own postpartum plans.
During labor and delivery, mothers typically have their plans in place to address what they need to feel safe and supported during childbirth. Once the baby is born, however, the mother and family is often not prepared for the postpartum experience.
The Council on Patient Safety in Women’s Health Care and ACOG recommend that women, with their health care providers, create a postpartum care plan. It is important to encourage expecting parents to think about their postpartum plans, including an outline for emergency contacts and information about caring for their physical, emotional, and mental recovery.
ACOG issued guidance on optimizing postpartum care, access here. Having these conversations about what to expect postpartum and supporting new parents with postpartum planning can help allieviate some stress post-delivery.
Below, you can view the postpartum plan template, along with an overview for ideas to introduce and use the tool in practice.
