by Rikki-Lee, director of The Doula Pod

The third trimester can be such a rollercoaster of emotions. Excited, nervous, overwhelmed and often the lingering question of  “am I prepared?”

As a postpartum doula, I encourage families to prepare not just for the birth, but also for postpartum life, especially when it comes to feeding. Whether you plan to breastfeed or bottle feed, having the right knowledge and tools ready can make those first weeks far less stressful. 

While we can’t control every aspect of what’s to come, there are plenty of things we can put in place to make the transition smoother.

Here’s a simple, practical checklist for your third trimester:

Baby Essentials

Keep it simple! Babies need far less than the marketing world suggests.

• Safe sleep space (bassinet or cot, firm mattress, fitted sheets)
• Pram or carrier
• Nappies and wipes
• A handful of onesies, singlets, socks and wraps (they grow fast!)
• Terry towelling cloths for spills and spit-ups – these are my fave

Feeding Preparation

Breastfeeding may be natural, but it’s not always instinctive. Education and preparation make a huge difference and something I encourage EVERY family to consider.

Attend a breastfeeding class or watch reputable online content

• Know your local breastfeeding support services
• Consider helpful tools to ease the journey:
• A supportive feeding pillow
• Nipple care products to keep you comfortable (like Silvers)
• Milk savers (catchers) to catch let-down
• A water bottle within reach for every feed (hydration is key!)

Having these ready before bub arrives means you can focus on bonding, not scrambling for supplies.

Food Prep

One of the most overlooked areas of preparation is food. In those first weeks, nourishing meals make all the difference. I like my clients to be resting as much as possible so food preparation means more opportunities to rest in postpartum

• Batch cook and freeze a few family favourites
• Organise a meal train with friends or family
• Explore a trusted nutritious meal delivery service
  

Who Is Your Support Village

Who will support you when you’re tired, recovering and learning your new role as a parent?

• Make a list of your “go-to” people (partner, family, friends, postpartum doula)
• Decide who can help with meals, cleaning, or holding the baby while you shower
• Save important numbers in your phone (GP, lactation consultant, doula, helplines)

Paperwork & Practicalities

• Have your hospital bag packed (mum + bub + partner)
• Install and check your car seat
• Know and write down your birth preferences

Final Word

Preparing for your baby doesn’t have to mean buying endless gadgets. It’s about covering the basics, setting up your home for ease and lining up support for the weeks ahead.

Remember, babies need love, warmth, milk, a safe place to sleep and a family who feels prepared and rested. 

The rest is extra.

xx Rikki