Building Your Postpartum Nest: 7 Practical Steps for Planning a Comfortable Fourth Trimester
During our preparation sessions, I talk with clients about building their ‘nest’—sometimes I call it a cocoon or bubble. It’s a hands-on part of postpartum planning, but there’s an emotional layer too. To create a space where you can truly rest and enjoy your fourth trimester, you need to connect with what brings you peace and joy. What colours, textures, sounds, and sensations soothe your nervous system?
“Without some conscious effort, it is easy to get caught up in things like painting walls or hunting for the ‘perfect’ stroller. ”
Building your nest includes anything from making the bed with your favourite sheets to setting clear boundaries with loved ones about visits. When you shape your environment around the pillars of postpartum care, you channel your nesting energy into something that genuinely supports your recovery—instead of spending up big on baby gear you might not need.
This post walks you through 7 simple steps to build your postpartum nest. Prefer personalised support instead? Get in touch—preparation is a key part of the work I do with clients.
Step 1: Get Support When Building Your Nest
Although this article is designed to give you tools to begin this process on your own, I cannot stress enough how invaluable it is to have help in this area. If you haven’t already considered hiring a support person—such as a postpartum doula or even a counselor who knows your priorities, likes, dislikes, and potential triggers—this is the time to think about it. Ask your family about what might be in the budget for postpartum preparation, including the possibility of hiring a doula to help build your nest.
“Truly worth every penny, save your money on the Snoo and book in with Jasmine.”
2. Check Your Expectations
If you’re a first-time mother, your vision of the perfect postpartum space has probably been shaped by Instagram, baby books, ads, and those dreamy newborn photo shoots. Take a moment to picture it—then ask yourself honestly: where does that image come from? Is it grounded in evidence-based infant care, or stitched together from marketing and curated posts?
For most of us, it’s the latter—and there’s no shame in that. I’ve been there too. I remember posing for a photo in my first baby’s picture-perfect nursery, so pregnant, and feeling so proud. But the truth is, your baby will spend most of their early weeks with you, not in a separate room. This step is about loosening your grip on the fantasy so you can create something more useful: a space that holds you.
3. Set Up Your Sleep Space
Ideally, you’ll spend the first week or two postpartum in bed—so make it a space you actually want to be in. Rearrange furniture to make getting in and out of bed easy. Ensure there’s room for a bassinet or sidecar cot right up against your bed. Keep essentials within arm’s reach using a shelf or bedside table: a water bottle, snacks, and a soft night light bright enough for nappy changes but gentle on sleepy eyes. A tray for meals in bed. A charger within reach. Don’t wait until baby arrives—get it sorted now, while you’ve got the headspace.
4. Layer in Comfort
Once the basics are in place, add the details that make the space feel like yours. Your nest is your sanctuary— What makes your nervous system settle? A certain scent sprayed on the pillow? A soft throw in your favourite colours? These touches might seem small, but they can have a big impact on your mood and recovery.
5. Consider Your Emotional Boundaries
Your nest isn’t just physical—it’s emotional too. Protecting your space means being clear about your needs. Talk with your partner, family, and friends ahead of time. Whether you’re open to short visits or want total privacy, set those expectations early.
Tip: Create a simple visitation plan. Maybe it’s set visiting hours, or letting people know you’ll send updates via text, having a plan takes the pressure off making last-minute decisions when you’re tired and emotionally vulnerable.
6. Welcome Support
Even the most thoughtfully built nest won’t hold if you’re carrying everything alone. Let trusted people help—whether that’s with meals, laundry, or simply holding space for you. Support doesn’t mean an open-door policy or endless visitors. I’m a firm believer that you can welcome the village and stay cocooned in your newborn bubble. The two can coexist beautifully.
The key is clear communication. Share your expectations early. Educate your partner and inner circle about what true postpartum care looks like—or let your doula do that for you. When everyone’s on the same page, support feels nourishing, not intrusive.
And finally…
7. Gather Supplies
You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy nursery, but there are some practical items that can make your postpartum nest feel truly supportive. From bedside water bottles to a stocked freezer, these details matter.
In fact, I’ve written a whole separate blog post on the essentials that actually matter—including the things I’m glad I had, the ones I wish I’d splurged on, and the budget-friendly hacks that saved my sanity. You can read that here.
Final Thoughts
Your postpartum nest isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. It’s a space to soften into the changes, to let yourself be mothered a little as you learn to mother your baby. When you channel your nesting urges into creating a space that truly supports your rest, healing, and joy, you’re giving yourself the best possible start to this tender season.
If you’d like personal support building your own postpartum nest, I offer in-home and virtual sessions to help you get set up. We can walk through your space together and create a plan that reflects your needs, values, and vision.
