Third-Trimester Checklist: What You Actually Need Before Bub Arrives
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 not only prepare for the birth but also to place just as much focus on preparing for the postpartum period. 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
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)
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:
- A supportive feeding pillow
- Nipple care products (like Silvers or balm)
- Milk savers to catch let-down
- A water bottle within reach for every feed
Paperwork & Practicalities
- Have your hospital bag packed (mum + bub + partner)
- Install and check your car seat
- Write down your birth preferences
- Sort Medicare/private health paperwork
Final Word
Preparing for 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
You can find more in-depth information to prepare for your postpartum period in our Postpartum Preparation Guide - created by Rikki-Lee, Cathy Shortt, Midwife & Lactation Consultant, owner of Milk & Mums Co. and us here at The Whole Bowl Co.
$29 for 12 months access - video modules and an in depth workbook on a wide range of topics to get you prepared for life after birth.
Rikki is the owner of The Doula Pod. She is an experienced postpartum & birth doula as well as birth & postpartum educator.