Postpartum Permission Slips: Give Yourself the Grace You Deserve

Consider this your official permission slip collection for the postpartum period. Print these out, post them on your mirror, or simply keep them in your heart. You have permission to do what's best for you and your baby, no questions asked.

Your Postpartum Permission Slips

Permission to Heal at Your Own Pace Every body and every birth is different. Your healing journey is yours alone, and it deserves to unfold at whatever pace feels right for you. Fast or slow, there is no wrong way to heal.

Permission to Change the Plan Completely That birth plan, feeding plan, or sleep schedule you carefully crafted? You have full permission to throw it out the window if it's not serving you. Plans are guidelines, not contracts.

Permission to Skip Anything That Doesn't Serve You Whether it's a baby class that feels overwhelming or a tradition that adds stress – you have permission to opt out. Focus your limited energy on what truly matters to you and your baby.

Permission to Ask for More Help Than You Think You Need Then ask for even more. You're not being needy – you're being smart. Building a support network is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your baby.

Permission to Spend Money on Convenience If it makes your life easier right now, it's worth considering. Whether it's grocery delivery, a postpartum doula, or paper plates – you have permission to invest in solutions that help you cope.

Permission to Focus on Basics Only Feed baby, feed yourself, rest when possible. Everything else is extra credit right now. You have permission to let all other expectations go.

Permission to Say "That Doesn't Work for Me" Your boundaries matter. Whether it's advice that doesn't feel right or arrangements that aren't working, you have permission to speak up and make changes.

Permission to Rest Instead of Clean Sleep and recovery trump housework every time. You have permission to let the house get messy while you take care of more important things – like yourself and your baby.

Permission to Order Takeout Again And again. And again. Feeding yourself well matters more than how that food gets to your plate. You have permission to nourish yourself in whatever way works best.

Remember: You don't actually need anyone's permission to take care of yourself and your baby in the way that feels right to you. But sometimes we need a reminder that it's okay to put ourselves first. Consider these permission slips your reminder that taking care of yourself is taking care of your baby.

Trust your instincts. Honor your needs. You're doing an amazing job.