Third Trimester Checklist: Prepping for Postpartum the Sanhu-jori Way
Why the Third Trimester Is Your Postpartum Launchpad
Weeks 28-40 are when baby weight tops out and energy dips—planning now prevents last-minute stress.
Oxytocin-rich nesting instincts make organizing feel great. Use that surge to your advantage.
Vendors (doulas, lactation pros, night helpers) book 4-8 weeks out in LA—lock them in before calendars fill.
Master Timeline: Week-by-Week Prep
| Week | High-Priority Task | Why Now? |
|---|---|---|
| 28-30 | Book Sanhu House doula consult + reserve tentative start date | Our LA roster fills 6 weeks out |
| 31-33 | Create “recovery zone” on main floor—bedside caddy, bassinet, blackout curtains | Avoid stairs during sanhujori rest |
| 34-36 | Batch-cook seaweed-soup base & 3 qt bone broth; freeze in 1-cup cubes | Warm meals = faster iron & iodine replenishment |
| 37-38 | Pack dual-purpose hospital + homecoming bag (see list below) | Reduces decision fatigue in early labor |
| 39-40 | Set HVAC to 72-75 °F, stock ginger-jujube tea, charge Tomarion™ wrap | Maintains core warmth & circulation from day 1 |
REST: Build Your Recovery Zone
Essentials
Main-floor sleep station: bassinet, waterproof pads, dimmable lamp
Hands-free diaper caddy: diapers, wipes, peri bottle, padsicles
Noise & light control: blackout curtains, white-noise app
Visitor boundary sign: “Family resting - text us 💤”
*Sanhu House Advantage: daily doula shifts (up to 12 hrs) + optional overnight care so you actually stay horizontal for 21 days.
NOURISHMENT: Stock Warm, Nutrient-Dense Foods
Seaweed soup packets (iodine + calcium)
Bone-broth cubes (iron + collagen)
Soft proteins: shredded chicken, tofu, soft-scrambled eggs
Complex carbs: sweet-potato purée, congee, millet
Hydration station: 40-oz thermos, ginger-jujube tea bags, electrolytes
Freezer Batch-Cooking Hacks
Use silicone muffin trays for perfect 1-cup soup cubes.
Vacuum-seal stews flat; they thaw in 10 minutes under warm water.
Label with date + reheating temp (165 °F) to stay food-safe.
WARMTH: Gear Up for Heat Therapy
| Tool | Prep Step | Usage Window |
|---|---|---|
| Tomarion™ Infrared Wrap | Charge & test settings | 2× daily, 20 min |
| Breathable Belly Binder | Wash before birth | Wear post-shower & naps |
| Herbal Sitz Bath Kit | Assemble herbs & peri-seat | Evenings, first 10 days |
| Merino Socks + Fleece Robe | Pack in hospital bag | 24/7 comfort |
Hospital-to-Home Bag Checklist
| Item | Why It Matters / Pro Tip |
|---|---|
| MOM COMFORT | |
| High-waist, loose PJs (2 sets) | Avoids C-section line, keeps core warm; dark colors hide leaks. |
| Lightweight robe + fleece socks | Maintains sanhujori warmth; hospital rooms run cool at night. |
| Nursing bra (no underwire) ×2 | Easy access for skin-to-skin; avoids duct compression. |
| Wool or bamboo beanie | Head heat loss can chill the whole body; match baby’s hat. |
| Long 10-ft phone charger | Outlets rarely bedside; prevents awkward reach while healing. |
| RECOVERY & HYGIENE | |
| Peri bottle + herbal padsicles (4) | Immediate perineal relief; speed lochia cleansing. |
| Disposable mesh undies ×4 | Stretchy, breathable, no laundry stress. |
| Cooling witch-hazel liners | Reduces swelling; layer inside maxi pad. |
| Nipple balm (lanolin-free) | Protects during cluster feeds; safe if baby ingests. |
| Mini sitz-bath spray | Herbal mist for stitches/hemorrhoids—no tub required. |
| WARMTH & THERAPY | |
| Tomarion™ infrared wrap (charged) | Start 20-min sessions as soon as OB clears; boosts circulation. |
| Breathable belly binder | Gentle organ support; traps heat for sanhujori warmth. |
| Hand-warm heat pack | Quick comfort on lower back during contractions or afterpains. |
| BABY ESSENTIALS | |
| Newborn gown + swaddle ×2 | Easy diaper changes; regulates baby’s core temp. |
| No-scratch mittens | Protects delicate face from sharp newborn nails. |
| Going-home outfit (weather-appropriate) | Photo-ready + practical for LA’s climate. |
| Soft receiving blanket | Extra layer in car seat; doubles as burp cloth. |
| Diapers & wipes (sample pack) | Hospital supplies these, but brand consistency prevents rashes. |
| FEEDING TOOLS | |
| Haakaa or manual pump | Catch let-down milk on opposite breast—no cords. |
| Two slow-flow bottles | Backup if latch issues require expressed milk. |
| Nursing pillow (inflatable travel size) | Saves posture during marathon feeds; packs flat. |
| SNACKS & HYDRATION | |
| Seaweed soup thermos (16 oz) | Warm iodine-rich nourishment if hospital menu is lacking. |
| Ginger-jujube tea bags + 40-oz tumbler | Keeps fluids warm; combats bloating & fatigue. |
| Protein bars (≥ 15 g protein) | Quick calories during night feeds. |
| Electrolyte packets (no artificial dyes) | Replaces postpartum fluid loss; supports milk supply. |
| TECH & DOCUMENTS | |
| Photo ID + insurance card | Streamlines admission & newborn paperwork. |
| Birth plan printout (2 copies) | Hand one to charge nurse; tape one above bassinet. |
| Mini tripod or phone stand | Hands-free video calls with family; safe baby shots. |
| Noise-canceling earbuds | Meditation tracks during early labor; better rest postpartum. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I freeze meals? Aim for weeks 34-36; nutrients stay potent 3 months frozen.
Is belly binding safe before my 6-week check? Yes—choose gentle (< 20 mmHg) compression and remove for breathing exercises.
How much water do I need? 2.7 L baseline + 0.7 L per breastfeeding session (warm fluids preferred).
Ready for a Seamless Fourth Trimester?
Hand off the heavy lifting to us—literally. One booking with Sanhu House folds every stair-avoiding layout tweak, every steaming seaweed-soup bowl, and every Tomarion™ heat session into a single, white-glove postpartum cocoon. All you need to do is heal, bond, and breathe. Lock in your Third-Trimester Prep Call with a Sanhu House doula. We’ll personalize your rest, nourishment, and warmth plan, so you can focus on meeting your baby.
