Postpartum Checklist: Everything You Need to Know

Postpartum Checklist: Everything You Need to Know
8 min

In just a few weeks, life will change completely as you welcome a new family member. You probably imagine the first days at home as cozy, beautiful, and full of joy. And while the postpartum period can be exactly that, it can also bring challenges and moments that aren’t always easy. To help you and your baby navigate this special time, we’ve gathered the most important information you need for your postpartum journey.

What Is the Postpartum Period?

The postpartum period is the time after birth in which a new mother’s body recovers from the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy and childbirth.

How Long Does the Postpartum Period Last?

It typically lasts six to eight weeks, starting immediately after birth. During this time, your body heals and slowly returns to its pre-pregnancy state. However, the exact duration can vary depending on individual factors.

Do You Have to Stay in Bed During the Postpartum Period?

No, you don’t need to stay in bed the entire time. What’s important is getting enough rest and listening to your body. Rest and recovery are essential, but gentle movement to stimulate circulation is also recommended.

What Happens If You Don’t Follow Postpartum Guidelines?

If you push yourself too hard without allowing your body to rest, you risk complications such as delayed healing, infections, or issues with milk production.

What Is Lochia (Postpartum Bleeding)?

Lochia is the vaginal bleeding that naturally occurs after birth. It consists of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue and is part of the healing process. Pay attention to the color and flow, as changes may signal the need for medical attention.

What Does the Midwife Do During Postpartum Care?

Your midwife supports you throughout the postpartum period, ensuring both you and your baby are doing well. She answers questions about newborn care, helps with breastfeeding, and monitors your recovery — including your uterus shrinking back, your bleeding, and your emotional wellbeing. Her visits are covered by health insurance.

How Long Does Postpartum Care Last?

Every mother with statutory health insurance in Germany is entitled to midwife support for up to 12 weeks after birth — and longer if breastfeeding. In the first days after delivery, the midwife visits daily, later at longer intervals.

Why Can’t You Use Tampons During the Postpartum Period?

Tampons increase the risk of infection, as your uterus and vaginal area are still healing and especially vulnerable. To prevent bacteria from entering the uterus, it’s safer to use pads.

Can You Have Sex During the Postpartum Period?

Sex after birth is highly personal and depends on when you feel ready. Stitches from a tear or C-section need time to heal, and hormonal changes can affect desire. Be open with your partner and take all the time you need.

Can You Exercise During the Postpartum Period?

In the first weeks after birth, avoid strenuous activity. Gentle walks are fine and can even help recovery. If you want to restart exercise early, consult your midwife about the safest type and intensity.

When Should You Begin Pelvic Floor Recovery?

Your midwife may show you light exercises early on, and a full pelvic floor recovery course usually begins 6–8 weeks after birth. These classes are covered by health insurance.

What Household Tasks Should You Avoid?

Rest and recovery should come first. Leave vacuuming, mopping, and making beds to your partner or family. Avoid lifting heavy objects like shopping bags or laundry baskets during the first weeks.

Midwife Tip: In certain situations, you may be entitled to home help through your health insurance.

Postpartum Tips: Not Just for First-Time Moms

If this is your first baby, you might not know what to expect. Many imagine an easy birth followed by peaceful days cuddling a satisfied baby. The reality can be different: a more exhausting delivery, minor birth injuries, and a newborn who feeds constantly.


Here are some helpful tips:

  • Reserve the first days/weeks just for your family. Visitors can wait.
  • Let friends and family know you’ll reach out when you’re ready.
  • Spend plenty of time cuddling your baby.
  • Accept help with the household — it’s a strength, not a weakness.
  • Surround yourself with people who make you feel good.
  • Mood swings are normal. If low mood (baby blues) lasts longer than a week, tell your midwife — she can help.
  • Give your body time to heal, especially from birth injuries.
  • Be patient with yourself. Growing into your new role takes time.

Checklist for the Postpartum Period

  • Pads (no tampons)
  • Soft, large underwear (washable at 60°C) or disposable underwear
  • Disposable washcloths
  • Comfortable, loose clothing (washable at 60°C)
  • Nursing tops with button fronts
  • Nursing bras and breast pads
  • Cabbage leaves or quark packs for cooling breasts
  • Nipple cream
  • Nursing pillow
  • Mattress protector
  • Birth prep or baby care classes
  • Hospital bag: comfy clothes, baby clothes, documents
  • List of emergency contacts
  • Nursery set up
  • Baby essentials: diapers, wipes, care products
  • Wash all new baby clothes before use
  • Organize support: childcare for siblings, help with pets
  • Stock up on groceries or cook ahead for the first days home
  • Organize parental leave
  • Handle administrative tasks with authorities/insurance
  • Practice diapering on a doll
  • Learn how to use stroller and car seat

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Classification of the Current Situation Show Hide
    1. What are the current recalls about?
    In recent weeks, media outlets have reported on recalls of infant formula products from certain international manufacturers. According to publicly available information, the heat-stable toxin cereulide was associated with a specific issue during the fermentation of a raw material at the supplier level.

    2. Is Töpfer affected by these recalls?
    No. Our products are not affected. Our supply chains are independent of the publicly mentioned problematic supply chains. Safety and control are our top priorities from the very beginning.

    3. Has the safety of Töpfer products been reviewed?
    Töpfer products are subject to a multi-stage, strict control and verification process throughout the entire value chain. This process is an integral part of our quality promise and ensures the special Töpfer quality.

    In addition, Töpfer is monitored by the competent Bavarian food control authority. Our products and processes are regularly inspected by authorities.

    In connection with the current recalls, the responsible Bavarian Authority for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs reviewed our supplier declarations, analytical data, and our testing and release procedures. The requested documentation was accepted.

    Based on our comprehensive testing and control systems, Töpfer products are not affected and can be used without restriction.
  • Cause of the Recalls – Technical Classification Show Hide
    1. What exactly is cereulide?
    Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin.
    Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin. This means: once it has been formed, it cannot be destroyed by normal heating.

    2. When does cereulide form?
    Cereulide does not automatically form due to the presence of the bacterium itself. It only develops under very specific conditions, especially:

    ✓ certain temperature ranges
    ✓ sufficient moisture
    ✓ suitable nutrient conditions
    ✓ extended growth time

    Typically, this occurs in improperly stored starchy foods or, as discussed in the current case, under specific fermentation conditions of a raw material.

    3. Does cereulide form in dry infant formula?
    No. Dry infant formula does not provide the conditions required for cereulide formation. The toxin can only develop if it has already been formed previously under moist conditions.

    4. Why is cereulide relevant?
    In higher amounts, cereulide can cause nausea and vomiting. For this reason, raw materials are strictly controlled before being used in food products.
  • Production and Independence Show Hide
    1. Does Töpfer produce together with other brands?
    No. Töpfer manufactures exclusively at its own production facility in the Allgäu region of Germany. We do not share production lines or facilities with other manufacturers. This independence is a central component of our quality strategy.

    2.Are there overlaps in the supply chain with affected brands?
    No. Our regulatory reviews and supplier audits show no connections to the publicly mentioned problematic supply chains. Each raw material at Töpfer is independently qualified, tested, and approved, regardless of the supply chains used by other manufacturers.

    3. Where do Töpfer’s raw materials come from?
    Our focus is on organic quality as well as regional and European sourcing. The majority of our raw materials originate from the Allgäu region, from Germany, or from Europe. This proximity ensures quality, transparency, and traceability.

    4. Are raw materials from outside the EU used?
    Certain raw materials are unfortunately only available in limited quantities worldwide. Even if such raw materials are used occasionally, our strict EU-based quality and control standards apply without exception. Procurement is carried out exclusively through qualified, long-standing, and continuously audited partners within the DACH region.

    5. Has Töpfer sourced raw materials from Cabio Biotech?
    No. Töpfer has never sourced raw materials from Cabio Biotech for its production.
  • Quality Assurance Show Hide
    1. How does Töpfer ensure the quality of its raw materials?
    At Töpfer, quality begins with the raw materials. We work exclusively with long-standing qualified partners based on clearly defined specifications. Each relevant batch is tested before being used.

    2. Are microbiological tests conducted?
    Yes. Both raw materials and intermediate and finished products are comprehensively tested microbiologically, in our own laboratories and additionally by external accredited institutes.

    3. Are chemical and contaminant analyses conducted?
    Yes. Our quality control includes comprehensive chemical testing in accordance with legal requirements and internal quality standards.

    4. Is there a release procedure before products are placed on the market?
    Yes. No product leaves our facility without a complete quality inspection and formal release.

    5. Have testing procedures been adjusted to new limit values?
    Yes. Our analytical procedures have been aligned with updated scientific evaluation standards. New limit values do not indicate new risks but rather provide additional safety.

    6. Have there been any recalls of Töpfer products in recent years?
    No. In recent years, there have been no recalls or official quality warnings due to contamination or non-compliant ingredients.