How to Set Boundaries During Pregnancy, Labour, and Postpartum

Pregnancy, birth, and those early weeks with your newborn are some of the most powerful, life-changing experiences you’ll ever go through. They can also be overwhelming at times — especially when everyone around you seems to have opinions, expectations, or well-meaning advice.

At Beyond the Bump, we’re passionate about supporting you to feel strong, heard, and in control throughout your journey into parenthood. One of the most important ways you can protect your space — emotionally, physically, and mentally — is by setting clear, kind, and firm boundaries.

Here's how you can do that, with love and confidence.

1. Reflect on Your Needs First

Before setting any boundaries with others, it’s vital to tune into yourself. Take some quiet time to think about what you and your baby will truly need during pregnancy, birth, and the early days after. Consider your energy levels, emotional well-being, privacy needs, and comfort.

Your needs matter. They are the foundation for a positive, empowering experience — and when you’re thriving, your baby thrives too.

(P.S. If you want support preparing for your birth and postnatal journey, our Birth & Baby Academy covers it all, giving you evidence-based tools to feel strong and confident.)

2. Communicate Early and Clearly about Setting Boundaries

It's much easier to establish boundaries before emotions run high. Chat with family and friends during your pregnancy about what you hope for — whether it’s quiet time after birth, limits on visitors, or specific preferences during labour.

Clear communication isn’t rude or selfish; it’s protective and powerful. You’re not just setting boundaries for yourself — you’re setting the stage for the kind of loving, respectful environment you want to bring your baby into.

If you're looking for more ways to take control of your birth experience, don't forget to grab our free video Taking Control of Your Birth — it's packed with tips to help you feel empowered.

3. Setting Boundaries for Visitors & Managing Expectations

When it comes to labour and those precious early days, think carefully about who you want around you — and when. It’s completely okay to limit visitors, set visiting hours, or even decide you prefer no visitors at all for a while.

Boundaries could look like:

• No visitors for the first week.

• Visits by appointment only.

• No surprise hospital drop-ins.

Remember, this is your sacred time to heal, bond, and nest with your baby.

4. Accept Help, But On Your Terms

Support is wonderful — but only if it feels genuinely helpful. If loved ones offer, be specific: “We’d love it if you could drop off meals,” or “It would be great if you could help with the laundry.”

Delegating like this lightens your load, respects your boundaries, and allows others to support you in ways that are meaningful — without draining your precious energy.

5. Handle Unsolicited Advice with Grace (or not)

Pregnancy and early parenting seem to open the floodgates to advice — some helpful, some... not so much. It’s okay to smile, say thank you, and still do what feels right for you.

You are the expert on your body, your baby, and your family. Trust yourself. And if you ever want evidence-based guidance instead of outdated myths, our Birth & Baby Academy is always here for you.

6. Prioritise Rest and Recovery

The postpartum period isn’t just about adjusting to life with a baby — it’s a vital healing time for you too. Protect your rest fiercely. That might mean saying no to visitors, switching your phone off, or asking someone to take the baby for an hour so you can nap.

Your well-being is not a luxury — it’s essential.

7. Be Flexible With Yourself

Boundaries help create calm and safety, but life with a new baby is unpredictable. It's okay to adjust your boundaries as you go, depending on how you’re feeling. Communicate changes with kindness but stay firm in honouring what you and your family need most.

Setting and maintaining boundaries during pregnancy, labour, and postpartum isn’t always easy — but it’s an incredibly important act of self-care and love.

You deserve to be surrounded by respect, understanding, and unwavering support as you step into this incredible new chapter.

Want more support in creating the positive experience you deserve?

➡️ Explore The Birth & Baby Academy — your complete guide to pregnancy, birth, recovery, and early parenting.

➡️ Download your FREE Taking Control of Your Birth video and start your journey feeling empowered today.