Postpartum Essentials: The #1 List Of Must Haves
Are you getting prepared for postpartum life after your baby is born? Maybe you are in the midst of it right now. Either way, what do you actually need to prepare for your postpartum recovery?
For me personally, I was so unprepared for postpartum recovery after my first pregnancy. There is always so much focus on what your newborn will need that, unfortunately, mom can easily be forgotten.
In this post we will be reviewing our postpartum essentials checklist, specifically for new moms. This list will help you be prepared for the obstacles you might face during your recovery from giving birth, whether that is a vaginal or C-section delivery.
Postpartum Recovery Essentials
What do you need to help heal after a vaginal birth? A lot of the items you need to help with postpartum healing, you will bring home from the hospital. Of course, you might run out of your supply and need to buy more. So, it’s good to know what you will need to make your own postpartum recovery kit.
Overnight or Heavy Flow Pads
You will need a lot of heavy flow Maxi pads, especially your first week or two postpartum. Yes, they do give you pads at the hospital, but they are kind of bulky and uncomfortable.
You might want to consider buying some of your own overnight pads to be more comfortable.
Ibuprofen or Acetominephen
This is optional and will be totally dependent in how you are feeling. It’s possible you won’t want to take anything.
Now, some medicine will be provided at the hospital if you want to take it. And, some of it might be stronger than what I have listed. I just wanted to list medicine here so it’s on your radar as something you might need.
Essentials For Vaginal Recovery
Inflatable Donut
You will be very, very sore in your vaginal area, especially if you have any tearing during birth. It might be hard for the first week or two to sit down comfortably.
That’s where the donut comes in. You can set this down and then sit on it, in order to keep pressure of this very sensitive area.
Perineal Bottle
This is vital! You will get one at the hospital too. It’s a squirt bottle you fill with warm water and use to clean yourself.
You will not be able to use toilet paper after birth, plus don’t forget it it will be like you have a very, very heavy period for a prolonged period of time.
You will use the perineal bottle to clean up down there instead of toilet paper.
Witch Hazel
Between witch hazel pads and your perineal bottle, these offer the most relief. After going to the bathroom and using your perineal bottle, you will take some witch hazel pads and line them up on your pad before pulling up your underwear.
The witch hazel will offer some relief while your body recovers.
Padsicles
What the heck is a padsicle? To make a padsicle, you start with a Maxi pad and you add items like witch hazel, essential oils, and water, then freeze it.
These will offer you A LOT of relief while you recover from a vaginal delivery. I highly recommend making some padsicles for yourself.
Postpartum Essentials After A C-Section
In addition to the postpartum items listed previously, you will also want to invest in C-section recovery underwear and cream for healing scars.
Postpartum Clothing Essentials
It is highly unlikely that you will give birth and then magically fit into your old clothes the next day. I was actually very surprised at how long it does take for your body to change back. And, let’s be honest, your body will be different. Growing a child in you just changes your shape in some places.
So, with that said, what clothing will you need postpartum? You will need a combination of maternity clothes and comfortable leggings or yoga pants and flowy shirts.
Once you near the end of your pregnancy, you will notice some of your maternity clothes fit better than others. The maternity clothes on the smaller side (that don’t fit as well while very pregnant) will be the ones you probably end up using postpartum.
The main point here is to go for stretchy, flowy, and comfortable clothes and don’t get rid of your maternity clothes just yet.
Postpartum Sitz Bath Salt
Although I never personally did this, mostly because I just didn’t know about it. A bath using postpartum sitz bath salt is an increasingly popular method to offer some relief to moms who just gave birth.
Although I would not characterize a postpartum sitz bath as essential, it is something you can consider trying to help make postpartum recovery a little faster and easier.
There you have it. That’s our list of postpartum essentials for both vaginal deliveries and C-sections. Don’t forget how important it is to allow yourself the time to heal after giving birth. And, having the postpartum items listed above will help you get there.