Most new moms spend their time planning for their delivery and bringing home a brand new baby. But what about you? It is so important to plan for the postpartum period to make sure you are comfortable during the first few weeks of becoming a new parent. This includes making sure you have all the supplies you need to care for yourself.
Your body will have gone through a traumatic experience and will need to heal. Working as a labor and delivery nurse I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect postpartum, but boy was I wrong! I wish I had been better prepared on all the things I would need to help my healing go more smoothly.
Now a mom of two, I know how important it is to take care of yourself postpartum so you can be at your best to learn how to be a mom and take care of your new baby!
That is why I wanted to share some of the best postpartum products that were an absolute lifesaver for me so you can be prepared and confident for your delivery.
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Postpartum Must-Haves
1. Nursing Bra
A comfortable nursing bra for postpartum is a must! Make sure to have a few on hand before delivery and even try out a few styles. If this is your first baby you may not know what size will fit best until after your milk comes in, so be prepared to make a few exchanges.
I am a huge Kindred Bravely girly! These bras have been amazing not only for nursing at home but as working mom pumping at work. They are a bit of an investment but I am promise they are so comfortable and worth it to help with your breastfeeding journey.
Mom Cozy is another great brand that is a bit more affordable, but has great quality nursing bras that don’t compress your breast too much!
Recommended: Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms
2. Comfortable Clothing
Let’s be real here. There will be times during the first few weeks postpartum where you just won’t get dressed. That’s ok! You’ll want to have plenty of options of comfy clothes to lounge around the house in while you snuggle your new babe.
If you are breastfeeding, consider getting some nursing dresses or comfy pajamas that allow easy access. I bought a few with the intention of manly wearing them at the hospital but they ended up being my go-to for the first month!
3. Underwear
I would always tell my patients it may be a few weeks before you can go back to your regular underwear due to stiches and the size of the maxi pads used for postpartum care. You will want underwear of some kind that is loose fitting in the vaginal area and not tight around your waist. The typical “granny panties” work great but find a kind that is comfy for you. Its also great to buy a set that you can just throw away when you are finished due to all the extra bleeding in the first few weeks postpartum.
4. Peri Bottle
One of the first things you will learn when you are able to get out of bed after delivery is how to clean yourself down there. You just pushed a cute little one out so it is likely you are too tender and swollen to use toilet paper. Instead, you will clean off by spraying with a peri bottle.
Peri bottles are super easy to use. Just fill them with warm water and them spray onto your perineal area to clean it after you’ve been to the toilet. Then lightly dab with toilet paper to dry afterwards.
If you’ve had stiches, you may have some stinging while you pee. Spray the peri bottle at the same time to help dilute the urine and reduce the stinging.
You will likely receive one of these in the hospital so don’t feel like you have to purchase one, but I have found the ones with necks like this work much better!
5. Maxi Pads or Adult Diapers
You must have one or both of these after giving birth. You are going to bleed quite a bit, there’s no way to prevent that. It’s up to you which is more comfortable for you. I personally loved Depends specifically and used them for probably 3 weeks postpartum until I switched straight to panty liners. But I have had several friends who much preferred maxi pads. It’s all up to you! I would have a small pack of both on hand so you can try them both out for yourself.
6. Tucks Pads
Tucks are absolutely amazing for after delivery! They are cooling and soothe the vaginal area. I would take a few and overlap them on my Depends (or maxi pad) before putting them on. Just enough to cover the whole perineal area is fine. If you have an episiotomy or any stiches, I would highly recommend these for at least the first few days. They can also be very helpful in relieving discomfort from hemorrhoids.
You can also make your own “padsicles“ at home using witch hazel and a few other ingredients. just follow this recipe by June & Lily and stick a bunch in the freezer before you head to the hospital. Trust me, they are amazing!
Don’t forget to start packing your hospital bag as you are prepping everything for postpartum!
7. Dermoplast
After the tucks pads, Dermoplast was my second favorite item postpartum. They gave me a small can in the hospital and it was amazing to numb all the pain and soreness down there! I just sprayed a small amount over the tucks pads when putting on a fresh pair of Depends and it felt amazing. I had an episiotomy and stiches, so this spray worked wonders for me!
8. Perineal Spray
If you are looking for a more natural option for the Dermoplast, a perineal spray can also provide similar relief. There are many different brands to choose from, but this was my favorite. The spray is very soothing for your vaginal area and definitely a postpartum must have.
9. Maternity Ice Pack
You will likely receive a few of these at the hospital when you are there, but I loved having a stash on hand at home! These ice packs don’t have to be kept in the freezer. You simply just pop, shake, and place! While they usually only last a couple hours, these were so helpful with swelling the first week postpartum. If using just add your tucks pads and Dermoplast/perineal spray right to the top of the ice pack before placing in your maxi pad or adult diaper.
10. Stool Softener
You may have heard that your first bowel movement after birth can be uncomfortable. Unfortunately, this is true! You will want to be sure you start taking a stool softener as soon as you deliver (if not a few days before).
You don’t want to be straining to hard and cause hemorrhoids or damage any stiches you may get. Also make sure to drink plenty of water to help with easier bowel movements.
As with any medication, check with your doctor before taking for their recommendations.
11. Big Water Bottle
If you are breastfeeding, you are going to need to drink a lot of water. Having a large cup or water bottle nearby will encourage you to drink more water throughout the day. And if you are like me, nursing made me super thirsty so make sure it is close by before you sit down to feed your baby.
12. Heating Pad
Your back will likely be pretty sore from both labor and holding a newborn all day. Having a heating pad on hand is great to soothe those sore muscles. These are an absolute lifesaver and I would recommend that everyone invest in one.
13. A Friend
Now I know this isn’t a physical item, but it is arguably the most important one on the list. I recommend having someone you can call anytime you need someone to talk to. And this is aside from your partner or spouse. Your hormones go crazy and staying up all night with a new baby can be hard on your mental health.
I would recommend having a friend, preferably someone who has had a baby, that would be willing to be available for you to chat with at any time. Then make sure to use them! Postpartum is hard and there is nothing to be ashamed about. Talk to someone about what you are feeling.
Postpartum is a beautiful, emotional, and life changing time. Make sure you have all the tools necessary to make sure it goes as smoothly as it can and you can enjoy your time with your new baby.
Have other items you would add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!
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