Welcome to the second post in my New Baby series that I am putting together for my best friend, she is having her first baby on New Years Eve! Ok, so, your hospital bag is packed and ready to go, now it is time to think about what postpartum items you should have handy when you return home. The hospital provides many essential items for your stay, but your postpartum care continues long after you leave. If you are like me, you spent nine months preparing for baby and zero time preparing for your postpartum needs. I owe my survival of postpartum to my Mother and two Mama friends 🙏
Here is a list I hope helps you be better prepared than me –
- Frida Mom Peri Bottle – The upside down ergonomic design makes this superior to the bottle provided in the hospital.
- Herbal Perineal Spray – A must have to help you heal.
- Frida Mom Padsicle – This is a maxi pad, ice pack in one. This will be your saving grace! Remember you are still bleeding and healing down there.
- Tucks with Witch Hazel – The nurses at the hospital will help you put together all these items in a specific order to help relive your discomfort.
- Stool Softener – Just use it 😉
- Pain Reliever
- Belly Band – This is a personal choice. I did not use a belly band but many woman swear by them. It can help repair diastasis recti and support your lower back and pelvic area.
- Nursing/Pumping Bra – The Kindred Bravely Sublime is the best and I tried so many different brands!
- Nipple Cream – Use it after every feed/pump. Trust me.
- Washable Breast Pads – Throw these in your nursing bra to prevent leaking. This may not be needed but good to have handy, especially for overnight.
- Breast Therapy Pads – No one tells you how painful producing milk can be 😬 These are a life saver!
- Breastmilk Storage Bags – Just in case you are an over supplier or you choose to exclusively pump, have these on hand.
- Breastmilk Freezer Storage Organizer – Again, only necessary if you are an over supplier or you are exclusively pumping.
- Mother’s Milk – I had a cup of this tea every morning with oatmeal. Oatmeal and Mother’s Milk are great for supporting lactation.
Remember, you are recovering from trauma. Giving birth naturally or by c-section is no walk in the park, be patient with yourself. Rest and recover, accept the help from family and friends. Let them cook and clean for you. Spend those early weeks laying low and enjoying your new little bundle of joy. Nurture your body, prepare food/snacks before you go into labor. Freeze crockpot meals, meal prep healthy nutritious snacks, do a large grocery run so you don’t need to run out for a bit after the birth. Breastfeeding will make you just as hungry as you were when you were pregnant, you are still eating for two! Just make sure you are filling your body with nutrients, it is crucial for you and your little one.
All you experienced Mama’s out there please leave your advice on postpartum items in the comments for my BFF! It is much appreciated 💗
