Although it has been over three years since I had Little Mister, with Little Boy's delivery quickly approaching I've been thinking about the things that I'll need for those days and weeks of postpartum as my body recovers. Birth is unpredictable and I fully understand that I may not end up with another vaginal delivery (although that is the goal of course), but I've already compiled my list of things that I will need for after-baby and thought I would share it with you!
*I have not received compensation for the mention of any of these products. This post contains affiliate links*
8. Boy-short Panties
With Little Mister I stocked up on several types of panties to get me through my postpartum weeks; I wasn't sure what I would be most comfortable in so I grabbed some boy-shorts and some "granny panties". By far I preferred the boy-short style because I felt that they gave me the most coverage and support, if you will, especially with the big ol' maxi pads you have to wear!
7. Access to Warm Water
This may sound like a ridiculous addition to this must have list, but trust me when I say that it'll all make sense when you get to my #1 must have on the list!
6. Comfortable Pajama Bottoms or Large Sweatpants
When you're sitting around with your newborn, wearing your giant pad, recovering from child birth, you're going to want to be as comfortable as possible. The more comfortable the pants you're wearing, the more comfortable you'll be overall. Or at least that's my motto!
5. Stool Softener
Trust me, just take them. I really don't think an explanation is needed for this one!
4. Dermoplast
Dermoplast is a relief spray that I was given while in the hospital, and while I am typically not a fan of things that make you numb, it really was a godsend for the first couple of weeks. I had an especially horrible delivery that resulted in some very swollen lady bits and several stitches, so having Dermoplast on hand was wonderful to have.
3. Cloth Menstrual Pads aka Mama Cloth
If you're not a typical reader of Mommy's Obsessions, you may not know what a crazy cloth lover I am. My first son was exclusively cloth diapered from 5 months on, my son who is due in October will be exclusively cloth diapered from the day we leave the hospital, and I have been exclusively using cloth pads for the past year and a half. Pads are something that you are not going to be able to survive postpartum without, regardless of if you give birth vaginally or through cesarean. If you are a first time mom, you may not know (I didn't!), you will bleed for several weeks after as your body readjusts to no longer being a home for your little one. This time around, I will not be using disposable pads. Disposable pads were a tiny bit of torture while recovering from child birth. This time around I have stocked up on cloth menstrual pads in two different postpartum sizes which will make a world of difference in my comfort level after-baby. My favorite cloth menstrual pads are from Pink Lemonade Shop. I highly recommend that you check them out!
2. Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads
Oh. My. Magical. Relief. Although Tucks were created for hemorrhoids, they are designed to be used against inflamed tissues to provide a moist, cooling compress. They have witch hazel in them which helps to soothe irritated areas. Sounds odd I know, but trust me when I say they were the most amazing things ever for my recovery. I would stick 2-3 Tucks on top of my pads and they would provide me with the relief that I needed after the discomfort of using the restroom.
1. Peri Bottle
Typically your hospital will send you home with a Peri Bottle, but if I were you I would ask for an extra or two! The Peri Bottle was the most important thing for me postpartum. In the weeks that your lady bits are sore, swollen, sensitive, and maybe even stitched up, you will not be able to (nor will you want to) wipe yourself after using the restroom. Using the Peri Bottle with warm water to cleanse yourself after is second to none. It's a slice of heaven that you need for a millisecond of relief. I kept one Peri Bottle in my bathroom and one in my diaper bag for when we were out and about, and I used it until everything was healed and felt normal again. And I will admit, once I didn't need it anymore, I sort of missed it!
. . .
Are you a "been there, done that" mom? What other products would you recommend to first time moms for postpartum recovery?
*I have not received compensation for the mention of any of these products. This post contains affiliate links*
As I am getting ready for the birth of my first baby, I found myself getting things ready for him, and after reading this, I realized I should also prepare myself with the things I need. After all, I need to take care of myself in order to care for him. This is a great list which I will be using as a guide. Thank you for writing it!
ReplyDeleteYou will need most of these things for a C - section too... you still bleed and need to be comfortable afterwards.
ReplyDeleteAll these, and some epsom salt or sitz bath herbs are great!
ReplyDeleteInterested in starting into cloth pads after this baby. How many do you have in your stash and what sizes? How about for postpartum- how many and what sizes? How often do you change them and wash them (launder not rinse)? Also, which is your favorite fabric?
ReplyDeleteI would add tylenol, especially if you are breastfeeding and have had more than one pregnancy. I didn't have any problem with postpartum cramps with my first, but the babies after that every time I nursed my uterus would cramp as bad as some of the labor pains. Tylenol won't help in labor, but it sure helps with the cramping afterwards.
ReplyDeleteNew Mama Bottom Spray from Earth Mama Angel Baby is another must have! I used it with #1 . Just received another bottle in the mail for #3...due next month!
ReplyDelete