Having a postpartum care kit prepared with everything you’ll need for comfort and healing after birth will be a game-changer. The hospital may send you home with a few essentials, but you’ll want to stock up on a few more supplies that you’ve chosen yourself.
It’s no secret that everything changes when you have a baby. When preparing for this new chapter in your life, you’ll likely spend plenty of time setting up the nursery, baby-proofing your house, and reading books on breastfeeding and new motherhood. But don’t forget to prepare for the changes your body will go through as well!
When putting together you’re after birth care plan, consider these must-have items for your postpartum care kit.
Postpartum pads
After giving birth, you’ll experience a week or so of heavy bleeding (called lochia) as your body is adjusting and recovering. There’s no need to worry, but you’ll definitely want to have some postpartum pads handy from the minute you stand up in the hospital. These pads help ensure that you are comfortable and leak-free when you’re ready to move around. Your hospital nursing team or midwife can teach you how to utilize your products for optimal comfort and effectiveness, depending on your specific needs. Since it is typically recommended that women who just gave birth avoid using tampons or a menstrual cup until after a six-week check-up, postpartum pads are absolutely essential.
Maternity undergarments
Speaking of pads and products, you may also want to invest in some maternity underwear and undergarments for the first few weeks. Maternity underwear is made of soft mesh that can help keep you comfortable while you heal after giving birth. It’s designed to keep pads, ice packs and C-section stitches in place, without irritating your skin. Likewise, there are items like belly wraps that can support your belly, waist and hips while your body recovers and regains its shape. You can wear these miracle garments under anything and they will help ease any self-consciousness you may be feeling post-pregnancy.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel is magic in a bottle for new moms. This miracle solution prevents swelling and hemorrhoids many women experience after giving birth. There are witch hazel wipes and other products available on the market that you can carry in your purse or keep at home. Also, consider making your own witch hazel pads for continuous relief. You can soak them or freeze them as ice packs, offering every kind of solution you could imagine.
Donut pillow
If you’ve ever had a baby before, you know that the delivery process can leave your lower half feeling very exposed and sore. Even sitting down can be extremely uncomfortable. Keep a donut pillow or a boppy pillow nearby to take pressure off those sensitive areas for the first few weeks. They’re also great to use while you’re nursing to prop your arms.
Peri bottle
Similarly, the pain that comes with having a baby means using the restroom can be quite uncomfortable. In preparation for those lower body sensitivities, consider investing in a good perineal irrigation bottle. A good peri bottle is much less intrusive and still ensures everything is clean. There are also portable and discreet options so you can keep them at home or carry them with you when you’re out and about
Numbing spray
If you want to be completely prepared for any situation, take advantage of all the new products on the market that provide instant relief and promote long-term healing. Perineal healing foam, for instance, is made with witch hazel and offers excellent healing qualities, as it’s designed to absorb into sore spots rather than any pads you’re wearing. If you’re in experiencing more immediate pain and swelling, numbing spray help you find relief right away.
Sitz salts
For extra healing, prepare a sitz bath for 15-20 minutes. Sitting in a few inches of water with some sitz salts can help limit the swelling and hemorrhoids you experience after childbirth and reduce pain or itchiness. If you can, bend your knees or hang your legs outside the tub to avoid getting the salts on other parts of your body, and gently pat yourself dry to avoid rubbing the salts into your skin.
Nursing pads
Breastfeeding can be a challenge, especially if you’re navigating it for the first time. As you help your baby learn how to latch and as you get the hang of it yourself, there is also the chance of leaking between nursing that you have to consider. Breast pads or nursing pads will save you a few changes of clothes throughout the day – a worthy investment as you adjust to your new routine.
Nipple cream
If it is your first time breastfeeding, you may encounter some soreness or dryness as you find your rhythm with baby. The good news is, once you both get the hang of breastfeeding together, the irritation should resolve on its own. Until then, nipple cream or nipple butter can help soothe any discomfort, as it’s designed to get you through the first few weeks of nursing.
Pain killers and stool softeners
Finally, make sure you have plenty of medications on hand, whether they are prescribed by your doctor or over-the-counter. Pregnancy often causes new aches and pains as your uterus begins readjusting in size. It’s nothing to be alarmed about, but the last thing you want is to be stuck at home without any pain management options. If you’re experiencing pain or constipation during bowel movements, try adding a stool softener to your regular routine as well.
With proper preparation, your transition back into normal life after pregnancy and labor can be as stress-free and comfortable as possible. Remember to voice your needs and stock up on all these items before your due date so you and baby can live happily ever after.
