By Leading up to the arrival of your little one, there is so much to think about that oftentimes taking care of yourself once the baby is born is overlooked. Every birth and delivery is different, and whether you have a c-section or deliver vaginally, almost everything on this list will help you during your postpartum care. Continue on to learn about all the essentials you need and how they will help you after delivering your baby.
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If you haven’t packed your hospital bag yet, check out my easy and straightforward list here!
Your Body After Birth – The Fourth Trimester
It’s no secret your body goes through changes – physically and emotionally – after giving birth to your baby. Postpartum can hit some moms harder than others. It is important to know: you are not alone. Whatever you may be feeling, know that there are other moms that feel the exact same way. The first six weeks after baby can be so difficult and trying, but it’s also so rewarding. However, if you ever feel unsure about anything, never hesitate to reach out to your doctor.
Here is a great article going more in-depth about what to expect the first six weeks postpartum.
Postpartum Care Essentials
The following items are all meant to give relief and some sort of comfort during your postpartum recovery. What helped me the most is having a basket in the bathroom with everything I needed within reach. Especially in the first few days of recovery, waddling around the bathroom with your panties around your ankles to find what you need is not ideal.
Pads
You’ll want to start out with some heavy duty pads. I recommend these. These are big enough to do the job and will feel much better after using the giant ones the hospital gives you.
I know some women have also used incontinence underwear instead of using pads. They tend to be more comfortable and much easier to work with, and I wish I would have known this sooner because I would’ve tried them for the first few days postpartum!
Be sure to grab some light pads for when your bleeding and discharge slows down.
Peri Bottle
A peri bottle is a must have for faster recovery. Use this to gently clean after going to the bathroom. It also adds some needed relief. Keep this handy and filled with warm water to use when needed. Upside down peri bottles are much easier to handle, but anything that can gently squirt water will work. You can even take home the one you use at the hospital.
Perineal Spray
Perineal spray will help with soreness, itchiness, any pain you may experience. I’ve used both Dermoplast and Earth Mama perineal spray. Both work really well, Earth Mama just has all natural ingredients. So it all depends what matters to you. Grab yourself a package of Tucks, too! These will give you some cooling relief along with speeding up the healing process a little bit.
Cold Packs
These are essential to help with any swelling. You will most likely be able to take some home from the hospital, but you’ll want your own stash for when you run out. You can definitely make your own, but these are so much more convenient (plus you most likely won’t want any extra projects for a while).
Postpartum Girdle
Many moms swear by using a postpartum girdle, especially if you have a c-section. This will give you the support you need on your tummy after having the baby and can help with shrinking your uterus back to it’s normal size.
Underwear
Really! You’re going to want to get yourself some granny panties. Purchase some that are one size bigger than you were pre-pregnancy that way they are comfortable and not too tight around your tummy. Cheap ones like these work just fine, that way if you ruin any it’s not a big deal to throw them away.
Stool Softener
Let’s face it, going to the bathroom after pushing out a tiny human is pretty dreadful. Your doctor will give you some stool softener at the hospital to help with going to the bathroom, and when you get home you’ll want that little extra help for at least a few more days. If you’re bad at remembering to take it daily, keep it in the bathroom. It’ll be easier to remember when it’s right there and you’re thinking about it!
Everyone’s recovery is different. Some may take a little longer to feel better and stronger than others, and that’s okay! What’s important is to listen to your body and do not be afraid to ask for help. You did the most incredible thing bringing new life into the world! Don’t be hard on yourself and know that you are AMAZING and you are enough! Take care of yourself, Mama!
What do you think?