Let’s talk postpartum!
As a first time mom, I was SHOCKED at how challenging the first few weeks of postpartum recovery were. Even as an experienced labor and delivery nurse and doula, it caught me off guard. I kept thinking something was wrong with me (nothing was-everything just seems worse when you experience it yourself)! It seemed like no one else was this beaten up after birth! I had a very straight forward labor and delivery, and it still took a lot out of me. I don’t say this to scare anyone, I say this to stress the importance of thorough preparation before entering the fourth trimester. During my nesting phase, I spent a lot of time preparing, and I’m SO glad I did. I tried to stay realistic and minimal in my postpartum purchases. But I quickly realized this isn’t an area where “less is more.”
While most hospitals have the basic supplies to get you through your stay, I would recommend investing in these things before birth. I suggest having a decent stockpile, because you don’t want to be stressed about it while you’re sleep deprived and uncomfortable. Your cute baby should be the focus of your energy!
Angled Peri Bottle
All of the items on this list are truly must haves for me. But there’s a reason this one comes first! While preparing for my own birth, I probably read every blog and watched every video on postpartum prep. Many people said this upgraded peri bottle wasn’t necessary, claiming the hospital version did the trick. I’m here to tell you, this will be the best $8 you spend. This peri bottle is superior.
Postpartum is messy, and birth requires using muscles you’ve probably never used before… all at once. Jumping in the shower is a luxury that is often delayed for quite some time. Having the ability to effectively freshen up without further straining your muscles really is a game changer. Plus, this allows for spraying warm water directly where you need relief. Sitz baths are great, but they require time that freshly postpartum mamas generally don’t have much of! This is a great, quick alternative. You’ll also be glad you have this when you experience those first few postpartum bowel movements…trust me.
Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray
This is a natural cooling spray with witch hazel, that provides some much needed relief. Especially for mamas who experience tearing (9 out of 10 women will to some extent)! In the hospital, I placed an ice pack in my (very fashionable) mesh underwear, then witch hazel pads, and finally sprayed this on top. My only regret was only buying one bottle, because I went through it in just a few days… it’s that good! I would recommend having a few on hand… the frequent bathroom trips don’t stop after the baby is born!
Witch Hazel Pads
This is another thing the hospital will generally provide. However, I would stock up on these! I had two containers at home, which was nowhere near enough. I desperately sent family members on a search for more on several occasions. Because just when I thought it would surely be enough…it wasn’t.
Witch Hazel Liquid
Same general idea as the witch hazel pads. However, this can be used to make padsicles if desired. This feels amazing if you pour it directly onto the Frida Mom Instant Ice Packs. It creates an extra cooling effect!
Frida Mom Instant Ice Maxi Pads
These are the ones I mentioned above! I didn’t purchase these myself, my cousin had a few left over that she gifted to me. As a nurse, I was always taught to encourage warmth after the first day postpartum. Applying warmth to the perineum facilitates quicker healing. However, ice does wonders for swelling and pain, which persists far longer than 24 hours. To ensure my healing wasn’t delayed, I alternated between heat and ice. The bathroom trips that included these in the routine were a real treat. Let me tell you-I regretted not purchasing more myself for those first few days! These are extremely easy to use and mess free.
Lansinoh Therapy Packs
These reusable therapy packs come with disposable covers and can be used hot or cold. I would keep one in the freezer and alternate between hot and cold with each use. This is an easy way to provide instant relief!
Heating Pad
Having a heating pad is good for life in general. But you would be amazed at how many muscles hurt simultaneously after birth. A heating pad will be your best friend. I brought mine to the hospital and used it during labor and postpartum.
I was so uncomfortable in the first few days, this was the only thing that relaxed me enough to rest. At home, I kept this in my recliner and sat on it for relief. As an added bonus, it made winter nursing sessions extra cozy!
Postpartum cramping can be uncomfortable, increased with breastfeeding, and is generally more intense with each additional baby. Heating pads are a great nonpharmacological pain relief option.
Pro tip- use it to heat up your baby’s sleeping space to make the transition from your arms a little smoother! Just make sure you remove it prior to putting the baby down, so they don’t overheat! We did this with our son in the first few days, and it really helped!
Native Unscented Deodorant
This one might seem a little weird, but hear me out! Have you noticed a change in your body odor since becoming pregnant?! This was the first indicator that something was different for me! My sister joked that I was probably pregnant when I complained about it…turns out she was right!
As annoying as it might be, this is actually a change that helps our babies identify us to successfully initiate breastfeeding. So, as unpleasant as it might be, it’s best not to mask the natural scent that your baby relies on! You have a free pass to go all natural! I’ve been using and loving Native for a long time, because of the clean ingredients.
If you use a different brand, definitely get an aluminum free, natural deodorant! The armpits are in such close proximity to the breasts, that having harmful ingredients in these products is not ideal.
The First Forty Days
My favorite postpartum book that highlights the importance of rest, nutrition, and support in the weeks following birth.
To Summarize…
I highly recommend all of these items to make your postpartum healing journey as comfortable and quick as possible. Most importantly though, remember to ask for help, lean on your support system, rest as much as you’re able to, and listen to your body. It’s crucial to tune in to how you’re feeling and give your body what it’s asking for.
I also highly recommend observing a period of rest to honor this sacred time. It’s an essential step towards healing your mind, body, and soul, and to bond with your new baby. In most cultures, the postpartum period is viewed as a time of rest. I read “The First Forty Days,” which I started in pregnancy, and finished shortly after my son was born. As a busy body, it was important for me to hear that a period of rest is okay, and even insisted on in many cultures.
I definitely felt moments of frustration that my healing was taking longer than expected, I “wasn’t getting anything done,” and my house wasn’t as organized as I prefer. But revisiting this book postpartum was extremely comforting. It reminded me that my job is to heal, bond with, and provide sustenance to my baby. These are the most important things. Life will move along, the house will get cleaned again, the to-do list will always be there, but these moments cannot be replaced or re-lived.
Mama, remember to give yourself grace. Remember that your postpartum period should be protected and celebrated just as pregnancy is. Remember that your most meaningful work is loving and nurturing your child(ren). The rest can wait.
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