As an expecting parent it is easy to overlook the importance of prioritising your postpartum recovery as you prepare for the arrival of your new little one. The postpartum phase can be a challenging one no matter how your baby is brought into the world, be it c-section or vaginal, so it is crucial that you are organised with the right products to ensure you can heal well, recharge your energy levels and enjoy the wonderful journey of parenthood.
The following list is designed to assist you during this important time and to hopefully make your recovery as comfortable as possible.
Hygiene and Healing Essentials
- Maternity Pads - While no one likes to talk about this part, it is essential that you are prepared for it! After giving birth, you will experience a bloody discharge that can last for a few weeks. Maternity pads will provide you with the necessary absorbency during this phase so make sure you are stocked up.
- Disposable Underwear - Given the bloody discharge can be heavy at times there is a good chance you will bleed through your underwear on occasion so it can be a good idea to get a few pairs of disposable underwear or a few comfortable pairs that you don't mind throwing away after wearing. Adult diapers are also an option to manage the heavy flow and potential leakage of postpartum bleeding.
- Peri Rinse Bottle - If you had a vaginal birth, your vaginal area may be especially sore and tender and can make going to the bathroom uncomfortable. A peri rinse bottle can help keep your perineum clean and feeling fresh which can help reduce the risk of infection. It may reduce the need for wiping and touching this sensitive area. When filling the peri bottle, you may like to mix warm water with bath salts to assist with the healing process.
- Stool softeners - It is not uncommon to experience constipation after childbirth. This can be caused by medications, pain from vaginal tears or incisions from a c-section, lack of physical activity and low fluid intake. This is where it can be helpful to add stool softeners and suppositories to your postpartum supplies.
- Ice Packs - It can be a good idea to have ice packs ready to provide you with some effective temporary pain relief to your breasts, your vaginal area or c-section incision. If you're experiencing swelling and discomfort around these areas, ice packs work well to combat the swelling. These can be in the form of reusable ice packs or even just ice chips into an adult diaper.
- Nursing Pads - Once your milk comes in you will need to use nursing pads to protect your clothes from leaks during the first few days or weeks. Nursing pads are great for absorbing breast milk leakage as they are small absorbent pads that can be worn inside a bra. They can be used as often as needed and are widely available to buy at pharmacies and online.
- Nursing Pillow - Nursing pillows are great for breastfeeding because they can help with comfortably positioning your baby and make it easier for them to latch for feeding. Even if you’re not breastfeeding your baby, they can also be great for bottle feeding or propping your little one up during tummy time.
- Breast Pump - A breastfeeding mum might find it handy to have a breast pump as it will give you the ability to pump breastmilk and use it for feeding at another time. It can help to reduce discomfort by regularly expressing milk and preventing breast engorgement. In the first few days when your nipples may be sore and cracked from your baby learning to latch, using a breast pump can provide some relief from the pain and discomfort.
- Milk Storage Bags - These will come in handy if you plan on pumping and bottle feeding. They come with labels so it is easy to keep track of volume and the date it was pumped.
- Large Water Bottle - Staying hydrated is incredibly important after giving birth. I found I was very thirsty when breastfeeding. Dehydration can also lead to constipation which will make an already swollen perineum and vagina even sorer! Having a water bottle nearby at all times will mean you can avoid having to get up and down as often for refills.
- Breastfeeding bras - Breastfeeding bras or nursing bras have cups that can be easily unclasped to allow easy access to breastfeeding. Most styles are great because they accommodate the changes in breast size and shape during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding cover - We can’t always plan for when and where we need to breastfeed, which is why a Brookie mama cover can be useful for women having to nurse in public as they provide privacy, convenience and comfort for you and your baby. They are stylish enough to wear as a poncho before and after feeding your baby and can also be used as your baby's blanket or pram cover when out and about.
- Nipple balm - Breastfeeding can cause nipples to be dry and sore, but using a lanolin nipple cream after breastfeeding or as needed can help with moisturizing and soothing any discomfort, protect your nipples and promote the healing of cracked or damaged nipples. Finally, the best part about lanolin nipple cream is that it is safe for babies. It does not need to be washed off before breastfeeding.
The postpartum period can be a personal and difficult journey, but having the right support and postpartum essentials can help make the experience go a little smoother.