Prepping for Postpartum
When it comes to postpartum prep, the emphasis is often put on the needs of your baby, but postpartum brings a lot of changes for Mom. Here are some things that I often suggest for new moms to help make postpartum more comfortable. This isn’t an exhaustive list and isn’t in any particular order.
Diapers for Mama - Depends are starting to become more popular for menstruation and postpartum and for good reason! Doesn’t get any better than adult diapers in terms of leak protection and comfort while sleeping. We just want to remember to change these every time we use the restroom. Get at least one pack for after birth and one pack for your first postpartum period (trust me on this). Target brand is fine.
Postpartum Perineal Ice/Heat - If you have a vaginal birth, the hospital will provide you with a few cold pads and a few heated pads. You will run out of them and wish you had more!
Dermoplast - This is for vaginal deliveries, especially if you have any lacerations/ tears from delivery. We don’t want to spray this on cesarean incisions unless instructed by your provider.
Tucks Pads - Postpartum isn’t glamorous. If you’re planning or considering an epidural, then definitely get some of these. Epidurals can lead to a longer pushing phase and pushing is what causes hemorrhoids. You can definitely still get hemorrhoids if you skip the epidural, but a long pushing stage often leads to a sore booty.
Stool Softener - You know how I said postpartum isn’t glamorous? Copy + paste. Look, it doesn’t matter how your baby exits your body, the first couple of postpartum poops are going to be STRESSFUL. I think this is more mental than physical often times, but trust me on this one, you’re going to want this.
Upside Down Peri Bottle - The hospital will send you home with a peri bottle if you’ve had a vaginal delivery. That works fine, but the upside down bottle is definitely easier to navigate where you need it.
C-Section Recovery Band - You are going to want some sort of band or belly wrap after a cesarean. Pressure on your incision site can both feel good and protect against bumping it. This one by FridaMom is nice because it holds hot/cold packs for pain relief.
Disposable Nursing Pads - I think reusable items are great; however, I always suggest at least one box of disposable nursing pads. Your body has been through it and you’re keeping a tiny human alive — that’s amazing and it is A LOT! Heal first, and then you can switch to reusables if you want to.
Nursing Bras - From the time your milk comes in (3-5 days postpartum, typically) until your milk supply regulates (within 12 weeks), you will want to wear a bra 24/7. Start with something that looks comfortable to you. I don’t recommend buying a lot of nursing bras beforehand because once you begin nursing, you’ll get a better idea of what you want/need in a nursing bra and what you don’t.
Breastfeeding Pillow - This pillow is dual purpose. It is really great for breastfeeding. It puts baby at a good height to not strain your neck/ shoulder and keeps you from fighting with your sofa pillows or bed pillows to get comfortable. It is also great to use to sit on when you’ve had a vaginal delivery and are dealing with stitches or hemorrhoids.