The postpartum recovery period is painful, uncomfortable and is definitely not a fun. The first 6 weeks after giving birth is known as your postpartum period. Which is a crucial time for you and your baby. These postpartum essentials will help you heal faster and feel less pain.
Let’s face it, the fourth trimester has to be the hardest. You are recovering from giving birth, you are also taking care of your newborn and life as you know it has changed forever. It’s time to find relief, heal and rock that mama life.
I hope you find these postpartum essentials super helpful in your after birth journey. You can start reading this step by step first time mom guide that will give you an insight look at how to survive and thrive the first year of being a mom.
17 Postpartum essentials you need immediately after birth
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1.Large pads
After giving birth whether is vaginally or via a C-section. You are going to bleed a lot. Heavy bleeding happens right after birth and it can last up to a couple of days. So having a large maxi pad is a must.
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2.Sitz bath
A lot of women swear by taking a sitz bath. It is also be known as a hip bath because the water is shallow and goes up to your hips. A sitz bath is great for relieving pain and discomfort from a vaginal birth. It helps with hemorrhoids pain, if you had an episiotomy and more.
How do you make a sitz bath?
- You can lift the toilet lid and seat and place your sitz bath bowl. Add sitz bath salt or medication and sit and relax.
- Fill bathtub enough to cover your hips. Add sitz bath salt. Lay down and relax.
3.Large underwear/disposables
After giving birth you are going to experience heavy bleeding. Just like you need large pads, you also need large underwear to accommodate your pads in. If you wan]t, you can also buy disposable postpartum underwear for protection and convenience.
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4.Squirt bottle
Have you tried to pee after giving birth? Boy is it painful! Can you wipe down there after birth? I would not recommend it. That’s why in the hospitals they provide you with a squirt bottle. After you use the bathroom you squirt it with water to clean it. I had an episiotomy with my first birth and a squirt bottle helped so much!
Wiping it down can irritate your area and can make healing take longer.
5.Soft cloths for bathing
I actually used a cloth to bathe for the first couple of days after I gave birth vaginally. It was mainly to clean my area down there. I didn’t scrub it, I just gently tap to clean.
You may also want to use mild soap, none scented to avoid irritation in your area.
6.Loose clothing
Loose clothing is definitely part of the postpartum essentials list. I lived in maxi dresses and leggings. Wearing loose clothing will help you not put pressure on your c-section incision or your vaginal tear area. It will allow it to heal properly. Also you’ll be so much comfortable as well.
7.Stool softener
Many women suffer from postpartum constipation which is very common. Stool softeners may help with your bowel movements. Other ways to start pooping is to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, eat fruits and vegetables and food rich in fiber.
Do not worry, pooping will not rip off your vaginal stitches. You can poop in peace.
8.Prenatal vitamins
Did you know that you need to keep taking your prenatal vitamins after you give birth? Yes! Taking prenatal postpartum is great for you to take because it provides nutrients like folic acid, iron and calcium. So it will make you feel better while you’re healing. If you’re breastfeeding, your baby will benefit from it as well.
Read this next:
12 SERIOUSLY HELPFUL AND QUICK WAYS TO HEAL FROM AN EPISIOTOMY OR VAGINAL TEAR
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9. Pain relief spray
Okay, I wish I had this spray after my episiotomy because It would have made my postpartum life easier. A pain relief spray is just that a spray that is going to help relieve the pain down there. It helps relief perineal discomfort (hello vaginal tear!).
10.Breast pump
Every woman needs a breast pump in their life, unless you’re exclusively breastfeeding. And even then, you still need it because you never know what postpartum life will throw at you. Being prepared with a breast pump will help you produce more milk. Also, if you experience breast engorgement you know it’s not fun and it’s painful! Having a breast pump will help stimulate your breast, release the milk and you’ll feel better afterwards.
Take this online breastfeeding class to have the best chance of successfully breastfeed your baby. everything that you need to know in simple to watch videos! Check it out here!
11.Nipple pads and cream
While breastfeeding you may experience sore and cracked nipples. Yeah this is the not so glamorous side of breastfeeding. Nipple creams will help soothe your breasts and heal it from those cracks. Nipple pads are great because they help absorb breast milk leakage. You will leak! They are comfortable and soft too.
12. Nursing bra
Be comfortable during your postpartum and breastfeeding journey by having nursing bras. They are convenient and comfortable as well. Stock up mama.
13.Donut cushion
A donut cushion is a great item to have at home after birth. Specially if you suffer from hemorrhoids, had an episiotomy or overall need pain relief from butt pain. Simply sit on top of this donut cushion and relax.
14.Pain medication
Let’s face it, childbirth is painful and the recovery period is as well. The fourth trimester is definitely one for the books. Your doctor will most likely prescribe pain medication to control and reduce the pain. Either ibuprofen which is Advil or acetaminophen which is Tylenol. Take it as needed and directed by your doctor.
15.Relax
Listen mama, I know how hard it is to find some time to relax during this period of time. You’re too busy trying to adjust to the newborn stage while also feeling the newborn bliss. You’re trying to take care of yourself and recover from childbirth. There are visitors coming in and out of your house. Life is hectic! But, I also know that taking some time to take a nap and relax will also help you heal faster from giving birth. It will help you emotionally and physically as well.
Read this next:
7 THINGS YOU SHOULD AVOID AFTER HAVING A C-SECTION
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16.Eat
Another postpartum essential that you may not think about is eating. Yes, eating is so essential for you. Also, you may find it surprising that so many women forget to eat. So, eat your food, stay healthy and learn to put yourself first.
17.Ask for help
I always advice every new mom to not be afraid to ask for help. Also, accept help when your family and friends ask to help. It’s feels so good to have a tribe of people who are there for you to help you in anything that you need. Specially during the crucial postpartum period. If you need help, just ask because you can’t do everything on your own.
This is a great newborn basics online class! For you to learn everything there is about taking care of your newborn. Super insightful and easy to learn videos!
I hope you found this list of postpartum essentials helpful!
