New Mom Essentials: Postpartum Must Haves
Recovering from having a baby can be tough. I remember with my first daughter, I had absolutely no clue what to expect and ended up making an unexpected Target run 3 days postpartum. Walking around Target in a dazed new mom fog left me wondering why no one shared these precious must haves with me before giving birth. So here’s my list of postpartum must haves for mommy, based on a fairly normal vaginal delivery. I would imagine the list may vary a bit for anyone who has a c-section.
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Postpartum Must Haves: Bellefit Girdle
I used a Bellefit girdle after my first pregnancy and was able to fit back into my “pre-pregnant” clothes 6 six weeks postpartum. A girdle isn’t just for vanity reasons though (I mean who doesn’t want to lose the baby weight quickly?). It’s also incredibly helpful in those rough postpartum weeks. Your body goes through after pains as the uterus shrinks. A postpartum tummy also just feels weird. After being stretched to the max, having a support girdle is really essential to recovering quickly. I have two of the dual-closure girdles in different sizes.
Dermoplast
One of my essential postpartum must haves is Dermoplast. This magical numbing spray relieves pain by numbing your “area” and is particularly useful postpartum. You want to make sure to purchase the blue kind, not the red. Spray as needed to get through that first week or so. You can also order through Amazon Prime and have it shipped straight to your house.
Pads (in various sizes)
After giving birth, you will bleed, A LOT. Stock up on pads of various sizes. I had a pretty heavy flow for at least two weeks and continued needing pads for approximately 8 weeks. Tampons should not be used postpartum until cleared by your doctor. The hospital should provide some pads but they’re HUGE. I highly recommend investing in some that are more comfortable. Several moms also suggest using adult diapers (like these) but I haven’t personally tried those. Although, I will suggest to grab as many mesh undies as the hospital is willing to give you, because those are awesome.
DIY Postpartum Padsicles
When delivering my first daughter I tore and needed stitches. Everything was extra sore and ice was a huge relief for the first few days. Padsicles are so easy to make in advanced and have ready and waiting at home. Simply fill a pad with Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera Gel. Stick them in the freezer and you have a refreshing ice pack to help down there heal a bit quicker. I made and used about 20 of these during the first week home.
New Mama Bottom Spray
My sister in law gave me New Mama Bottom Spray as a gift postpartum and wow, it was essential. I love this entire gift set for a new mom but the spray is a must have. Unlike Dermaplast and ice (which are only healthy to do in small increments) this spray is all natural and can be used as much as needed. If you still have some left once you’re healed, you can also use it as a refreshing facial spray.
Postpartum Must Haves for Nursing
These postpartum must haves were LIFESAVERS! When your milk comes in, you’ll quickly learn that it’s easy to leak everywhere. The sound of a baby crying or just going a bit too long without nursing can bring on a Niagra Falls level of leakage all over your shirt. Wearing these disposable pads made it so much easier and less embarrassing when my boobs leaked.
Nursing Tank Tops
With my firstborn, I purchase two nursing tops pre-baby. Once we brought my daughter home, I quickly learned that wasn’t nearly enough! For the first 6 weeks I pretty much lived in nursing tanks, no bra needed. I loved the ones with a little bit of padding. I purchased multiple colors and would throw on a sweater or loose shirt if I went out in public. In general nursing tanks were my main wardrobe must have for the whole year I nursed my daughter. They were definitely worth the investment.
Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding
Nursing can be painful, especially during the first few weeks as you and baby adjust to it. It’s an amazing experience, but takes some getting used to. As a new mom you will definitely want nipple cream for after each feeding. I loved using this Earth Mama Nipple Butter. I would also recommend Lansinoh Lanolin or even coconut oil if you prefer to go all natural.
Hemorrhoid Ointment & Stool Softener
The hospital should give you a stool softener, be sure to ask for extra to take during your first two weeks home. If you don’t get hemorrhoids from pushing out your baby, that’s AWESOME! But if you’re like the majority of moms and you do, I recommend this cream. Yes there are plenty of brands available at your local pharmacy but this one is by far the best.
Stretch Mark Cream
Stretch marks are inevitable and can show up literally overnight. While you should wear your tiger strips proudly in celebration of your body creating new life, you also shouldn’t be ashamed if you want them to fade quickly. I used Mederma stretch mark cream both while I was pregnant and postpartum and my stretch marks are barely visible.
The Most Important Postpartum Must Have!
Ultimately, the most important “postpartum must have” for recovering from having a baby is rest. Leave the dishes, ignore the laundry, accept the help from your village. Take advantage of every opportunity to rest. The more rest you get the quicker and easier your body will recover.