I am a big advocate for taking your time and focusing on healing during postpartum. Personally I chose to not leave the house for 30 days after giving birth, except to sit in the yard and then eventually take the dog for a late night stroll after a few weeks. I spent a lot of time in bed, on the couch and in a chair in the front yard (I was lucky is was early spring so the weather was nice out.)
No matter what your postpartum plan is, it's important to rest, refuel and recharge your body after birthing a child - whatever that looks like for you. Here are the items that helped me in my postpartum healing journey, I hope they can help you through yours.
Postpartum Essentials For Healing
Body Wipes
No body talks about how CRAZY the night sweats can be after giving birth. I woke up drenched for weeks on end during the first few weeks. Having some gentle disposable body wipes on hand made me feel like less of a swamp monster. They're great when you don't have time to shower or just for a mid-night wipe down during a night feed.
BIG pads
Get the big ones. The really big night time super soaker pads. In fact, take as many of the disposable diapers home from the hospital as you can get away with, but then makes sure you have big pads ready for once you get home.
Perineal Bottle
My hospital provided me with a basic perineal bottle but I'm glad I had the Frida Mom Perineal Bottle at home. The angled nozzle makes it much easier to hit the right spot. And if you don't know what it's for, essentially it's too tender to be wiping away with toilet paper after a pee, so you use the Perineal Bottle to gently spray and then dob with toilet paper.
Nipple Cream or Lanolin
I used Lanolin during postpartum and it made a huge difference for my poor sore nips. There are a lot of nipple creams available, but I chose Lanolin because it is a natural product and it's safe for babies so if you need to breats feed shortly after applying it you don't have to worry about it. Lanolin is a natural, waxy oil secreted by sheep's sebaceous glands to waterproof and protect their wool. And I know I know, that sounds whack but it's kind of like a spreadable lip chap texture and it really helps to heal and protect.
Tucks Pads
I took Tuck Pads with me to the hospital to use right away after birth and then continued to use them periodically throughout my recovery. The witch hazel soaked pads reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Padsicles (witch hazel and aloe on pads)
I loved my padsicles. Okay rewind, what is a padsicle? It's basically just a period pad that you open up and saturate with witch hazel (alcohol-free only!) and aloe vera, then you fold it back up and freeze it. After giving birth you wear them to promote healing and provide cooling comfort.
Postpartum Essentials For Comfort
Granny Panties
If you didn't invest in some granny panties during pregnancy, make sure you do it for postpartum. Having large underwear is crucial for wearing big pads/diapers.
Stool Softener
Not trying to scare you, but I swear that first poop after giving birth is worse than the actual birth. Make sure you have some stool softener on hand so that you can take them if needed, and remember to drink lots and lots of fluids to stay hydrated and avoid constipation.
All The Pillows
I found it really helpful to not only have many standard pillows and breastfeeding pillows, but also a bunch of squish mellows or long pillows to prop myself and the baby up during long night feeds. My standard set up was one for the baby, one for my arm/phone and two or three behind me.
Silverettes
I had my doubts but Silverttes were worth the investment for me. Not only do they promote healing, but they also prevent rubbing and chaffing on your nipples by literally protecting them from the fabrics of your nursing bra or shirt. Your nipples will go through hell and back, and Silverettes felt like a chance to actually heal between feedings.
Hakkuu Milk Catcher
Don't let a drop of breastmilk go to waste. The Hakkuu Milk Catcher rests in your nursing bra to catch any milk that leaks out from the breast that you are not feeding on. You can either save this milk to feed or use it in a baby bath, it's great for their skin.
Fuzzy Socks
Do not underestimate the power of a good pair of fuzzy socks when you are in recovery. We loose a lot of heat from our feet, and staying warm is a crucial part of letting our bodies heal. Warm fuzzy socks feel luxurious, cozy and promote a feeling of relaxation.
Postpartum Essentials For Fuel
Meal Prep
Either dedicate some time during pregnancy or sign up for a local meal prep delivery service. We invested in a Food Saver to prep and vacuum seal a bunch of meals that were hearty, nutritious and easy to heat. We did a bunch of meatballs, egg bites, casseroles, energy balls, hearty soups and other comfort meals like Shepards Pie and Waffles.
Big Water Bottle
I already owned a bunch of water bottles but one of my first 2 am purchases postpartum was a HUGE water bottle so that I didn't have to refill it in the middle of the night. I have never in my life been as thirsty as I was the first few months of breastfeeding and I was going through a half gallon of water every night. After a few nights of running out of water at 3 am I ordered the biggest water bottle I could find on Amazon.
One-Handed Snacks
Stock up on easy-to-eat, healthy snacks but also treat yourself to your favourite snacks. It doesn't have to be all healthy, grab a few candies or chocolates that you love. You deserve it and you'll need the calories.
Warm Beverages
There are teas that are made specifically to help with postpartum recovery or lactation. Sip-able bone broth is great warm beverage to have on hand, it's warm and comforting and also provides easy protein boost.
Postpartum Essentials For the Mind
Books and Reading Accessories
You'll have a lot of down time during those first few weeks, so if you're a big reader set your self up for a good time. Get a kindle holder and a handheld page turner, or a reading light if you prefer physical books.
Movies and Series to Binge
Create a list of your comfort movies or series to binge. Get a case to prop up your ipad or tablet or some good headphones so you can watch Movies/TV while you are trapped for long hours breastfeeding or rocking a baby to sleep.
Journals for Postpartum
Having a baby and becoming a parent overnight is WILD. Taking the time to process your thoughts and spend some time reflecting on your experience is so important for your mental health. Keep a notebook or a Journal made for postpartum on your nightstand to create a safe space for your thoughts and feelings as you navigate postpartum.