As a second time mom, I have narrowed down my postpartum essentials. These are my most used and appreciated items for mom during those first two weeks of healing. This list includes what you need to heal, nurse, and get comfortable so you can just enjoy that newborn bubble.
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Postpartum is Hard
The movies never show just exactly how hard postpartum is on a new mom. I had no idea that I would bleed for weeks, have killer postpartum contractions, or avoid sitting on hard surfaces until I healed. I also underestimated the emotional roller coaster that your hormones take you on as they regulate again.
Thank goodness Dr. Poppy coached me on the warning signs for postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety before I delivered my first boy. She gave me a list of things that were red flags and told me that any of them would warrant a visit to her office. One of those things was not trusting anybody with the baby except for me. When my sleep deprived self was unable to nap while my mom held the baby in the next room, I knew it was time to get help. A little progesterone and I was back to feeling like myself. No more crying for no reason. No more rushed showers because the baby might need me. It made a world of difference. So while this list of postpartum essentials is great, don’t forget that you need a support system of friends, family, and medical professionals too.
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Postpartum Essentials for Healing
Epsom Salt
Put a few inches of water in the tub with some epsom salt to make a sitz bath. This will help you heal after a vaginal delivery especially if you tore. Doing this once a day will also help keep things clean down there. I did not do this after my first delivery, but it was the most helpful thing I did after my second.
Ice Pack Pads
The ice pack pads are an absolute must for anybody planning a vaginal delivery. An absolute postpartum essential if you have any tearing. I used them sparingly the first time and liberally the second time. Just trust me and buy 2 boxes. You can always return them if you don’t open the box.
Witch Hazel Foam
The foaming perineal spray was my bestie for a couple of weeks. It really helps to soothe the area. I tore with both of my boys, so things were tender and irritated. If you struggle with hemorrhoids during pregnancy or postpartum, this should help back there too.
Witch Hazel Pads
Everybody swears by Tuck’s and I have to say that they do feel nice. The trick is to layer everything into an adult diaper like you’re making a sub sandwich. The ice pack is like bread. Layer in Tuck’s pads like you would the deli meat. Then generously add witch hazel foam like the mayo. Tada! A postpartum sandwich.
Postpartum Essentials for Breastfeeding
Silverettes
Both of my boys had tongue and lip ties, so nursing caused a lot of pain in those early weeks. Silverettes were the only thing that saved me long enough to get them revised. They are cool and they keep anything from touching your already sore nipples. They are pricey, but totally worth it and can be used for subsequent babies.
Nipple Cream
Nobody wants cracked or bleeding nipples. At home, I keep a tub of Earth Mama nipple cream handy. For on the go, I prefer the Earthly one because it comes in a chapstick type tube. Both brands are safe for babies to ingest, so there’s no need to wipe them off before nursing.
Nursing Pads
With my first boy, I did not struggle with let down like I did with my second. I have both reusable cotton nursing pads and disposables. Reusables are great for at home when I can change them out as needed, but disposable are better for travel or the diaper bag.
Nursing Bras
A good bra can make all the difference. Nobody warned me that you have to wear one 24/7 until your milk regulates. That or you will wake up in wet PJs. For daytime, I like the Auden brand from Target. For night, I honestly hate them all. I use some cotton pull aside ones, but I still think wearing a bra at night is terrible.
Egg Light
Babies wake up a lot at night and you never want to turn on bright lights and lamps because you want both of you to be able to get back to sleep. A dimmable and portable night light should be on the postpartum essentials list for all new moms. I love my egg light. It lasts all night and gives off just enough light for me to nurse and change a diaper.
Breastfeeding Friendly Shirts
I know plenty of women would argue with me on this one, but hear me out. I live in breastfeeding specific shirts until the baby is weaned. I’m able to nurse without exposing any skin to onlookers. In fact, many times my family has asked to hold the baby because they didn’t even realize I was nursing. Anything with buttons or a loose neckline would also work, I just don’t like my entire chest to be exposed.
Postpartum Essentials for Comfort
After Ease
This tincture helps to ease those postpartum contractions. Did you know they typically get worse with every baby? I take this along with Advil to help ease the pain in the early days.
Advil
As soon as those postpartum contractions hit after my second baby, I demanded Advil. I believe my exact words were, “I just delivered a 9 pound baby unmedicated at home. Give me some Advil!” This was before the midwife even had time to sew me up. No matter the method of delivery or how crunchy you are, go ahead and have some on hand.
Heating Pad
Once again, for the postpartum contractions. I spent all day and night with a heating pad on low on my belly. When it was time to nurse I’d turn it up.
Adult Diapers
Don’t bother with the fancy postpartum underwear. Grab a package of adult diapers and leave your dignity at the door. You and the baby will match in your diapers.
Donut Pillow
If you tear during delivery, a donut pillow will make sitting down much more comfortable in that first week or two. I did not have one the first time and ended up pulling a stitch trying to sit down. The second time around I was prepared.
Bottle Warmer
My best friend laughed when I told her that I was getting a bottle warmer the second time around. But not for the baby, for me. I kept my peri bottle in one that would keep it warm for 2 hours. It was the best comfort investment I made.
The site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Revive EO Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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