The postpartum period of childbirth is hardly talked about. People focus so much more on the pregnancy and labor struggles without emphasizing that more still happens to you both physically and mentally after birthing a child.
You may not believe how much you might need after the baby arrives. Now some of the things I mention might be given to you at the hospital. Ask for more before you leave that is a big help!
Now, most of these items are for Vaginal birth deliveries as mine was. Just for context I labored for a little under 24 hours, pushed for like one hour (I think, it was all so fast at the end), had a second-degree tear, and an 8lb baby boy for my first birth (unmedicated).
These are the items I found the most useful. I have provided affiliate links which would give me a small commission if you use them at no cost to you but you don’t need to get the exact item I mention although I would appreciate it!
Water bottle
You need to be hydrated more than ever in your life! Especially if you breastfeed but if you don’t you’ll still be facing sleep deprivation and might slip in taking care of yourself. Make sure to have this be a good sturdy one that is being refilled constantly. I love mine that I recently got but the hospital had given me one I used for a few months.
Pain medication
Now if you got a tear you’ll definitely want this but I think it would help with the contractions (yep! Your uterus has to contract to its original size and it’s not pleasant!) and with C-section deliveries. Please note to check with your doctor about this. I was skeptical to take it while breastfeeding but some days were too hard.
Pads (maxi-size)
Trust me you will want a maxi size. There will be blood. You’ll think something’s wrong why is there blood? It’s okay. Make sure you go to your follow-up appointments and mention your concerns. But for the first few days, you will need pads and lots of them. I went through so many and it was gross and I peed myself and it’s a whole journey in recovery let me tell you. Sometimes going to the bathroom and not needing a pad is weird getting used to. Get some pads for the bleeding you do not want to ruin your underwear.
Peri bottle
The hospital might give you one but if not buy one. I bought mine from Fridamom. The angle of the nozzle is great and it provided comfort knowing I couldn’t wipe but flush clean.
Hair bands
I wish I thought about this one at the hospital but you might get the sweats or you’ll need protection from your baby pulling your hair. I have not worn my hair down as much anymore because one: I shed and two: I do not want to suffer the pulling of my hair all day. So I advise you use hair bands and headbands unless you want a haircut (which I desperately want).
Postnatal Vitamins
So important! Your body needs a lot of nutrients for energy and to use for your baby. Whether you eat well or not these are a must.
Incontinence underwear
I didn’t know I’d have to wear diapers so soon in my life but here we are. I peed myself and bleed for a while. It was so weird how used to not wearing my own underwear I was. You’ll need these if and when the ones from the hospital run out. I can’t remember how long I wore these but it was a while. They are good to not stain your own underwear and comfortable too. Trust me you’ll want them as a good cushion and to hold all of the medicated tuck pads and such in.
Witch hazel (tuck) pads
These are placed on the pad for cooling relief. For me, these worked and I placed three of them spread out in the center of my pad or underwear. I had to replace them often as my pain did come back. I highly recommend these if you don’t want to use a spray down there.
Stool softener
Look, it’s scary. But it’s inevitable that you will need to poop after birthing. It’ll be a difficult, painful, and anxiety-ridden process. Stool softener helped. Even though after that first poop you think you’re fine, there might be some random Wednesday night that you gotta go and suddenly it’s a not-so-fun time anymore. Have some on hand trust me.
Robe
You will not want to get dressed. I know I didn’t. I wished I live in my own place so I didn’t have to care what I wore or at the very least have a nice comfortable robe to be in all day every day. Get a soft durable one. Maybe two so while one is washing the other is there for use.
Slippers
You will want to be in maximum comfort mode. This means socks and loose fitting clothes and comfortable slippers. The floor might get overwhelmingly cold so yes slippers.
Snacks
You have to keep your energy up. And sometimes you don’t get a chance of a full meal. So brace yourself you’ll need snacks. Bonus points if they are Healthy!
I had a lot of bananas, toast, granola bars, and even tried the lactation cookie bites.
