After having 3 babies in under 3 years, I have become quite familiar with what to expect in the postpartum recovery and what works best for me. Everyone will have slightly different needs depending on recovery, but here is what I recommend based off my personal experience!
1. Witch Hazel Pads
After giving birth there will be some swelling in your downstairs area. It is totally normal and will go down with time. Going pee may hurt and sting at first. Witch hazel pads were a life-saver! These pads are so so so soothing! This are great for placing on top of your pad/disposable underwear each time you go to the bathroom. The hospital may have some for you, but I always bought extra for my stash at home
2. Disposable Underwear
Your hospital will provide you with JUMBO pads after your give birth. These can feel really awkward and uncomfortable. I always preferred to place a medium/large size pad into a pair of disposable underwear. I felt a lot for comfortable!
3. Comfy loungewear
If there was ever a time in your life when you want to have comfortable clothes, it’s postpartum! A good set of PJs/loungewear are a must! For long-sleeve weather, this set is great. And for warmer weather, I recommend something like this set pictured below.
4. Biker Shorts
Biker shorts are my favorite for pregnancy and postpartum. They are perfect alone with an oversized tee and also under dresses to prevent chaffing. In the early days and weeks postpartum your belly will be sticking out a bit because your uterus takes 6 weeks to fully return to normal size. Biker shorts will be comfy and roomy.
5. Yeti Mug
It’s sort of a right of passage into the motherhood to chronically be drinking luke-warm coffee. Gone are the days of drinking a fresh, hot cup of coffee in a single sitting. HOWEVER, a good thermal mug is the next best thing! These Yeti Ramblers keep beverages hot for HOURS.
6. Lanolin nipple cream
Lanolin Cream worked the best for me while healing my cracked, bleeding nipples. It locks in moisture to keep your skin from getting anymore chapped. A benefit is that you can put it on and nurse baby without washing it off! I always put some cream after every nursing session in the early days. Don’t wait for your nipples to get really bad before applying! Get ahead of the game and keep your nipples moisturized. I also use Earth Mama’s when my nipples aren’t it such bad shape.
7. Nipple Covers
Even with all of the nipples creams in the world, we can still get nipple damage in the first few days and weeks of breastfeeding as our body and our baby is adjusting to breastfeeding. Lactation consultants and several women I know who struggled with cracked nipples SWEAR by these Silverettes nipple covers. They allow the nipples to heal by shielding them from friction and soothing them.
8. Hydrocortisone Suppositories
A potentially unpleasant postpartum symptom is hemorrhoids… The only thing that really helped my internal hemorrhoids was hydrocortisone suppositories. It’s not something everyone experiences, but many women get from using their muscles during the pushing phase of labor.
9. Compression stockings or leggings
Some women, including myself, experience swelling in the legs and ankles in the days after giving birth. I found compression stockings and leggings to be very helpful in keeping the fluid from sitting in my ankles. Plus the compression leggings help hold your belly in a bit!
10. Postnatal Vitamins
Pregnancy and birth takes a huge toll on our bodies, and postpartum is such an important time to make sure we’re staying replenished. I highly recommend taking a postnatal vitamin to make sure you’re getting essential nutrients. I love the products from Pink Stork because they are doctor-formulated and women-owned! These vitamins will benefit both you and your baby is you are intending to breastfeed.
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