Postpartum Essentials for Mom
Labor is not the only brutal part of delivery. Postpartum recovery has the same measure of difficulty. Having to deal with pain for over a month and being sleep deprived are all parts of postpartum recovery. You can make your life a little bit easier by stocking up on the essentials for postpartum recovery. Some things may not sound like essentials but they are and I regretted not buying them. These include:
1. A donut cushion
The ride home from the hospital or sitting on a couch is going to be painful. This is why you need a donut cushion especially if you have had a bad tear. This clever pillow is incredibly handy after baby is born and will help to relieve any pain or discomfort in the first few days after the birth. For example, you can use the cushion with you when you are in a car because of bumps.
2. Postpartum disposable underwear
I got the mesh undies and a pad. I thought these would work for me. The problem with mesh undies is that they can leak and you have to keep changing your pad which can be scary at first. The best alternative is to get disposable underwear. No more worries of leakage or changing your pad because you will be fully covered.
3. Compression socks
Your swelling won’t go away just because you have delivered. Swelling will still continue post-partum. It is important to get compression socks which will prevent blood clots especially if you are not able to move about after delivery.
4. Postpartum bath soak
A bath soak especially the sitz bath soak contains herbs, essential oils and other natural ingredients that will help relieve discomfort and pain in the perineal area. In addition, it also helps with hygiene, ridding you of any irritation or itching caused by the stitches. It will speed up your healing process.
5. Nipple cream
If you are breastfeeding your baby, you are going to need nipple cream at hand. The first few days or weeks of breastfeeding can make your nipples very painful. Use natural cream that is free from alcohol, petroleum, anesthetics or parabens.
6. Sleep bra
When your breasts start filling up with breast milk, sleeping can become very uncomfortable. Ordinary breastfeeding bras will not cut it. You need to get yourself a sleep bra that will keep you comfortable and prevent leakage.
7. Painkillers
Don’t underestimate the pain you are going to feel after delivery. You must have a couple of painkillers at hand. Your doctor may not prescribe them to you so be prepared beforehand. If you breastfeed, make sure to use painkillers that are safe for your baby.
8. Pregnancy vitamins
Sometimes you will find yourself too busy or tired to cook. Just to make sure you are getting your nutritional requirements, get yourself prenatal vitamins that will help your body recover.
9. Postpartum Peri Bottle
Your genital area is going to need extra care after delivery. You’ll need postpartum peri bottle to clean yourself after your toilet business and some soft tissue to dry. Don’t use anything rough because friction will be very uncomfortable.
10. Omega-3 fish oil supplement
Aside from your vitamins, fish oil makes a huge difference. It has anti-inflammatory properties that will help with stiffness and joint pain.
Postpartum recovery is a painful process but you can make your life easier by not ignoring these essential products.
Related:
HOW LONG IS THE POSTPARTUM RECOVERY PERIOD?
POSTPARTUM BLEEDING: HOW LONG DO YOU BLEED AFTER YOU HAVE A BABY?
POSTPARTUM BELLY: HOW LONG BEFORE MY BELLY IS NORMAL AGAIN?
