12 Postpartum Must Haves -Things you Need After Giving Birth

Most books tell you everything you need to know about giving birth, but most don’t really cover Postpartum must haves. Those things that will make the day(s) after giving birth easier.  After 5 kids here’s my list of things you need after giving birth.

Postpartum Must haves

So you gave birth and have the room all set, diapers ready and clothing all washed for your little one to come home to. However, one big thing most new moms forget is themselves and the items they will need to survive the postpartum time period.  Ironically, when I had my first I prepared for everything leading up to the birth even the birth itself but never even thought about what would happen to my body after the fact, and especially didn’t think I would need stuff to help me get through those days. I was blessed enough that both hospitals I gave birth at gave me a few of the things I needed and some direction but quite honestly I just wasn’t prepared enough, nor stocked up for the rest of the days after the initial hospital stay.

So having had 4 kids and expecting number 5 this summer I thought I would put together a list to help those of you out wondering what exactly it is you’ll need those days. These were a must for me but every person is different and may have different birth outcomes and so some of these may not apply. Also because I have given birth vaginally to all 4 kids these apply to that kind of birth.

Things you need after giving birth

1. Maxi Pads

because guess what, you didn’t have your period for 9 months and you’re going to sure as heck make up for it now.For some reason this thought didn’t even cross my head. Apparently I must have missed a lesson during 9th grade Biology because I didn’t realize I would be having something very similar to my period for a few days after giving birth. If possible I suggest getting overnight pads because the gates will flow those days and last thing you want is an accident.

*I also had a few readers suggest depends which may be a pretty awesome suggestion as well 🙂

2.Stool Softener (Especially for Vaginal Birth)

because as inevitable as birth happens so will the first #2 and you don’t want to be caught with that and no stool softener in your system. Some hospitals will give it to you there but once you’re home you’re on your own so make sure and have some with you

3.Nipple cream if nursing.

I have nursed 4 children and they have all done some damage to the girls the first few days. So it’s important to have a good cream on hand to help with the pain. Breastfeeding is challenging enough doing it in pain is not fun at all! Earth Mama Angel Baby has a fantastic one that is lanolin free!

4. A good Water cup/bottle

You need to remember to keep drinking water. Most new moms become very dehydrated during this time. Especially those that are breastfeeding. And how are you supposed to make milk if you don’t have any water in your system?

5. A squirt bottle

Some hospitals will provide you with one but others wont. This is fantastic to help clean down there for the next few days until you feel better. I remember it being a life saver when I had a 3rd degree episiotomy done…ouch!

6.Witch Hazel Pads or Tucks (for vaginal birth)

This provided so much relief for the next few days after a vaginal birth. I would just layer it on top of the pad and use. It’s amazing what these little hacks will do to help with relief.

7.If you also do a Vaginal Birth you may want to check out the  Earth Mama Angel Baby® Postpartum Recovery Products. This is full of everything you will need for total relief after baby’s birth. safely and naturally addresses all the discomforts a new mama might be experiencing, like prenatal and postpartum hemorrhoids, episiotomy, cramping, postpartum vaginal swelling and bruising. Making Frozen maxi pads with postpartum bath Herbs is also a great suggestion to help sooth the tenderness down below.

8.A good nursing tank.

I am in love with my Target Brand Nursing tank by Gilligan & O‘Malley®..I have seriously used this since my first baby 9 years ago and pretty much still use them now during pregnancy with #5. You can get them for about 19.99 but well worth the price! They will give you the most bang for your buck out of all the nursing tanks I tired.

 

9.Belly Bandit or any post partum Belt

These are great to get things going back in place. I wish I would have started this from the get go on some of my pregnancies.  I noticed I was able to fit better into my clothing after using this. Remember your body will go back to some of its original shape but will definitely need some help getting there.

10. Comfy clothes that fit your 5-6 month preggy self. Like I said above your body will get back to its shape. However, it won’t happen overnight. You may also get some visitors ready to see your new little one. So make sure and have some of your 5-6 month pregnancy clothes on hand.

11.A support system- For many people the last thing you want is to see someone at your house. This is especially true when you don’t look as glorious as you would like and  probably feel like monkey poo. You will probably have tons of energy the first few days but then all of a sudden it will all hit you like a bag of bricks, especially when you’ve had a few nights where your little one’s sleeping patterns are as sporadic as a chipmunks walking habits. So make sure and get that needed help. This is not the time to prove what a super woman you are…believe me the time will come, this just isn’t. Accept the help and go with it.

Finally, You just did one of the most amazing fetes in human history and that is give birth. You made the impossible possible. So give yourself some slack and give yourself some room to recuperate emotionally(your hormones will be a mess) & physically (your body will be a mess). But this will all be well worth it when you are holding that precious little being in your arms. Enjoy this time because it goes too quickly! Congratulations!

Looking for some more tips? Check out my Tips for Newborns first 30 days.

Save