16 Must Have Postpartum Care Items
Moms, please take the time to make sure you have what you need to be as comfortable as possible after giving birth. Self-care is so important for you. Ensuring you receive the best care will help you be an even more amazing mother.
Happy moms=happy babies!
We spend so much time preparing for the arrival of a baby that we forget moms have postpartum needs as well. Over the years of offering postpartum doula services in the Cleveland and Akron areas, we have compiled a list of the 16 must-have postpartum care items we find most helpful to our clients.
Great Perineum Spray & Nursing Balm
Postpartum Healing Pads- These are very soothing if you are swollen or sore after giving birth. Mix witch hazel and a small dollop of pure aloe vera gel in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray on the maxi pad, store in a Ziploc bag or aluminum foil, and store in the freezer. Use as needed. You may also find relief from just using the witch hazel.
Heavy Maxi-Pads or Depends on briefs/inserts- You will have bleeding for up to 6 weeks after giving birth, whether vaginally or by cesarean.
Granny Panties- You may want to invest in a package of larger cotton briefs. You will be wearing heavy-duty maxi-pads for a few weeks and might find these larger panties more comfortable and not as concerned with possible staining.
Intimate Wipes and Peri-Bottle- Intimate wipes leave you feeling clean and fresh after a bowel movement and won’t irritate your delicate bottom. They are usually found in the toilet paper aisle. The hospitable and/or midwife may give you a peri-bottle to help gently clean after using the bathroom. You can also buy a spray bottle for the same use.
Nursing Pads-Milk leaking is expected, especially in the early days and weeks. These may be bought in disposable or reusable versions.
Mother’s Milk Tea- This tea is delicious and can also help boost the milk supply. You will need 4+ cups daily for the boost, but that is easy to do if you make a cup before each breastfeeding session! Traditional Medicinals Mother’s Milk and Yogi Women’s Nursing Support Tea are the most readily available brands.
Earth Angel Postpartum Bath Herbs & Earth Angel Nipple Cream - This can be purchased at Target for sure….. It might be available at Walgreens.
Peri-bottle (hospital should send you home with one)
Intimate Wipes for those “not so fresh” moments
2-3 good nursing bras
Other goodies:
Snacks- It is lovely to have healthy and tasty snacks. Think trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, and anything you like.
Water Bottle or cup- Hydration is very important! Many nursing mothers are immediately thirsty when they sit down to nurse. It’s helpful to have a cup filled with cold water available anywhere you sit to nurse. Choose a cup or bottle with a straw so you can nurse and drink at the same time.
Journal- You may be reflecting a lot during this time. A journal can be a great place to keep track of thoughts, baby’s milestones to baby’s sleep, diaper changes and/or nursing times.
Book-Nursing or pumping for a newborn can be very time consuming. This is your chance to catch up on some reading.
Small Basket with handle- A little portable nursing station! It is great to put all of your supplies such as nipple cream, snacks, water bottle, journal, book, burp clothes, a few diapers, etc.) into a small basket that you can have wherever you are nursing.
We hope you found this list helpful in your postpartum planning! Nurtured Foundation Doula & Newborn Care Services offers private, virtual Postpartum Planning if you would like additional information on how to plan for the postpartum. More information can be found here.
