So you've packed your hospital bag, your baby bag, and organized your nursery. You are ready for the birth of your joy. Or do you think...
The excitement of meeting your new baby can be overwhelming at first, but suddenly you realize all the postpartum issues that all new moms experience. Deals with hormonal blues, postpartum hemorrhage, fatigue, perineal pain, and more.
At this stage, not only do you focus on caring for your newborn, but you also need to think about the care you will need in the weeks after birth. Be kind to yourself and focus on your health as much as you can during these few weeks so you can rest well.
New mothers experience such a wide range of postpartum symptoms that postpartum care kits are handy.
So what are the essentials for the ideal postpartum care kit? Here is a list of things you may need to recover after having a baby:
• Maternity pads: After giving birth, your uterus produces a lot of blood. This vaginal bleeding is like a very heavy period and can last up to 6 weeks. For this type of bleeding, a pad is recommended, so it's best to find a pad designed for maternal bleeding.
• Disposable underwear: These are useful during your hospital stay and at home after birth. It's not worth destroying your favorite underwear, so opting for disposable underwear is ideal.
• Painkillers: There will definitely be some discomfort after giving birth. If you had a cesarean or ruptured, the hospital may prescribe pain medication. For those minor scrapes, as well as the normal cramping and pain that accompanies swelling, etc., it pays to have painkillers on hand.
• Stool softeners: After childbirth, especially after a cesarean section, you may have difficulty having a bowel movement. If this is the case, a stool softener may be your best friend.
• Peri Bottle: This is a game-changing product, a postpartum perineal hygiene procedure that relieves discomfort, especially after a tear or episiotomy.
• Epsom salts: This is great for reducing swelling and itching. Put it in the bathroom.
• Lavender Oil: Add lavender oil with Epsom salts to soothe and help heal any cracks. Put something in the tub with Epsom salts.
• Hemorrhoid Cooling Pads: These soothing pads are infused with witch hazel to help soothe irritated areas after childbirth. This relieves burning and itching in the long run. You can apply or pat it on after going to the toilet and you will feel better in no time.
• Nursing bras and nursing pads: If your milk supply is low, you will need some nursing pads to prevent leakage. If you can find the ones that keep you dry and invisible, you'll feel comfortable wearing them. It is also important to buy a comfortable nursing bra.
• Nipple Cream: If your newborn needs to breastfeed 24/7, you'll love this cream. Just apply to your nipples after breastfeeding to keep them from cracking.
• Freezer Meals: Do this before you have your baby. Prepare meals that you can freeze, and you'll thank yourself when you're too tired to cook and think.
• Donut Pillow: This handy pillow is great when you're in pain after a vaginal delivery. Often, sitting on the couch isn't soft enough, and if you're feeling soft, opting for a donut pillow can make it even softer.
• Perineal Cooling Pads: Wearing a cooling pad after a vaginal delivery can really help relieve any discomfort you may be feeling. For bleeding and everything else, these disposable pads can come in handy.
Hospitals usually provide some of these items after delivery, but don't rely on them. It's better to be ready than to be less ready, and anything you don't use can be donated later to a friend or family member who may be pregnant.
