6 Must-Have Postpartum Items
As I sat in the hospital waiting to be discharged after my second son was born, I couldn’t help but feel so blessed for my little miracle and super excited for all my friends who are soon-to-be mommas, too!! I was trying to think of some advice to give and thought of a few things that made my life SO much better post partum and thought it was worth sharing if it could help you (or a momma you know), too!
So, here are some things that are SUPER awesome to have post delivery (for vaginal delivery, that is). I highly suggest that you check to see if your hospital provides them, or order them ahead of time and take them with, because why make it harder on yourself?!
#1: Dermoplast – This is a numbing spray for… ahem… down there, that helps with discomfort, itching when healing (yes, itching, ugh), etc. It’s sometimes most useful when you get home, but will help tremendously and make the healing process more bearable. Get it here!
#2: Tucks pads – These little guys are basically witch hazel soaked round pads that you put in your undies (on top of a gigantic pad) to help with discomfort and healing. You’ll find that it can be a bit shocking to the system because they’re pretty chilly at first (so is blasting down there with the dermoplast spray… sorry!), but trust me, it is worth it and the initial shock subsides quickly. Get them here!
#3: Nice perineal cold packs – Whether or not you had a tear, chances are you’re going to be pretty swollen and sore down there. Some hospitals have ice packs, but I’ve heard interesting stories about chunky ice inside rubber gloves (ummm, what?!). Not the most comfy… so, I decided not to chance it and brought my own. The ones I bought, rock – I gave some to a friend, used them for both my pregnancies and they’re even nice for a head bonk (ugh, boys). Get my favs here. OR, I also found some NEW gems that are ice AND maxi pad in one – check them out here – but it looks like they only come 8 to a pack vs 24 of the ones that I suggested above for only $10 more. So, up to you if you think they’re worth the double duty, but they don’t look quite as big and the hospital maxi pads usually catch everything (and more) so just swipe some extras for home!
#4 : Lightweight, comfy robe – You’re going to find that SO many people are going to be in your room with you and baby in the hospital (not just family members), AND you’re most likely going to be taking a few pictures. BUT, you might not feel up to getting dressed AND you need to leave easy access to your tummy (they’re come to push on it every once in a while – nice, right?) and boobs if you’re planning on breastfeeding, etc. So, I suggest a lightweight robe like this one. It’s a nice, comfy fabric, and it’s shorter so you can maneuver in bed without having to try and pull it from underneath you. Get it here!
There’s also some cute robe and baby outfit and hat sets like this one. More expensive, but totally cute, especially if you’re planning on getting those “fresh 48” photos done.
#5: Loose, comfy pajama pants – You might think that some cute yoga pants
are going to be your best bet, but I would suggest something even looser (especially in the crotchal region). You’re not going to want anything touching, rubbing, or otherwise squeezing really any areas for a while. I opted for some of my hubby’s super comfy pj pants and ended up keeping them forever! Men’s pants are longer/looser in the crotch so that’s helpful and these from Hugo Boss are SO soft, they’re going to be your new go-to pj pants for always! Get them here!
#6: Slide-on, Non-slip bottom shoes or slippers – Sure those one-size-fits-all nondescript grayish colored non-slip socks are super cute BUT I personally liked having something a little more comfortable, substantial, and that I could take off easily when I got in bed (because hospital germs, EW, and I don’t like hot feet). So, I got something that was easy and not too expensive, just in case. Get them here!
Other tips from this thrifty momma… take everything they let you! The pads they had in the hospital were WAY better than anything I could find in the store, so I would stuff 4-5 in my take home bag whenever I had a chance and then just ask the nurse to refill them when they got low. Same with those disposable underpants, baby’s diapers, wipes, basically anything that wasn’t nailed down. lol Just ask your nursing staff what you’re allowed to take home, because… ahem, you probably paid for it regardless!
Hope this helps! You got this, mama!!
**All information is based on personal experience and is not intended as medical, financial, or other advise that would otherwise replace the advice of a professional. Always consult with your doctor and/or hospital staff before using any products listed above**
— Photos property of amazon.com —