Postpartum or the period after giving birth is still generally challenging. Your body is now adjusting to the absence of the baby, your hormones are shifting once more, and of course, as you recover, you’ll be taking care of a newborn, too. This is why postpartum care kits are essential. What must-haves should moms prepare even before giving birth? Find out here.
Postpartum Care Must-Haves
The following items can support you in your way to recovery after giving birth to your precious baby:
1. Comfortable clothes and undergarments
The last thing you want when you’re recovering from the physical and mental stress of pregnancy, labor, and delivery, is to feel uncomfortable because of the clothes you’re wearing.
A few weeks before your due date, you might want to prepare a bunch of loose, breathable shirts, bottoms, or dresses. Those made of smooth, cotton fabrics are excellent.
Likewise, don’t forget to stock up on comfortable undergarments. Choose those that can comfortably hold your maternity pads and an ice pack.
2. Maternity pads and sanitary napkins
In the first few weeks of postpartum care, you’ll be having lochia or vaginal discharge after childbirth. Lochia consists of blood, uterine lining tissue, and other remnants of the uterus.
Initially, the flow would be heavy, so it’s best to prepare maternity pads. These are thicker and larger as they are made for heavy lochia. Eventually, the flow becomes lighter and ordinary pads for medium and light flow would suffice.
3. Gauze pads or multiple washcloths
After using the bathroom, it’s a good idea to wash the perineum and wipe it from front to back with a disposable gauze pad or clean washcloth. This is to reduce the risk of infection, and of course, promote comfort.
Since gauze pads can be quite expensive, consider stocking up on many clean washcloths.
4. Squirt bottle
A squirt bottle or peri bottle is likened to a portable bidet. You would fill it with warm water and gently squirt it to your perineum while trying to urinate or after. Warm water on the perineum doesn’t just promote comfort; it also helps in cleansing, reducing the risk of infection.
5. Ice packs
Our postpartum care must-haves include ice packs to relieve vaginal soreness or pain. You may place an ice pack on top of the maternity or sanitary pad, but be sure to add a layer of protection on your skin. The ice pack must not directly touch the skin of the perineum.
Mesh panties for postpartum often have a slot for an ice pack, so you might want to consider that.
6. Supportive bra and bra pads
After giving birth, your breast may feel engorged and tender. A good bra, which can support the engorged breast without being too tight, is a great undergarment to stock up on.
Also, our postpartum care kit should have breast pads for when your breast milk leaks unintentionally.
7. Healthy snacks
Before giving birth, plan your meals and snacks. A healthy diet supports fast recovery, so stock up on healthy snacks, foods, and drinks you can enjoy. Preparing foods based on the symptoms you might experience is also great. For instance, foods that give you an energy boost and prevent constipation are excellent choices.
8. Anything else that the doctor advises you to have
Finally, stock up on items that your doctor advises you to have. They might recommend pain relievers or numbing sprays for pain. Also, they might give you stool softeners to help with postpartum constipation.
Key Takeaways
For less stressed postpartum care, it’s best to have a postpartum kit. The list above may help you prepare, but of course, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for other necessary supplies.
Learn more about Postpartum Period here.
[embed-health-tool-ovulation]
