If you're anything like me, you're probably eagerly awaiting the arrival of your little one.
But even if you've been through this before, there are a few postpartum essentials that you may not know about!
This list will help make sure that your first few weeks after giving birth go smoothly.
From essentials for nursing to taking care of yourself, read on for must-haves for new moms!I
Padsicles - a great way to heal and soothe your lady bits after delivery!
After giving birth, many women are surprised to find that they are sore in places they never realized were possible. Fortunately, there is a simple solution that can help to soothe these sore muscles: padsicles. Padsicles are simply sanitary pads that have been soaked in witch hazel and aloe vera gel, then frozen. The witch hazel helps to reduce inflammation, while the aloe vera gel provides relief from pain and itching. To use, simply remove one from the freezer and apply it to the area for 10-15 minutes. Padsicles can be stored in the freezer for up to six months, making them a great way to prepare for postpartum recovery.
Nipple cream
After you've given birth, your nipples will go through a lot of changes. Not only are they engorged with milk, but they may also be cracked, dry, or sore. To help soothe your nipples and promote healing, consider using a nipple cream. Nipple creams are typically made with ingredients like lanolin, which helps to create a barrier between your skin and your environment. This can protect your nipples from further irritation and help them to heal more quickly. Additionally, nipple creams can provide much-needed moisture to dry, cracked skin. Look for a product that is safe for use during breastfeeding and that does not need to be washed off before feeding your baby.
Breast pads
After the baby is born, your body will start to produce breast milk so it is important (whether or not you choose to breastfeed) for mothers to wear breast pads.
Breast pads help to absorb any excess milk that leaks from the breasts.
They also protect the breasts from chafing and help to keep clothing clean and dry!
Postpartum underwear - get something that will support your healing post-birth!
Your cute underwear from Victoria’s Secret will need to wait a few months :)
You'll want to make sure that the underwear is comfortable! You'll likely be dealing with some pain and discomfort, so you'll want to choose something that won't make things worse.
Also, ditch the low rise underwear and bring on the granny panties (especially if you had a c-section)!
Choose underwear that is easy to care for. You'll likely be dealing with a lot of laundry already, so you'll want to choose something that can be washed easily.
The biggest pads you can find and mattress protector
One thing I wasn’t fully prepared for after giving birth was essentially being on my period for 6 weeks.
For this reason, definitely stock up on big, overnight pads so you (hopefully) don’t bleed through your underwear!
Also, now might be the time to invest in a mattress cover because those first few days postpartum you’ll be spending a lot of time in bed recovering.
Multiple kinds of pacifiers
This one is for the baby, but it’s worth mentioning now so hopefully you’re not running to the store as often!
Though you may not have thought about it, one essential item you will need for your baby is a pacifier (even if you’re breastfeeding).
Pacifiers come in many different colors, sizes, and shapes, but they serve the same purpose: to calm and soothe your baby.
While you may be tempted to choose the pacifier that is the most aesthetically pleasing, it is important to select one that is the right size and shape for your baby's mouth.
With so many choices available, you may be wondering why you need more than one type of pacifier. The truth is that every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. By having multiple types of pacifiers available, you can figure out which one calms and soothes your baby the best.
Once you find one your baby likes, you will want to have multiple pacifiers on hand in case one gets lost or dirty. Newborns tend to go through a lot of pacifiers, so it is helpful to have extras on hand.
Congrats again on the new baby and I hope that you found these postpartum essentials helpful!!