Postpartum is no joke y’all. Did you know postpartum (aka the fourth trimester) refers to the first six weeks following birth? Although it feels as if it goes way beyond that. I think the postpartum period is pregnancy’s dirty little secret. Why don’t more people talk about it?
Between changing diapers, feedings every 2-3 hours, and bouts of interrupted sleep, it is so important to remember to take care of yourself. Navigating parenthood can take a toll on you—emotionally, mentally, and physically. As a new mom, I am learning real-time along the way and TRYING to give myself grace. The first months are simply survival mode.
In the past few weeks, I’ve made more Amazon purchases on the whim than I ever have in my lifetime. I guess nothing beats a motivated shopper than a first time desperate mother seeking quick solutions. That being said, here’s a round up of my must-have postpartum essentials in hopes that this will make one mom’s life s tad bit easier. Please know this list is not all-encompassing for every single person‘s postpartum experience, but covers everything that has been useful to me.
1 // Pads
The hospital will send you home with some thick cushy pads but you’ll need a lot more. Make sure you’re equipped with pads ahead of time. You’ll be going through these while you ride out your lochia. Also, here is a quick recipe from Mama Natural on how to make padiscles.
2 // Robe
Currently living in a robe these days with a few on rotation. This is an item I wouldn’t hesitate on splurging. Or get yourself a nice nap dress from Dwell & Slumber.
3 // Peri Bottle
You’ll be using this religiously with each bathroom visit so might as well upgrade to the Frida one since it has a longer, more angled spout (versus the one sent home from the hospital). You can also fill the bottle with an herbal sitz bath solution to speed healing.
4 // Dermoplast
This numbing spray helps soothe any irritation or pain down there. I’ve also heard some women use this to spray on their cracked nipples if breastfeeding. Make sure you get the blue-cap bottle, not the red one which is for first aid use.
5 // Water Bottle
Moms who are less hydrated suffer lower milk supply, and that’s the last thing you want as you’re trying to get your milk coming (if you are breastfeeding). Get yourself a Hydroflask or this 64-oz. water bottle. You think you’ll have the energy to be filling your water jug up frequently, but that’s the last thing you’ll want to be doing. Save yourself the effort and get this.
6 // Silverettes
These nursing cups are a godsend for healing cracked, sore nipples. The healing properties of 925 silver help soothe and protect your nipples while nursing, and they are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Just add a drop of breastmilk and wear it in your nursing bra with some nursing pads. Trust me, this is the best solution I’ve come across. Way better than any nipple cream and worth every penny!
7 // Stool Softener
Don’t get cocky with this. Take this for the first 2-3 weeks, even if you don’t think you need it. Also make sure you’re getting enough fiber in your diet so things are passing through smoothly.
8 // Nursing Pillow
I’ve found this one by My Brest Frend to be the most comfortable, although not the prettiest. You wear this around your waist and buckle it so it is snug and stays secure while breastfeeding. The boppy, on the other hand, can easily slip forward so I wasn’t a fan. I also got the stool to elevate my feet. This has helped me maintain a better posture.
9 // Baby Carrier or Wrap
I like the Baby Bjorn Mini carrier which can be used from day 1. If you’re looking for something bougey, check out Artipoppe.
10 // Postnatal Vitamins
Continue to take your prenatals if you don’t have postnatal-specific vitamins. I’m hooked on Ritual. They recently launched a postnatal line so that’s what I’m currently taking.
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