In your last trimester of pregnancy, there’s so much to think about that a postpartum care kit might be the last thing on your mind. But once baby comes, you’ll definitely want to have some postpartum essentials on hand! Stock up on these items and keep them in one place for easy access.
What If I have a C-Section? Postpartum Care Kit Essentials for C-Sections
If you have a c-section instead of a vaginal delivery, most of the items on this list will still apply. Depending on how your labor and delivery goes, your recovery process can still look similar to a vaginal delivery.
Every Mom Has a Different Recovery Process
Since no two labor and delivery processes are ever the same, every mom also has a different recovery process. At the hospital, they’ll walk you through any critical steps to take care of yourself once you get home.
Whoa. This Feels Overwhelming.
If thinking about the postpartum process or all the items on this list is overwhelming, know that your hospital or birth center will also talk you through what will be best for your recovery process.
Some hospitals also supply many items on this list (like pads, underwear, and numbing cream), and you can ask them what’s standard. Usually they don’t supply enough for your full recovery, so it’s also a good idea to have some of your own.
The Ultimate Postpartum Care Kit
The items in this list are meant to help, support, and give as much comfort as possible in your postpartum recovery. They’re the products that other moms swear by, and that will give you some relief when you need it most.
1. Tucks Cooling Pads
These cooling pads use witch hazel to provide relief from pain, itching, and burning. They’re helpful to have on hand when you need some soothing. Before I gave birth, this was the #1 product other moms told me to have ready when I got home!
2. Maxi Pads
The hospital will give you some maxi pads, but you’ll also want some for when you get home. These are a must-have, and I’d recommend getting a couple packs.
3. Granny Panties
Trust me, these are not cute but they’re a postpartum lifesaver. You’ll want underwear that you can be comfortable in and that won’t dig into your stomach. Any large, high-waisted and comfy granny panties will do!
4. Padscicles
‘Padscicles’ get their name from pad + popsicles. Technically these are ‘Perineal Cold Packs’ and they are similar to a maxi pad that’s soothingly cold. These are great for moments when you need some extra relief down below, especially in your first days postpartum. You can also DIY your own using aloe vera, with hazel and a maxi pad: here’s how.
5. Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle
A peri bottle is a gentle way to clean when you use the bathroom. There’s plenty on the market, but this one has a handy upside-down design that makes it easy to use. Whether you get this one or another, this is definitely an item you’ll be glad you have postpartum.
6. Perineal Spray
A soothing mist that you can spray after you use the bathroom. It’s made of herbs traditionally used in postpartum relief and moms swear by it! It has 3,000+ reviews and 4.5 stars on Amazon:
7. Breast Therapy Packs
If you’re planning to breastfeed, grab some of these hot & cold breast therapy packs. The ‘Original’ pack comes with 2 and they’re able to give you hot or cold relief, which both help with different common breastfeeding challenges.
I didn’t know about these for my first baby but they are the #1 thing I WISH I would have gotten. A little soothing action goes a long way when it comes to breastfeeding!
8. Organic Nipple Balm
This silky smooth nipple balm is for ifs your nipple start to feel tender or cracked during breastfeeding. I love that this one is made from organic, hypoallergenic ingredients so that you don’t have to wipe it off before breastfeeding! Coconut oil (organic, virgin) is also a great alternative to use as a nipple balm.
10. Comfy Robe
A comfortable robe is a must-have for your first days (and weeks) postpartum. It makes putting on pants optional and gives you easy-access if you’re breastfeeding 🙂
11. Nursing Bra for Sleeping
A comfortable nursing bra for sleeping is also an essential part of your postpartum care kit if breastfeeding because you’ll want to wear a bra (or could also wear a cami) that will allow you to slip in some breast pads). This nursing bra is super comfortable, soft, and easy to pull on or up.
13. Large Water Bottle
To help stay hydrated, add a large water bottle (preferably with a straw so you don’t have to move around as much to use it) to your postpartum care kit. Some hospitals will also send you home with the one that they provide.
Tips for Putting Together Your Postpartum Care Kit
Once you’ve stocked up on these essentials, keep them in an easy-to-access place. When it’s time to use these, you won’t want to be going through your house to find them. I’d recommend keeping a basket of bathroom essentials next to the toilet and any nursing-related essentials in a basket next to where you plan to nurse.
You’ve got this, mama!
Some of the items on this list aren’t the most…fun…to shop for (it’s hard to get excited about padscicles and perineal spray) BUT they can give you some crucial relief when you need it most. These are products that lots of mamas love and use, and you won’t be alone as you try them out during the normal and messy process that is postpartum.
For more articles like this, check out our Motherhood series.
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