We as parents spend most of our time preparing for our babies arrival.
The nursery is painted, decorated and organized. The hospital bags are prepared. You build up a diaper stock in your closet and the list just goes on and on…
We anxiously await our baby especially the last few weeks of pregnancy and we grow more impatient day by day.
But most mother’s forget that there are also lots of changes going on in their own bodies. If you haven’t checked out my blog about what to expect from postpartum, please have a read here.
Some must-haves for your postpartum recovery are listed here:
- A postpartum plan
Organize a plan including different topics such as Infant Care/Feeding/Sleep, Chores, Visitors and Resources can help you make it smoothly through the postpartum period. Have a chat with your spouse and ensure you have the same expectations. Remember it’s just a plan and things can change. I have a great template if you are interested!
- Be prepared for the unexpected
You may write your perfect postpartum plan, but with so many things happening in life we should always we prepared for the unexpected or that things won’t go our way and that is okay! Try to be a little flexible and tackle one day at a time 🙂
(Reusable) Breast Pads
Your breast may leak once the milk is coming in (for some women even before giving birth) and as you are breastfeeding. Having Pads on hand will help you feel comfortable and not leak on your clothes.
- Mesh/ high-waisted comfortable underwear
As you are still bleeding after childbirth you want to have underwear that can stain and keeps you comfortable. Some women even swear by adult diapers – Do what makes you feel comfortable!
- Heavy Maxi Pads
Like I just mentioned you will be bleeding after birth for approx. 3-6 weeks, at first heavily but with time will lessen.
Peri Bottle
A peri bottle is a smaller squeeze bottle which you usually receive in hospitals after birth. Using warm water can bring you extra comfort and help you clean your vulva and perineum.
- Padsicles
Speaking of extra comfort your vulva and perineum area may be bruised and swollen so padsicles can give you extra relief.
- Water bottle
I keep mentioning it in all my blog posts, but staying hydrated is SO incredibly important. So keep a water bottle or reusable cup with straw around at all times, especially before sitting down to nurse your little one.
- Herbal Teas and Bath’s
They can help you relax and soothe your body, I would suggest you to see a herbalist to choose the right herbs for your recovery!
- Comfortable loose fitting clothes
Now is the time you want to feel and be comfortable!
- Belly Wrap
Your body is healing and returning to pre-pregnancy state. Belly binding can help in reducing your uterus to pre-pregnancy size, helps push the bones, ligaments and muscles back into place and even helps with the back pain that may be associated from pregnancy and nursing! I offer the bengkung belly bind, which feels like a comforting hug in all the right places, check out more here.
- A postpartum Doula
Becoming a parent is a huge transition and change in a person’s life. A doula can help you adjust make things easier on you and your entire family!
Do you want to know more tips or want to know about my Postpartum Care Baskets? Send me a message!
Lots of love from your Doula, Denise
