Postpartum Essentials: All You Need to Know for Your Recovery!

As the trimesters go by and your due date nears, you’ll start preparing everything for when your new baby is born, from setting up the hospital bag to decorating your nursery. However, postpartum care is often overlooked when making these preparations.

Continue reading to learn everything you need to have a smooth postpartum journey!

After giving birth, whether it was a vaginal delivery or a C-section, your body undergoes changes to return to its pre-pregnancy state. These are some postpartum recovery kit essentials to ease this transition:

After childbirth, it’s normal for women to experience lochia , a type of vaginal bleeding that can last up to six weeks. Postpartum pads are designed to handle heavy flow, as they are larger, have greater absorbency and offer better protection than regular pads, and are more comfortable than tampons.

A sitz bath is a small tub that fits over your toilet seat and allows you to soak your perineum with warm water . This can be incredibly soothing and aid in the healing of tears or hemorrhoids following vaginal birth. The warm water increases blood flow to the area, which promotes healing and provides pain relief.

A peri bottle is a squirt bottle that provides a gentle and effective way to keep theperineal areaclean post-birth, especially when wiping might be painful or difficult. This bottle needs to be filled with warm water, and its nozzle provides a soft stream that you can use to rinse yourself after using the restroom.

Swelling and pain in the perineum can be managed with cold packs or cooling pads, which provide immediate relief and reduce inflammation. On the other hand, heating pads can relax the muscles of the pelvic floor and soothe pain from uterine contractions or hemorrhoids. You can also use witch hazel pads to soothe your hemorrhoids, since witch hazel is a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory properties.

You can substitute them with warm water bottles and ice packs if you don’t have pads. Remember to always wrap them in a washable cloth to protect your skin from extreme temperatures.

If you had a C-section, your needs during the postpartum period may be a bit different than those of women who’ve had a vaginal birth. Some postpartum products you should keep in hand are:

A postpartum girdle is a type of supportive undies that encircle your abdomen to provide support as your muscles recover from the C-section. It can help reduce pain, support your lower back, and could even help your abdomen return to its pre-pregnancy shape more quickly.

If you have pain, over-the-counter options like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help. You can even get some pain relieving perineal sprays. However, it’s essential to consult with your doctor about the right medication and dosage for you, especially if you’re breastfeeding.

After a C-section, it’s common to experience constipation due to the pain medication and reduced mobility. A stool softener can help ease bowel movements without straining, which is especially important to avoid putting pressure on your incision.

For new moms, it’s very important to remain comfortable while they care for their babies and recover from the pregnancy and birth. Here’s everything you need to remain comfortable during the postpartum period:

A glider is more than just a chair; it’s a sanctuary for countless precious moments with your new baby. The smooth back-and-forth gliding motion isn’t only soothing for babies, but also relaxing for mothers. At Nurture& , we have the best and most stylish gliders to provide your baby with a sense of security and comfort.

An ottoman complements the glider by providing a place to rest your feet, which can be especially relieving if you’re experiencing postpartum swelling. It’s also a handy piece of furniture that can serve as an extra seat when you have visitors and it can help you get some extra storage.

In the first weeks of motherhood, a baby monitor is your eyes and ears when you’re not in the nursery. It allows you to hear when your baby wakes up or needs you, giving you peace of mind.

A wrap carrier keeps your baby close to your heartbeat, body warmth, and familiar scent, which can be incredibly comforting for them. It also distributes your baby’s weight across your back and shoulders, reducing strain and allowing for hands-free movement.

Once you have your baby, you may feel the need to get rid of your maternity clothes as soon as possible, but you should still wear comfortable clothes to aid with pain and discomfort. These are some clothing items you should consider getting to be as comfortable as possible during this time:

Unlike regular bras, they come with flaps or panels that can be easily opened to feed your little one without removing the entire bra. This feature provides convenience and privacy , especially when you’re out and about.

This type of underwear is specifically designed to be worn after childbirth, especially if you’ve had a C-section or episiotomy. They’re usually high-waisted to avoid irritation at incision sites, and they’re made from stretchy, breathable materials, like cotton, to ensure comfort and proper airflow.

Nursing pajamas are designed with convenience in mind, featuring easy access for breastfeeding through hidden slits and panels. They make your bonding time with your newborn much more comfortable.

Comfortable, supportive footwear is essential, especially if you’re dealing with swollen feet. Slip-on shoes can be a practical choice, as they’re easy to put on and remove when you’re carrying your baby or if you’re experiencing back pain.

If you decide to breastfeed your baby, there are some additional items that may make your life easier during lactation:

A breast pump is an invaluable tool for nursing mothers, allowing you to express breast milk and maintain your supply, even when you’re away with your baby. They can be manual or electric: manual pumps are quieter and more portable, while electric pumps offer more power and efficiency.

Breastfeeding can sometimes lead to cracked or sore nipples, making nipple cream an essential item. It helps moisturize and heal the skin , providing relief from discomfort.

Also called breast pads or nipple shields, they’re designed to absorb breast milk that may leak between feedings, keeping your clothes dry and preventing stains.

A nursing pillow wraps around your waist to provide a soft, supportive surface for your baby during feedings. These pillows help bring the baby up to the right height, reducing strain on your arms, shoulders and neck.

You may be wondering how to create a home environment that’s both safe and inviting for your baby. Some things that shouldn’t be missing from your home once your baby arrives are:

A lumbar pillow is specially designed to support the natural curve of your spine, providing relief from postpartum back pain . Placing a lumbar pillow behind your lower back while sitting or nursing can make a big difference!.

Cribs provide a safe and comfortable place for your baby to sleep. Always look for cribs that meet safety standards, are made with non-toxic materials, and match your nursery decor. At Nurture& , we have beautiful convertible cribs that your baby can use for years to come!

A dresser is more than just storage for your little one’s clothes, since it can also work as a changing table. Look for dressers with ample storage space and a sturdy build. Nurture&’s dressers are made with practicality in mind, as they can be expanded and can double as a changing table by attaching a changing pad.

If you want to have all your baby’s needs covered as soon as they arrive in this world, look into adding these essentials to your shopping list:

Strollers aren’t just a convenient way to take your baby for a walk: they’re a mobile safe space for your little one. When choosing a stroller, look for one with a sturdy frame, comfortable seating, and a reliable safety harness.

A good night’s sleep is crucial for your baby’s development, and a  flat, firm crib mattress  is vital for safety. Opt for a waterproof mattress cover to protect against spills and accidents.

Diaper rash cream is a must-have for treating and preventing the redness and irritation that can come from diaper use. Look for creams with zinc oxide or petroleum , which form a protective barrier on the skin.

Car seats are non-negotiable for your baby’s travel safety. Once you get a car seat for your baby, make sure that it’s properly installed and meets all safety regulations.

The journey of pregnancy and childbirth brings profound changes to a woman’s body. Here’s what to expect during recovery:

• Hormonal changes: It’s normal to experience mood swings, fatigue, and change in appetite as your body adjusts to postpartum hormonal fluctuations.

• Vaginal bleeding and soreness: You may experience vaginal bleeding up to six weeks after childbirth. 

• Sore breasts and nipples: Your breasts may feel full, tender or sore as your milk comes in. 

• Abdominal pain: As your uterus shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size, you may feel cramps known as afterpains.

• Hemorrhoids: These painful and swollen veins in the rectal area are common after delivery.

• Weight loss: Postpartum weight loss varies for each woman; there isn't a timeline to go back to your pre-pregnancy weight.

As you care for your baby, don’t forget to care for yourself. Here’s how you can ensure a fast and complication-free recovery:

• Rest: Sleep when the baby sleeps and don’t hesitate to ask for help so you can get adequate rest.

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re breastfeeding, to support milk production.

• Comfortable clothing: Choose loose-fitting clothes and supportive undies to ease your recovery.

• Lifting restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting to protect your healing body.

• Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene to prevent infections, especially if you had a C-section.

• Mental health: Pay attention to your mental health. If you experience persistent sadness or can’t seem to bond with your baby, seek medical help.

Remember, every mother’s recovery journey is unique. Be patient with yourself and focus on the joy of learning to be a mom.

On Nurture& you’ll find many of the products you need to make the best of those first months (and years) with your baby. Check out our catalog !