If this is your first time preparing to give birth and have a postpartum experience, gathering supplies can feel daunting. You likely know everything you need for your baby — diapers, wipes, bottles, breast pumps, etc.
But, in all the hustle and bustle, you may have forgotten to think about yourself. Regardless of the type of delivery you have, there are some essential items to have on hand. And the good news is, everything here can be reused or repurposed over months or years.
1. Underwear
Many women don’t realize just how much they’ll bleed after delivering a baby. You’d think that, since the placenta has come out, you’d be done. But no, many women bleed for four to six weeks after giving birth. And while the hospital will give you thick menstrual pads and even send some home with you, you’ll need your own supplies.
In this case, why buy sanitary napkins or tampons when you can invest in period underwear that will last for years to come? Most hospitals supply women with a pair or two of disposable period underwear that are uncomfortable and horrid to look at. Toss those out the window (not literally), and choose your own undies to wear through postpartum and for many menses to come.
2. Nursing Bras
If you haven’t invested in nursing bras yet, now is the time. The WHO recommends mothers breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of the baby’s life. You can then breastfeed for another year or two, depending on your, and your baby’s comfort levels. That’s a lot of nursing, and you won’t always be in the comfort of your home.
Having several nursing bras, tops, and dresses on hand will change the game for you if you decide to nurse your baby. You can unclasp the breast cover and help your baby to latch onto your breast, often with none the wiser. They’re easy to wash, manage, and tuck away in a box when you’re done. Then, if you have more babies in the future, you can reuse all these items again.
3. Nipple Shields
Far too few women know about the power of the nipple shield for postpartum mothers. Many women in the United States and Canada don’t breastfeed because they perceive their babies are failing to feed well. They give up because it’s too painful or it feels impossible. And who can blame them?
A nipple shield creates a barrier between the baby’s mouth and the mother’s nipple, protecting from a lot of that early pain. It can help guide the baby to suck efficiently. And, bonus, it can be washed and stored in a pretty little container. While some worry that the baby will never adapt to the nipple if they learn to nurse with a nipple shield, it’s still better than not being able to nurse at all if you want to.
4. Peri Bottle
Speaking of pain after birth, the entire vaginal area often feels inflamed, including the perineum, after giving birth. Many women tear or have an episiotomy and then receive stitching, which leads to pain during urination and pain in general. Even women who deliver via cesarean section experience vaginal pain and discomfort.
The peri bottle is a great option for pain relief in this area. It’s basically just a squeeze bottle you can fill with water and then flush the entire vaginal area any time you sit on the toilet. It offers cooling and moisture when you most need it, and you can use it again and again over the years, through all your pregnancies.
5. Cloth Baby Carrier
While you’ve likely already purchased one of those cool baby carriers with straps, pockets, and buckles, what you really need is a cloth carrier. There are many models, but the basic concept is one really long piece of cloth that wraps around you and tucks the baby into your body. These cloth baby carriers are lifesavers for new moms.
You might have heard the expression “nine months inside and nine months outside” or “the fourth trimester.” These refer to the fact that your baby is typically happiest and most comfortable attached to your body in the months after they’re born. Having one of these carriers will also allow you to move about and live life with your arms free.
6. Pillows
Finally, make sure you have plenty of pillows. Until you have your first child, you don’t really understand how precious extra pillows can be for sleeping, nursing, and more. Invest in a nursing pillow to bring with you to the hospital. It will add comfort when you first start nursing your baby in the uncomfortable hospital bed.
When you get home, make sure you have both your nursing pillow and a body pillow and any extra cushion you might want. On many occasions, you’ll likely find yourself propped up in bed, nursing in the middle of the night. You might also keep your baby in a reach-in crib next to the bed. Have all the pillows to support you as you toss, turn, and adjust to your baby.
In the end, postpartum can be the most wonderful and exhilarating and the most painful and shocking experience of your life. You’ll want to be prepared going in, even over-prepared to some degree. You’re always better off having too much than not enough. Making yourself comfortable with reusable items that become your go-to treasures can make all the difference.
