
Having a baby is no walk in the park but it is truly an unforgettable experience. Something I would like to forget is the horrible pain that comes not only during delivery but after as well. Now if you have never had a baby then you might not be aware that the pain doesn’t end after labor and delivery. Labor is very intense on our bodies so it is only natural that we need time to heal. Here is a list of everything that will help you recover after having a baby. This also makes for a super new mom gift if you need a creative baby shower gift! Disclosure: this post contains some affiliate links.
1. Padsicles and Pads– If you deliver vaginally the just be prepared the you will be bleeding a lot after and for up to 6 weeks. These padsicles are amazing for the first few days and especially right after delivery. They are like icepacks for your down their lady parts. Most hospitals have some for you but some don’t provide it so I suggest making your own! Here is how to make your own DIY Padsicles! They are one of the most helpful post delivery items I’ve ever experienced. Stock up on pads as well. The bleeding doesn’t stop when you go home. I suggest the large over night with wings like these. They provide the most protection because I mean who needs to deal with dirtying up your undies and pants while your trying to take care of a newborn. Leave the extra laundry maker role to the baby.
2. Nursing pillow– People have a love hate relationship with these. I find it helpful but I like never use it as a nursing pillow. Usually I use it as an extra pillow for my back when I’m nursing or a place for the baby to lay on. It does come in handy when you want to use it for nursing. It helps get the baby in a comfortable position. Also I always suggest to take one to the hospital. I’ve been so happy to have it with both kids. It is a hospital bag must for sure!
3. Breast Pump– After you deliver your milk will start to come in. Bring on the breast pain! A few days after they will become engorged with milk. It honestly looks and feels like a really bad breast job! They are super large, hard and very uncomfortable! That’s where a really good breast pump comes in to relieve the pressure! I’m currently in love with my spectra! I’ve had madela with my first and it was good but the Spectra is great! I do use a madela hand pump for emergencies. Luckily I haven’t needed to pump much yet since breast feeding is working out right now but when I want to start to build a freezer supply I will be using this bad boy a lot!
4. Nursing Bras– You will be living in these so make sure to stock up on a nursing bra you love. These are great and they don’t look horribly unstylish like other nursing bras. I like to sleep in my nursing bra for comfort. I suggest anything that doesn’t have underwire for sleeping in.
5. Frida MomWasher– Again a must for vaginal delivarys. It’s far better than the squirt bottle the hospital gives out. The angle nozel makes it very easy to use.
6. Nursing Pjs– The first few weeks with a newborn is all about being comfortable. You will be living in pjs. Make sure they are easy to nurse in or pump in. These are great and they don’t look bad either!
7. Nipple shield– This is helpful for those trying to breast feed but are having issues or just need some pain relief.
8. Colace– If this is your first kid….. take my advice and get this. I waited way too long with my first and boy did I regret it. This second time around I made sure to start taking it right after delivery. Going to the bathroom is a very intimidating thing for a new mom. These will be your new best friend!
9. Motrin– The hospital should supply you with some but definitely get some for home. It helps with the pains your body may be experiencing after delivering a baby.
10. Nipple cream– Oh how much I love this product! If your trying to breast feed or pump then you will love this product too. I guess I’m more on the sensitive side because I deal with horrible pain especially the first 2 weeks of trying to breast feed. This cream helps so very much. I absolutely love that you don’t have to wash it off before feeding since it is all natural and safe for baby.
11. Nursing Pads– This is a mama’s best friend! They will help you not leak all over the place when your milk comes in. Talk about how embracing it is to be out and all of a sudden hear a baby cry and then get a huge wet spot on your shirt. Trust me it happened to me before! Now I won’t be caught without these pads! This brand is my favorite as well. I prefer the disposable ones. I just don’t need anything else to add to my never ending pile of laundry.
12. Baby Wrap– Newborns want to be held. They are in a new big world which can be very confusing for them. They were just cuddled in your belly for 9 months after all. They crave the comforts of being held and cuddled. Now thats fine and as a new mom all I want to do is hold this little joy in my arms 24/7 but after a week I start to notice the growing pile of laundry on the floor. As much as I’d love to just lay in bed cuddling I do start to get a little board and want to do things again. That is where a wonderful wrap comes in. You can hold your baby while freeing up both hands! Total win. The baby is happy and so am I. I can get a load of laundry done or get some dinner cooking all while the little one is super comfy in the wrap. I had the ktan with my first and I loved it. This time I also got this lille wrap so that I could easily adjust the size that I needed.
13. Water bottle – Drink more water!!! That is all I heard all pregnancy long and it doesn’t stop after the baby is born. I’m horrible at drinking enough water. I know it is bad but I just can’t do it. The only way I can get enough water in me is by using a super cute water bottle that keeps it super cold. I love this water bottle. It is glass and fits a ton of ice cubes.
14. Maternity Underwear – Stock up on some “granny undies” or what I call some basic undies. Go up a size for extra comfort especially since you will want room for the big pads. Things get messy thats why I suggest buying some cheap undies you won’t mind throwing away if they get messed up.
15. Milk Catcher– You don’t realize how much you will drip from the opposite breast while feeding or pumping from the other side until you use one of these. This is an easy way to start building a freezer supply. They are small so will be perfect for when you are out and about.
16. Postpartum Body Wrap– I’ve heard amazing things about using a body wrap after you have a baby. They say because of the hormones your body and hips get wider during pregnancy to prepare for delivery and that you can help push back those hips in a little by wearing a postpartum wrap for up to 13 weeks after having a baby. Im currently using one and I think its helping. Well see how it goes and I’ll let you all know if it worked for me. Figured it is worth a try! I got this one here and I think its pretty great so far. It is actually pretty comfortable.
Well there you have it! Everything I suggest to have for postpartum. I’m currently in this stage and I can truly say everything on this list has been a lifesaver for me! If your in your earlier stage of pregnancy check out my first trimester must haves, second trimester must haves, and third trimester must haves.
xoxo,
Vanessa
I haven’t had a baby, but I know these type of lists are going to come in REAL handy whenever I do. Thanks for keeping it real and suggesting really practical things that not all moms will know to get!
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
These are great tips for any new moms! I agree on all of these!!
Girl. Yes. The padcicles!! I could not have survived without them! I soaked mine in witch hazel, and it was better than anything on the market!