When there is a baby on the way, it seems like there is so much to do. You must get everything ready for when your new bundle of joy arrives. At the same time, you can sometimes forget that you need to take care of yourself as well. There are quite a few issues you may incur after baby comes out, and many of them happen in delicate areas. An essential way to make sure you will be taking care of yourself is to create a custom postpartum care kit, to get you through the first few weeks after delivery. Here is a look at some of the essential items every good kit should contain.
Care Kit Essentials
In order to ensure that you are well on your way to a safe and healthy postpartum recovery, all mothers should consider making a kit that includes as many of these items as possible. Many may be used for multiple purposes and can be utilized no matter if you are a first time mama or you have had more than one.
Pain Relief
One of the most important things you will need is simple pain relief tablets or pills. You can use paracetamol or something that your doctor has recommended. After pretty much any birth, there are different types of pains, which can keep you from doing the things you need to do. When you keep pain relievers on hand, this will be less of a problem.
Stool Softener
Some moms may need this more than others, but it is something you should have on hand, just in case you need them. Certain areas of the body are very affected by childbirth, so it can be harder for you to go when you need to. You should never have to struggle or strain, and it can hurt you even worse right after having a baby. This is why this product is something you should include in your arsenal.
Nursing Bras
This type of bra makes it easier for you to feed your baby and they are able to cradle your breasts in a way that doesn’t cause any additional pain. They are quite comfortable, and they come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can still look cute if you want to. Some women continue to wear them long after the baby arrives, so make sure you take some time to find a nursing bra that will last and that you really like.
Breast Pads
These pads go with the nursing bras, since they are designed to go inside of them. They will keep your nipples from rubbing against the bra, and can prevent you from ruining your clothes, in case of leakage. They are inexpensive and you can wear them pretty much anywhere. No one will even know that you are using them, which may be able to help you feel more confident when you are away from your house.
Nipple Cream
Nipple cream can be used on achy or dry nipples, while you get used to breastfeeding and other changes that happen to your breasts after the baby comes. Countless women experience discomfort during breast-feeding at times, and need something to help ease the pain. Many types are natural enough that you won’t have to wash it off when the baby is feeding, which makes it a lot easier for you. You can also use it as a lubricant when you use a breast pump, so you are able to lessen the chance of irritation in different circumstances.
Nursing Pillow
If you know you will be breastfeeding, a nursing pillow is something that can save you a lot of stiff muscles and stress. It a postpartum essentials because it helps you keep your baby propped up well, while you are feeding them. You won’t have to just hold up the baby, so it takes some of the pressure off of your arms and shoulders. Many types are useful for 1 year or more, where they can help a baby lay down safely, sit up properly, and more. You should be able to find one that fits your needs and has an attractive design as well.
Granny Panties
You may or may not be aware of how long it takes your body to get back to normal after you have a child. The truth is that it will take a while for the swelling to go down in your abdomen. After all, your body has been through a lot. This is the main reason why you’ll need panties that are able to cover your whole rear and belly. It will be more comfortable that way and if you can find some cotton options, they will be nice and breathable as well.
Maxi Pads
This is another major necessity, so you don’t mess up your clothes. It is possible to bleed or spot quite a bit after you deliver, for obvious reasons, and you need to be sure that you won’t have an accident. Many women opt to get the large pads that work well overnight, since that is when they may incur the most problems. It will also protect the whole area that was affected by a vaginal birth.
Cooling Pad
A cooling pad goes right along with the maxi pads and granny panties. You can purchase witch hazel pads and use them as panty liners, to help cool some of your most delicate areas. If you don’t want to purchase the specialized pads, a more economical way to solve the problem is by using your own witch hazel and panty liners. You can even place them in the fridge to make sure they are able to cool you down even more. This may help speed up the healing process, or at least provide a decent level of comfort when your perineum is bothering you.
Peri Bottle
A peri bottle is kind of like a mini bidet for you to keep clean in the days after you get home from the hospital. A lot of moms report that it hurts for them to wipe, so they need a little bit of help in that department. When your significant other isn’t there or you don’t have someone to help you, you can purchase a peri bottle, which is just a small squeeze bottle, to keep your private areas clean. They can be used for many other purposes as well, like when you are suffering from hemorrhoids.
Herbal Perineal Spray
You are also able to buy natural sprays for treating your perineum. Essentially, you can spray yourself after to go to the bathroom each time, and the spray should be able to relieve the area as you go about your day. You can use this spray when you make your cooling pads, or you can use it separately. The bottle is handy and can be kept in a diaper bag or purse, so the spray will always be on hand.
Epsom Salts
It isn’t a good idea to take hot baths when you are pregnant. However, you might need to take them postpartum. A popular thing among mothers is taking a sitz bath, where you can use Epsom salts and essential oils to provide comfort while you take a warm bath. There are also specially formulated bath blends that will provide the same results, so you can take a shortcut if you want to. Either way, this is a good way to pamper your aching muscles and body parts. It can be accomplished right in your bathtub. If you do not have a bathtub or can’t use it, there are special tubs that fit on your toilet that can help you as well. They are designed to keep the whole area clean and you can use the same products for relief, whether you use a small tub or a bigger bathtub.
You can carry some of these items in your hospital bag, or have them waiting for you when you get home. It is possible that the hospital will provide some of these things to you, but you will most likely want to have a solid supply of at least a few of these products. Most are designed to provide relief or help with pain management, so you’ll get plenty of use out of them.
Overview
When you are deciding what you need for the arrival of your new baby, it is important to remember that you are going to need many things, just like your newborn does. It is good to make a postpartum care kit checklist, to be sure that you are getting all the things you need. This article explains what is needed the most and why, so it is a good place to start. If you want more tips to make sure that every aspect is covered, talk to the moms in your life that you trust the most. While you can be prepared, you can’t prepare for everything, since all pregnancies and deliveries are different. The best part is that these items have many uses, so they are a good use of your money and resources. You may find some things you really like and can’t live without.