My Postpartum Must-Haves
Updated: Jul 28, 2022
I'm not going to sugarcoat it. Postpartum is tough as f*ck! Even when you have all the help and support, it's super difficult to take care of yourself along with your very dependent, very adorable newborn baby. Between changing numerous diapers and 24/7 feedings and fending off curious family members and friends who want to visit to see the baby (both online and in person), days seem to flow into each other and you lose track of everything around you. On top of alllll that, you're still healing yourself so you have to change maternity pads every couple of hours, clean and change bandages (for my c-section mamas), deal with blood stains on your clothes/sheets because you sneezed or lay down a little too flat on the bed, all while being a decent partner/spouse to the person who helped put you in this position in the first place *side eye* It's alot to deal with... you're feeling super vulnerable and no one can fully understand the changes you're going through. I've been there... but no fear! I am here! Let's help you safely get through this time with little to no collateral damage (lol).
If you're following me on Instagram, at least since earlier this year, you would know that I've done an IG Live raving about certain products I've used (some of which I continue to use to this day) to help with my postpartum healing. The items I've listed below are a few of the products that I have used (some I continue to use even now) and have helped me ALOT in my healing process after baby girl was born.
Disclaimer: There are Amazon links for all the items below (click the item's name for the link) and the prices posted can fluctuate (deals/discounts and whatnot). In light of being fully transparent with you, I wanted to let you know that some of these links are affiliate links. What are affiliate links? Essentially, when you click on one of the links and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please note that I stand 110% behind the products that I recommend on this site and I want you to know that you will be getting value in return. I won't link you with something I don't believe in... and have I ever led you astray? Nope! Lol!
Thank you for being awesome!
My Postpartum Must-Haves:
Oh honey! The holy grail of labour, delivery and postpartum items! I cannot stop talking about Frida's products! I love them all but this, THIS kit right here has me shouting from the rooftops! Although a little expensive, I can affirm that it is worth it, especially since the hospitals (the public hospitals... I'm unsure about the private ones) don't give you anything. It's got everything you would need from your first contraction to your time at home after baby is born. Some of the items in the kit can be bought separately if you prefer it that way as well (links attached to the item names). The kit has:
A Delivery and Nursing Gown equipped with a discreet and convenient nursing pocket for breastfeeding
An Upside Down Peri Bottle for easily washing your sore area (you know... down there). It's wayyy better than what I've seen hospitals give women (which is basically a ketchup bottle)
Disposable Underwear which is super stretchy and comfy and does not show your butt (the material is thick) - I would say get 1-2 extra boxes of these
Ice Maxi Pads which are super absorbent and give you cool relief (I get shivers thinking about how amazing they feel) - I would say get 1-2 extra boxes of these as well
Perineal Cooling Pad Liners to place on top of the pad. They have witch hazel which is super cooling and helps speed up the healing process
Perineal Healing Foam to put on top of the pad liner on top of the pad (keep up with me lol) - also has witch hazel in it which helps with healing
Non-slip Socks for comfort in any setting (Gift)
Toiletry Bag to hold everything you would need on the go (Gift)
Additionally, the box it comes in converts into a convenient caddy which can hold all the items neatly in the bathroom (it can fit on top of the toilet tank) for ease of access.
Nursing bras are definitely a must-have for any new mom! These bras though are super comfy! The material is soft and stretchy, there’s padding (not too much though but just enough so no nippies are poking through), convenient clips on either side for nursing and extra support without the bones. Plus, with the link above, I got 5 for a convenient price.
3. Nursing Pads (Both re-usable and disposable
KeaBabies Reusable Nursing Pads (7 pairs) - I use these primarily when I'm at home and can easily wash and reuse them. They're comfortable and can fit in the nursing bra easily and discreetly plus they come with a convenient pouch to wash them in.
Medela Disposable Nursing Pads (60 pairs) - I love my reusable pads, don't get me wrong, but when I'm going out or to work, I need my disposables. When it gets uncomfortable or full, I can just throw them away and replace them with a new pair. Easy peasy.
As long as you're breastfeeding, you're going to need nipple cream. Currently, baby girl is teething and she's been chewing my boobs off. This cream helps soothe the soreness of your nipples and it helps it to heal quickly. Plus, there's always the added benefit that it's safe for the baby to suck on so you don't need to wipe it off before feeding baby again.
As a result of not purchasing a rocking chair/recliner (which most people deem a necessity), I invested in a nursing pillow to support baby girl while feeding. Moms, while breastfeeding, you will find yourself hunching over constantly while feeding your baby. You can even get a stiff neck from looking down at your baby while they’re feeding. It’s a fact! This nursing pillow helps your posture by keeping the baby a little higher and closer to your boob without you slouching and hurting your back and neck. Plus, with this Boppy pillow, the baby can use it as well for tummy time and even propping them to sit up. *whispers* Hubby and I also use it to sleep sometimes. It’s so comfortable.
BONUS:
Cedros Bay Lip Balms - Let me say this one time... I love Cedros Bay products! However, one of the best purchases I made during postpartum was my Coconut Lip Balm and my Watermelon Lip Balm. Ladies, during postpartum, you will not recognize your lips. I love my lips and was horrified approximately 2 days after baby girl was born to see them dry and peeling. They even bled a few times (the horror!). It was made worse by the constant wearing of my masks when I left the house. The masks basically dehydrated the lower half of my face (I’m sure many of you can relate). However, these lip balms helped bring me back. They are vegan and cruelty free (which I absolutely love) and worked wonders on restoring my lips to their former glory. I currently have one in my baby bag and one in my handbag so I have it at all times.
I hope that my postpartum must-haves help take the pressure off during this very difficult and vulnerable time in your life ladies. Remember that you are a superwoman! You birthed a whoooole baby! This period is only temporary and you're not going to feel miserable forever. Make the best of this time and love on your baby because trust me, they grow so quickly!
