As the big day approaches, your focus is likely on what you need for work and delivery, and whether your home is ready for babies. However, it is also important to consider what you will need during the postpartum period. Creating a care kit after giving birth is a great way to prepare for an easier recovery! Not to mention, there will be fewer trips to the store for the first few days after you bring your newborn home.
Partly relaxation and part comfort – the perfect aftercare set is both practical and individually tailored to your individual needs. Use the list below to put together what you need. You can also use it as inspiration for a postpartum gift for another mother-to-be!
How to create the perfect postnatal care package for mom
Recovery Must-Haves to Add to Your Postpartum Care Kit
Regardless of whether you deliver vaginally or by caesarean section, you need to prepare for the inevitable heavy bleeding in the first week after delivery. The hospital will likely offer you their standard postpartum pads, but many women find them too bulky and uncomfortable. Instead, consider these options:
- Overnight Pads – These pads aren’t made specifically for women after giving birth, but that means you are probably better acquainted with them. They do the job and help you feel more like yourself.
- Instant Ice Maxi Pads – Gone are the days when you had to freeze your own “pads” to soothe your subregions after vaginal delivery. These prefabricated pads have a calming and absorbent effect at the same time.
- Absorbent Underwear – If you don’t want to worry about your giant pad slipping, consider absorbent underwear instead after giving birth. They are disposable and offer maximum protection while also being discreet under your clothing. I love these boyshorts from Target, it’s seamless and breathable.
- Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle for Aftercare – You weren’t wrong when they said to trust them on this matter. Trust us, you will want this when you have a vaginal delivery.
- Earth Mama Perineal Spray – This spray has a calming and relieving effect. It also sprays upside down so you can get to any hard-to-reach places.
Mother care products
Do yourself a favor and go a step further than the must-haves in your postpartum care kit. A few extra touches with grooming can make all the difference when you navigate this time. There is a lot going on with both your body and your emotions. So treat yourself to products like these:
- Witch Hazel Pads – When you are cured of vaginal childbirth, it doesn’t take much more than grin and endure. Soothe your injured and irritated perineal area with medicated witch hazel pads, which are designed to cleanse, comfort, and promote healing. You can also make your own padsicles with witch hazel. Find out how here!
- Coconut Coffee Scrub – Your body has been through a lot. Treat it properly with natural products to soften the skin and reduce those pesky stretch marks.
- Weighted Sleep Mask – When you have a few precious moments of sleep, keep it counted with a sleep mask that blocks light and soothes puffy eyes from new moms.
- Postpartum Belly Bandit Belly Band – This band offers great support. I particularly recommend them to mothers who have had a caesarean section for added comfort while healing.
- Promptly Journals Postpartum Journal – This journal contains numerous prompts, check-ins, therapy tips, words of encouragement, and resources specific to the postpartum period.
Cloakroom basics for your postpartum care kit
You are unlikely to break out your favorite pre-pregnancy skinny jeans once you have your baby. Not to mention, you are also at a stage in life that requires comfort when dealing with motherhood. To make this transition easier, add the following to your wardrobe:
For every mother:
- Comfortable Underwear – Trust us when we say the hospital-supplied mesh underwear is designed for basic functions only. After leaving the hospital, treat yourself to the comfort of good convertible maternity underwear. These can also be worn high over a caesarean section. Their soft material and excellent stretch will guide your body through a range of shapes and sizes after birth.
- Soft sweats – Soft material, stretch, and the ability to machine wash should be high on your list during postpartum wear. Comfortable, versatile joggers like these are your first choice for night feedings or afternoon naps with the baby. They’re stylish enough to receive visitors too!
- Cozy Robe – Every mom deserves a cozy robe that is easy to put on!
- Kindred Bravely Postpartum Leggings – If you want to wear these 3 days in a row we won’t blame you. They adapt to your body and are super comfortable for lounging around the house.
For care sets for nursing mothers after childbirth:
- Maintenance Tanks – Finding a bra that fits can be incredibly difficult under normal circumstances, and it’s even more difficult as your postpartum body changes from week to week. Whether you’re breastfeeding or not, a comfortable seamless tank is your best choice for sleep or day. This grooming version has easy-to-access clips on each shoulder to make your cluster-feeding days a little easier.
- Versatile Cardigans – If the hormones in your postpartum body get a little crazy, you may need to dress in layers to meet your temperature needs. A chunky and comfortable cardigan solves this problem. It’s great for covering up those spit-stained clothes when an unexpected visitor shows up to meet your little one.
- Nursing bras – If you start breastfeeding or pumping about every two hours, a nursing bra is helpful. Check out our favorites here!
Further supplements for the nursing mum
If this is also a time to learn how to care for your newborn, here are some things to stock up on in your aftercare kit:
- Nipple Cream – This organic version is safe to use as a baby nurse and soothes and heals the inevitable cracked nipples that appear in the first few weeks of breastfeeding.
- Nursing Pillow – This bamboo version of the nursing mom’s necessity is machine washable for dozens of reuses. Since you can easily go through several per day, you should stock up so that you are never without.
- Lactation Snacks and Supplements – You will need extra calories while breastfeeding. These helpful biscuits also serve as lactation support. Fill your postpartum tummy and increase your milk production to keep your breastfeeding game strong. I loved this magnesium drink too!
- Insulated water bottle – Breast milk is 90 percent water. Hence, it is important to stay hydrated while breastfeeding for both your health and milk production. Treat yourself to a new insulated water bottle to make sure you always have a refreshing, leak-proof drink close by.
Preparation for childbirth
The postpartum period can be a really nice time to get to know your new bundle of joy, but it’s also physically and emotionally demanding for many mothers. Use this guide to create your perfect aftercare kit so you can ensure your recovery, personal grooming, and grooming needs are met.
You will soon be busy taking care of your adorable bundle of joy every moment of the day and night, but it is also important to think about self-care. Plan ahead to support your own needs in this new phase of life. You’ll be glad to have easy access to all your essentials after your baby is born!
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