Giving birth is a life-changing event that should be openly discussed. There are innumerable articles about what to bring in your hospital bag, what soaps to use, what formula to use, and even which burp cloths to use, but often times, we are so focused on the baby that we forget about the mom who has just gone through a traumatic event and needs time to heal.
If you’re pregnant (or know someone who is), there are some postpartum essentials that every mama needs. Here are ten of our favorite items to help you nurture yourself during those intense new born days.
Soft Robe
After giving birth, the last thing you'll want to do is put on pants—or any clothes for that matter. You'll feel a bit sore and may find it difficult to walk. A soft robe is perfect postpartum because it's non-binding and open in the front, allowing for easy breastfeeding access. A robe which is very soft organic cotton, lightweight but warm, and has pockets for holding random useful items such as a bottle, pacifier or breast pads is ideal.
Nursing Pillow
Breastfeeding can sometimes feel a bit awkward and difficult but a nursing pillow can make things feel a lot more comfortable for both you and your baby. They’re small, lightweight, and you can take them anywhere.
Peri Bottle
Another thing you discover after birth is that going to the restroom is tough (regardless of C-section or vaginal delivery). Even a gentle wipe can make your eyes water, so getting one of these bottles is an excellent idea. You can also make a healing tea to put in the bottle which can help speed up the recovery process.
Instant Ice Maxi Pads
Consider the workout you've just had if you deliver vaginally. These cold packs, down there, are fantastic. You may also dampen paper towels with cold water, fold them neatly, and place them in a Ziploc for a DIY solution.
Cooling Pads
Giving birth is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you may end up with hemorrhoids as a result. Even if you don't have hemorrhoids, these pads can be a life saver. They help soothe and comfort any discomfort.
Mesh Underwear
Many new mothers choose to wear mesh underwear after birth as hormonal changes can lead to increased sweating everywhere and postpartum mesh underwear is cool and light so can help combat this. It's also often recommended by hospitals.
Shampoo for Hair Growth
In pregnancy, a lot of women experience thicker, shinier and healthier hair overall — this is due to increased hormone levels which slow down the rate of hair loss. But that often changes around 3 to 6 months postpartum, when hormone levels decrease and those extra hairs the body was holding onto start shedding. Sleepless nights and stressful days spent calming a fussy new born certainly don’t help your hair to return to normal either.
Postpartum hair loss is almost always temporary, but it can leave you with thinning hair and baby hairs around your hairline that can be difficult to style. Luckily, there are a handful of products out there that can help combat pesky side effects of postpartum hair loss. Here are some of the best on the market that dermatologists recommend to their new-parent patients.
What item was your lifesaver after having a baby? Let us know!
