Must Haves For Post-natal Recovery
Image taken by Suzi Bird
This post contains affiliate links, it does not impact what you pay but I earn a bit of commission. Where possible I have used Amazon links so you can take advantage of their Baby wishlist.
It got to a week before my due date, my baby’s hospital bag was packed and I realised I had forgotten to buy anything for me. Here is what I recommend:
Disposable underwear and pads/adult nappies
I used adult nappies provided by the hospital immediately after birth. I also found the disposable boy shorts and pads helpful.
Painkillers
Paracetamol was the main pain relief I took, and a couple of days before birth, I realised we didn’t have many in the house. We had friends bring a pack when they came to visit us. I’d advise making sure you are stocked up on painkillers. When it comes to medication with breastfeeding, if you have any questions, The Breastfeeding Network has a group on Facebook. You can send in a message, and a pharmacist will respond with advice.
Spraying this before you start peeing and continuing until you are finished helps to dilute your urine and reduce any stinging if you have grazes or tears.
Spraying this onto your pad or nappy helps soothe.
Nipple cream
If breastfeeding/expressing, it’s worth having nipple cream to soothe sore nipples. I recommend Lanolin.
Breast pads
I have a mixture of disposable and reusable (both gifted to me).
A comfy nightie after birth that hides marks and is suitable for breastfeeding/pumping (if that’s how you’ve chosen to feed your little one).
A Pick Me Up
After birth, your hormone levels change dramatically which can cause a tearful day. It varies for each woman but occurs around days 3-5 and tends to coincide with milk coming in. I had a friend gift me something to open after birth and my husband just so happened to bring it to the hospital on the day I was feeling tearful. It had a lovely message about becoming a mother and a small gift of Wonder Woman socks. I also had a friend visit that day and she bought a couple of girly clothing pieces and some treats. I wasn’t prepared for the hormone change but I’m so glad that friends were. If you can, buy some of your favourite treats to give yourself a little boost when you need it.
The fourth trimester isn’t easy but you’ve got this Mama!