Sure, every pregnant woman packs a hospital bag and stocks up on newborn essentials, but what about the postpartum essentials needed for MOM after giving birth? Since I’m pregnant with my third baby now, I went ahead and created a “postpartum essentials kit” with everything that I’ll need during recovery. Here’s what’s inside.
The first time I was pregnant, I had NO IDEA that postpartum essentials even existed. When I got home from the hospital, my husband had to run around to our local drug store, grocery store, and baby store while I stayed home alone with our newborn.
Since I’m pregnant with my third baby now, I know better.
Creating a postpartum essentials kit is especially important to me this pregnancy since I’m hoping to delivery at a birth center instead of a hospital and will likely be coming home 6-12 hours after delivery. (In a previous blog post, I shared why I’ll only work with midwives.)
I think a postpartum essentials kit is a must-have for every pregnant woman though. And it would make a great gift for a pregnant friend!
(Disclaimer: I’ve had 2 uncomplicated vaginal deliveries so I created my postpartum essentials kit with that in mind. If you’ve had a more complicated birth or c-section, I’d love to hear your postpartum must-haves in a comment below.)
My Postpartum Essential Kit
- Ibuprofen
- Maxi pads and panty liners
- Ice pads (from the hospital, online from Amazon, or DIY’ed like this tutorial from In the Know Mom)
- Granny panties
- Colace stool softener
- Dermoplast pain relief spray (from Amazon or a drug store)
- Tucks medicated hemorrhoidal pads (from Amazon or a drug store)
- Nipple cream – I like Lansinoh (from Amazon or a drug store)
- Nursing pads – I like disposable Johnson and Johnson (from Amazon or a drug store)
- Nursing tanks and yoga pants – This pregnancy, I purchased an Undercover Mama Tank from A Mother’s Boutique
- Info about proper breastfeeding latch and positioning from kellymom.com (I pinned it to Pinterest, if you want to re-pin.)
- FREEZER MEALS (If you’re new to freezer cooking, you can find my favorite easy recipes in my ‘15-Minute Freezer Recipes‘ cookbook and read my best freezer meal tips for beginners.)
Postpartum essentials from other moms
I polled the moms who “like” my New Leaf Wellness Facebook page for additional ideas and here’s what they came up with:
- Wine
- Coffee
- Earth Mama Angel Baby Mama Bottom Spray!
- Comfrey
- Easy snacks (like almonds and granola bars – prepping one of my snack bins would be a great idea too!)
- Preparation H
- A journal to keep track of baby’s eating and wet and dirty diapers
- Magazines, movies, and books
- A breastfeeding timer app
- Adult diapers (The generic target brand was recommended.)
- A step stool to get in and out of bed (important for after a c-section)
If you’re a new mama, here are some of my other mommy 101 blog posts
- 10 tips for pumping at work
- Everything you need to know about introducing solid foods
- What every mom needs to know about baby carriers, wraps, and slings
- How to buy nursing bras ONLINE
- Setting boundaries as a new mom
- Five tips for getting back in shape after baby
If you’ve given birth before, do you agree with my postpartum essentials kit? Anything that you would add?
Awesome post Kelly. Awesome open discussion to bring about awareness of the many options we as women have when it comes to childbirth. I especially appreciated reading your informative section about midwife’s. And as you have pointed out, every woman is different and even every pregnancy is different. What a simple but powerful statement you made, “You are strong.” With all of the challenges we face (balancing motherhood, wifehood and careers) we all need reminded of that and we need to know that we have each other for sharing and support. Thank you for that powerful reminder. It is a… Read more »
Thanks so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences. Prepping some freezer-to-crockpot soups is a great idea!
Kelly,
This is brilliant! I will share this with my clients and friends. Thanks for posting these lists.
Thank you!!
As always, I loved your post. As a CLC, I wanted to point a few things out that although worked well for you, may not work well for others Mamas. Lansinoh’s nipple cream is made with Lanolin. Lanolin is extracted from wool-bearing animals. If a Mama has a wool allergy (gets itchy in wool sweaters, etc) she may have an adverse reaction. There are many nipple creams that do not contain lanolin. However, I would encourage using breastmilk on your nipples and wearing loose fitting clothing. If you need/want to wear a bra (because you’re having visitors, etc) I would… Read more »
Thanks for sharing!!
I’m pregnant for the first time is there anyone that can tell me the reason for the items in the kit. I’m so clueless any info would help. Thanks in advance.
The biggest reason is that you’re going to continue to bleed for about 6 weeks after birth (like a period). The bleeding is super heavy at first (hence the disposable underwear, granny panties, etc), but it slows down after a couple of days so you can wear normal pads (no tampons) and eventually panty liners. Also, your uterus cramps a lot during the first week or two when it’s shrinking back down, and it feels like bad cramps (hence the ibuprofen). And even the easiest vaginal delivery will leave you sore “down there.” (That’s why I mentioned ice packs, dermaplast… Read more »
I’m surprised you didn’t include a perri bottle. We don’t have a birthing center anywhere local, but I do use the local nurse midwives for my pregnancies. I’m expecting #3 right now too, and I’m glad to know that my local hospital gives out new mom recovery items very similar to what you listed. I don’t know what I’d do without a perri bottle though!
Great addition! I think I got them at the hospital and midwife center, but definitely a “must-have” to have on hand after giving birth. Congrats on your pregnancy!
I made these but used witch hazel with alcohol….will they sting? Any one else use them?
I’m not sure. I did a quick search online and it looks like witch hazel with alcohol is commonly used to calm skin irritation so I think it will be OK. Since I’m not an expert I’d be scared to test it though. Can you ask your OB/GYN or midwife?