It’s so easy to get wrapped up in buying all the essential (and fun!) things for your baby that we forget about the person who just gave birth. Whether you have a vaginal birth or a belly birth, your body is going through A LOT.
Here are some things you can pick up ahead of time to make yourself more comfortable while you heal. There’s a printable version in my resource library, too!
Having a belly birth? Check out my C-Section Recovery Essentials list too, which covers everything specific to healing after a cesarean.
For perineal healing
If you have a vaginal birth, your perineum will likely be swollen and sore, even if you didn’t tear. Your hospital or birth center will send you home with some basics, but these upgrades can make a big difference:
A peri bottle with an angled neck. So much easier to use than the standard one.
A sitz bath that fits over your toilet for soothing soaks.
Healing herbs to make a “tea” for your peri bottle or sitz bath. So soothing.
Dermoplast spray for pain relief in the first few days.
A perineal balm for extra comfort.
Padsicles or frozen diapers. Ice is your friend for the first 24-48 hours. You can make or buy padsicles ahead of time, or freeze a few of your newborn’s diapers. After that first day or two, switch to warm herbal sitz packets placed on top of your pad.
Pads in a couple of sizes. You’ll likely come home with heavy pads for the first days of bleeding. Stock up on lighter ones for the weeks after.
Disposable or inexpensive underwear. Some even have built-in absorbency for the lighter bleeding days.
Stool softener. You’ll want to avoid straining with bowel movements, so your provider will usually recommend or prescribe one.
Ibuprofen for pain and swelling, as directed by your provider.
For breast/chestfeeding
If you’re planning to breast/chestfeed, a few comfort items go a long way. The beginning can be uncomfortable while you and your baby are both learning how to latch.
A large water bottle with a straw. Ideally one that keeps drinks cold (or hot) for hours. Nothing worse than refilling it all day because it’s the wrong temperature!
Organic, cold-pressed coconut oil. The easiest multipurpose item! Use it as a nipple cream, on your hands and face, and on your baby. I love putting it on baby’s bottom before that first poop so the meconium doesn’t stick as easily. (Skip it if you or your baby have a coconut allergy.)
An organic herbal nipple cream for when coconut oil isn’t quite enough.
Gel nipple pads. Especially in the first week, the cool relief is amazing. Check the package to see if yours can go in the fridge.
Nursing pads, disposable or washable, to help with leaking as your milk comes in and regulates.
Other comfort items
A heating pad for afterbirth cramps. These cramps are your uterus shrinking back down, and they’re often triggered by nursing, since nipple stimulation releases the hormones that help the uterus contract. They also tend to get stronger with each baby.
One-handed snacks and a few treats you love, like small squares of chocolate. Fed parents heal better, and a little joy matters too.
A small notebook for questions for your provider, things to buy, and any thoughts you want to jot down. It’s so helpful for staying organized while your brain is running on very little sleep.
Click here to download the printable version
Warmly,
Doula Deb
