When I was pregnant with Everly I was so focused on the giving birth and taking care of her part, that I completely overlooked postpartum care. When I came home with her, she had everything she need (and then some) and I had absolutely nothing. Thank goodness for my mom, she was staying with us at the time to help with the transition, and once she found out I didn't have what I needed she ran out to the store to get me everything. If you haven't had a baby, I can't tell you how much the things she got helped me, if you have had a baby then you totally get it.
I had a vaginal birth with Everly so my postpartum care kit was and is tailored to that experience. With her I also had an episiotomy, and healing was a journey. I was stitched from end to end pretty much and everything I did was so painful. This time around I am making sure I have a list of everything I need and it is going to be home when I am.
My mom has been asking me what I would like for Christmas and there isn't really anything I need or want. HOWEVER, I had the brilliant idea of getting her to make me a "postpartum stocking" type thing. Is that not the most adulting gift you have ever heard haha. So I have made my Amazon list and here are all the things I'm including (besides the obvious like stool softner and tylenol):
1) Sitz Bath
I used this thing to DEATH when I had Everly. I think having an episiotomy was one of the reasons why it was so valuable in the healing process to me. I used it when I needed some relief and I also used it in between baths and to also clean, because you can't wipe or anything when you have that many stitches.
2) Witch Hazel Cleansing Pads
There are a few organic brands that carry these cleansing pads, but TUCKS also makes them and I prefer their brand. These are great at giving you that cooling effect "down there" when you need it, especially if you have stitches and they start to heal and get itchy. I found that's when I needed them to most.
3) Spray Bottle
The hospital usually gives you one of these to go home with, but Frida Baby also makes one called the Mom Washer. This is good because again, you can't wipe really with fresh stitches so they give you this to clean instead. It is an actual lifesaver.
4) Depends Overnight Underwear
This is a new one on the list. I have been watching a bunch of YouTube videos and tons of people recommend using Depends for right after you give birth. I have never thought to use them and it actually sounds like a genius idea. I am not a fan of the mesh type under wear they give you at the hospital so this sounds like a great alternative!
5) Always Overnight Pads
I used these last time with Everly and I actually prefer the Wal Mart brand of overnight pads because they aren't nearly as thick and bulky. I switch between pad sizes once the bleeding has started to subside.
6) Earth Mama Bottom Spray
I used this last time and really enjoyed it! It's pretty much a TUCKS pad but in liquid form.
7) Padcicyles
My friend made me a bunch for after I gave birth and they were AMAZING! So I am totally planning on making some this time around. It's basically a giant ice pack for down there haha, and it is heaven when you need it the most.
I think for now that is pretty much it! Doesn't child birth sound like so much fun?! The recovery depending on how your labour goes can be quick or it can be long and difficult. I felt like I would never be the same again, but day by day you get a little bit better and stronger and you do heal and become human again. I definitely recommend stocking up on some of these items if you are expecting, and if you have a friend who is due around Christmas or just after like I am, a great gift idea would be a postpartum stocking haha.
Is there anything I missed or something you couldn't live without?! Let me know! Those who have had C-Sections, is there a must have on your list?
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