In Bloom Doula Services

A baby changes everything. Especially when it comes to your body and life style. Postpartum, or the 4th trimester, although different for everyone, and an inevitable part of the baby having process, often goes ignored by the masses. Postpartum recovery is so un-talked about that many moms feel blindsided by what they end up going through. I know I did. If you are anticipating a baby there are things you will need to make the process go as smoothly as possible. I compiled a list of all my favorite products that made recovery a little more comfortable and a lot more bearable.

Pads or Diapers:

Everyone is different. Some people will bleed after birth for 2 weeks, some for 8 weeks. The amount of blood is different for every woman as well. But everyone will bleed. You will still have vaginal bleeding even after a c-section. Unfortunately, there is no escaping this part of postpartum recovery. The hospital will send you home with giant pads. They are good for the beginning, but once the bleeding tapers off you may want a smaller or lighter pad. I recommend these Always Ultra Thin pads. I know everyone has attitude about pads, but do not even think about using a tampon for postpartum bleeding until you have been cleared by your midwife or doctor. Stock up on some pads to keep at home and change them regularly, and after you use the restroom.

If pads in the mesh panties (they’re not on my list, but ask for extra when you leave the hospital) or regular panties aren’t for you I suggest trying some adult diapers. I got a little bit of everything before I delivered just to have options and see what I liked best. I wouldn’t say I liked these, but they were comfortable enough, and I liked not having seems of tight or fitted underwear dig into me anywhere. These, Always Discreet Incontinence Underwear are stretchy and take care of that problem. Comfort is key.

A Peri Bottle:

At the hospital they will give you a peri bottle that will be your best friend. You don’t need to buy one beforehand, because the one from the hospital is “free” and it works the best. You put warm or cool water (cool is more refreshing in my opinion) in it and squirt it onto yourself to rinse instead of wiping. Whether you have a tear, an episiotomy or just regular postpartum  bleeding, you need to stay clean and avoid wiping a sensitive area. If you would like to buy your own Fridababy has this MomWasher that I haven’t tried, but I think looks really cool.

Sprays and Pain Relief:

After you rinse yourself I suggest trying various sprays. I liked Earth Momma Angel Baby New Momma Bottom Spray. I actually like everything by Earth Momma Angel  because their products are all natural and safe. I also like this Motherlove Sitz Bath spray. It works as an alternative to soaking in a sitz bath, which is also amazing for comfort and healing. Motherlove products are also organic, all natural and amazing. You can actually buy a sitz bath to soak in. That will also have the same effect of soothing irritation and inflammation. There are many products out there, so find what works best for you.

I also used Dermoblast that I’ve heard some hospitals give out as well, but mine didn’t. I never used the restroom without changing my padding, rinsing and spraying. I had a minor tear and very little vaginal pain recovering. I was sore and tender, but I was comfortable and again comfort is key. I had heard before I bought Dermoblast that it is better to get the blue bottle, not the red bottle which is anti bacterial. You do not want to risk messing up your pH and getting a yeast infection during postpartum recovery. You have good and bad bacteria in your vagina, and if it stays balanced everything is good. If you use an antibacterial you risk killing to good bacteria, which would allow the bad bacteria to take over and you could end up with a yeast infection, or bacterial vaginosis. I would assume that an antibacterial spray  could also sting, and nobody wants that. Dermoblast may also be useful for hemorrhoids, or your first few postpartum bowl movements. 

I also used Tucks pads that have witch hazel in them. Don’t wipe, just dab on and maybe even leave them in your pad. Witch hazel is something I had never heard of before until I started looking for natural products to use. It is amazing and helps reduce swelling, inflammation, and bleeding. I now use it on psoriasis too, so go getcha some. 

Padsicles:

Padsicles are basically an icepack for your vagina. You can make these yourself with large overnight absorbent pads, and cover them with witch hazel, aloe vera, and some lavender essential oil. You wear them for a little while as needed. I made about 30, and only used maybe 10. I have given a few to friends, and will save some for my next baby. These were something I debated putting on this list. Were they helpful? Yes. Were they pleasant? Not really. In fact they were pretty brutal for about a minute, but for about 10-15 minutes after the initial shock of ice on your lady parts it was nice to have. I used this DIY instructional how to to make mine, and they turned our great!

Freezer Meals:

My mom and SIL/best friend made me several meals to stock my freezer with (seen above). I had everything from lasagna and chicken and dumplings to chili and pastas. They’re easy, on hand, and better than take out every night. I also got freezer breakfasts like waffles, and pre-made breakfast burritos, and other easy, grab-n-go meals like hot pockets. Basically any of your favorite groceries or meals that are easy to freeze and prepare, so you don’t have to spend much time cooking, cleaning or grocery shopping while you are busy, tired, and overwhelmed. Also forget doing dishes and just get some paper plates to make life simple and easy on yourself. 

Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime:

You will be awake and you will be tired. At least be entertained. I watched marathons of The Mindy Project while I struggled to stay awake during late night feeding sessions while camped out on my couch. Sometimes I just had TV on for background noise during nights that I was awake at 4 am and I didn’t even care about paying attention. Life with a newborn can be busy but it can also boring sometimes. On top of that your body is healing from 9 months of pregnancy and birth. Whether it a vaginal or c-section, your body has major resting to do. Have absolutely no guilt while sitting on the couch Netflix binging. You need to rest. Doing too much too soon can be detrimental to recovering well. Once your placenta detaches from the uterus it leaves an open wound. If you are too eager to get back to normal life you could possibly put yourself at risk for a hemorrhage. Postpartum hemorrhage is scary and real. Don’t push it. Dishes and laundry can wait. Make rest and healing a priority. 

Amazon Prime not only had TV shows and movies to watch, but that fast shipping is a game changer. I do way too much shopping now, but EVERYTHING is on Amazon, and it makes life so much easier than running a bunch of errands to various stores with a baby in tow. Plus, you can find deals and often times the prices are better. Amazon is just too good I tell ya.

Mom Support Groups:

I was constantly on fb groups and Pinterest while nursing. I liked having like minded women I could relate to and learn from. I’ve toned back my mom group use now because too much of a good thing is a bad thing, and they are not exempt from drama and hurt feelings. But while I was at home all day everyday, and lacking social interaction groups were a life saver. I was added to the Birth Without Fear Official Group, and then added myself to Take Back Postpartum and Motherhood Support Group. I loved them both so much that I tried some groups about pumping while working, and co-sleeping, but none are as good as Birth Without Fear. Immersing yourself in Facebook groups should not be your only support or human interaction. I love Facebook groups because they are at your fingertips during late night nursing sessions, or while you are trapped under your napping little. Check out local breastfeeding or postpartum groups too. I found some weekly meetings though my doula’s company, and hospitals often advertise some as well. Motherhood is magical, beautiful, and fulfilling, but can also be painful, stressful, and lonely. Don’t be afraid to reach out.

Clothing:

My official postpartum uniform became sweat pants, nursing tanks and soft baggy t-shirts. All I cared about was being comfortable during my first few weeks and months of postpartum life. I wore a lot of pajama pants with baggy t-shirts and fuzzy socks. If you want to breast feed you’ll probably want some nursing bras and tanks. I bought a few Jessica Simpson bras and tanks on sale at Motherhood Maternity and would layer them with soft, loose t-shirts and even a thin hoodie. That way it is easy to lift up the top layer of clothing and unlatch the nursing hook, and comfortable to lounge in. I also wore these pants from target. They are my favorite! So soft, stretchy, and light but also warm. I discovered these while I did a target run for my friend in the hospital. I got her a pair because of the softness and bought myself a pair later. I’m obsessed with the material and have several pairs now; along with a hoodie, nightgown, and shorts in this material as well. I love them! I also got a pajama set from motherhood maternity that only cost 12 dollars on sale! It came with pants, a nursing tank, and robe, which was perfect for my hospital bag. I brought several sets of comfy clothes to the hospital, and I’m glad I did. You may only stay a night or two at the hospital, but I bled through some bottoms so I’m glad I had a few spares. You won’t regret getting some nursing tops, tanks, bras, and nightgowns. 

Nipple Cream and Breast Pads:

Breast feeding can be painful and messy business. I’d recommend having some nipple cream on hand to soothe hurting nipples. I love this Yorba nipple cream, but liked Motherlove and Lansinoh Lanolin also. I have some washable Bamboo breast pads, and some disposables to manage leaking. if you’re like me you may even have leaking issues during pregnancy too.

Nursing Pillow

Brest Friend

At the beginning nursing is hard. It may not be easy for awhile, and holding up an infant to your breast, and your breast in a “C” shape to their face for 30 minutes, every hour or so, can get exhausting. Having a Brest Friend or a Boppy, can make nursing a little bit easier for you. I had a Brest Friend and I loved it. I used it for about the first two months, and now it is no longer needed, but it is nice to have. I chose a Brest Friend because I had heard other moms rave about them. They have a strap so you can hook it around your waist, and a pocket to throw items you may need in, like a water bottle, the remote, a nipple shield, anything that you’d like at your finger tips while nursing. Boppies a little cheaper and are also nice to have when your baby is trying to sit. You can put them in the center for extra support. They come in all different colors and patterns and covers are available.

Boppy

Water, Coconut Water, Gatorade:

Pick your poison, but stay hydrated. You will continue to have postpartum cramps because pregnancy, labor and delivery clearly isn’t enough. Staying hydrated will help your body heal, will make milk production better, will make cramps less intense, and make going to the restroom easier. Which leads me to my next must have.

Stool Softener:

Check with your care provider beforehand, but do not put off having a bowl movement. Don’t be scared, just do it and get it over with. Taking a stool softener could make the process easier.

Baby Wearing:

I got a few different baby carriers for gifts at my baby showers, but I honestly completely forgot about them once I brought Holden home. When he was about 4 weeks old I decided I wanted to take him to the mall for pictures with Santa. This would be the first time I would take him out in public by myself, so I got out the wraps and figured out how to use them, and realized what I had been missing. Baby wearing is AMAZING! Next time I have a baby I will not wait four weeks to baby wear, whether you are in public or not. Holden would immediately stop crying and often times fall asleep while in the wrap. I could use my hands again and not worry about him crying when I needed to do stuff around the house. There are so many different types and styles of baby barriers. I have an Ergo, and a Solly wrap. Yes, I made my husband take pictures of me wearing them both in HEB. I used my Solly (see above) all the time for the first few months, but now that Holden is bigger I use my Ergo while shopping (seen below). I would just try different types, and research different brands. I am itching to get a Ring Sling too. Baby wearing for the win!

While you’re busy preparing for your little one’s arrival and stocking up on things they may need during their first few weeks and months Earth side do not forget your needs, Momma. It may be easy to prioritize the needs of that precious baby, but your needs are important too. Just because you’ve started caring for a new life doesn’t mean you can stop caring for yourself. In order to be the best Momma for your baby you have to take care of YOU, so order yourself a care package, listen to your body, and do not neglect your needs during postpartum recovery. You are worth it.