A Guide to Supporting Your Recovery and Well-being After Birth
The postpartum period is a time of immense change and adjustment for new moms. One way to ensure you have all the essentials at hand is by creating a postpartum essentials kit for mom, kind of a collection of carefully curated items to support your well-being during this critical time.
I always say that this has been my life’s most challenging time. During this transformative phase, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care and provide the necessary support for your physical and emotional recovery.
In this blog post, we will guide you through assembling a complete postpartum essentials kit to ease your recovery journey and create a positive postpartum experience.
Comfort and Hygiene Essentials
#1 – Witch hazel cooling pads for soothing relief: These pads were amazing to me. Kind of a game-changer. I’ve never used them before having a baby, but they can calm and soothe you.
#2 – Perineal cooling packs for reducing swelling and discomfort. If you think the witch hazel cooling packs are not enough, you should try the Lansinoh therapy packs.
#3 – Pain-relieving spray: I used this spray on top of the witch hazel pads and let me tell you it was a star combination.
#4 – Sitz bath herbs or salts for soothing: I know some people who have done these baths, Although I did not know about them back then, they say it was kind of soothing and gives you a little alone time too.
#5 – Soft, chemical-free disposable underwear, or comfortable cotton underwear: I used both. The first 3 days I went with disposable underwear, they are super cute (sarcasm) and, to me, very comfortable (not sarcasm). This time is a moment of discomfort, a moment when you need loose clothes and everything that soothes you. So, it won’t matter what you need to feel that way. After 3 days I started to use my postpartum cotton underwear and around 2 weeks later I started to use underwear that had belly support, and I used them for months.
#6 – Extra-long and absorbent sanitary pads: I used Always, It has always been my brand since my first period, and for postpartum was excellent too.
#7 – Postpartum Peri bottle for gentle cleansing after using the restroom: This is a no-brainer and one of the first things you need. Thinking about toilet paper or wipes wasn’t an option for me.
Emotional and Mental Well-Being
#1 – Journal and Pen: this is just an idea. Writing to express your thoughts, feelings, and experiences can be therapeutic and aid in processing emotions. But to be honest I don’t know if you’ll find the time to do it. I didn’t, but I did two other things that helped me a little. The first thing was just to talk with my husband and express my feelings, but he has feelings too, so I could not fill his vase too much. The other thing is just to talk with myself while in the shower. This has been a “thing” for me for a long time, even before kids. Just talk like I’m talking with someone else and express what I feel or think. And yes, my secret is out.
Relaxation and Stress Relief
#1 – Aromatherapy oils or candles for relaxation: At this time, you need to create a calm atmosphere. This is something I realized a little later. When I was young, like a teenager, I lit incense sticks, but they never gave me the scent I really wanted. So, I never tried anything else for having a good scent in my home but glade and wick. But now I finally tried lighting some candles around and, my friend, what a difference. So, please do yourself a favor and find some good candles, with essential oils. Also diffusing essential oils would be amazing too, I used them almost every night with my kids and I felt the difference since day one.
#2 – Stress-relief techniques: guided meditation or breathing exercises can help. Nowadays is so easy to have this at home. I have tried it with my smartwatch. When I was with only one kid, I had the time to accomplish a routine for myself early in the morning (around 6 am) to go out for a run for 30-45 minutes and then try meditating or have a breathing exercise with the Fitbit. You should give it a try.
#3 – Calming teas or herbal infusions to relax. OK, I have to say I’ve never tried one of these, but I know that chamomile tea could be a very good go-to.
Self-Care and Nourishment
#1 – Healthy Snacks: You should always have an easy-to-eat available, even more, if you are breastfeeding: granola bars, trail mix, fresh fruits, and yogurt are always excellent options.
#2 – Hydration: Always have your favorite super water bottle available. I’ve said it before, this will be your best friend, and it’s crucial if you are breastfeeding.
#3 – Comfortable Clothing: You need loose, comfortable clothing suitable for nursing and easy movement, including nursing bras and tops for convenience at the time of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Support
#1 – Nursing Essentials: This includes lanolin cream to soothe and protect your nipples; breast pads for leakage and comfort (I loved the Lansinoh ones) and a breastfeeding pillow.
#2 – Breast Pump and Accessories: If you are planning to pump, a reliable breast pump needs to be in place. I always recommend Medela, but I know that Spectra is excellent too.
#3 – Breast milk storage bags or containers for proper storage and organization
#4 – Lactation consultant: If you can have one before and during your first child it would be amazing. Look for someone who is not against formula. If you want to breastfeed your baby it’s very useful to have someone who guides you and who teaches you what to do and what not to do, but at the same time lets you be you and that can adapt with you.
Also, if you don’t already know, every state in the US has a program for women, infants, and children that can help you through this journey. To give an example, the Florida program is called Healthy Start Coalition. If you live in another state, you can look for your state program. But here I can give you a link to a national program if you want to check it out https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/healthy-start
Emotional Support
In all life-changing events, it’s important to have a support system. In some cases, your family and friends will become this. But in other cases (like mine) maybe you don’t have enough family or friends around, so maybe you will need extra help to get through all this.
Every state in the US has helpline numbers or support groups for postpartum mental health. Also (at least in Florida), when you have a baby, you have the benefit to access mental healthcare (and other benefits too) for a year after birth.
Here’s the national maternal mental health hotline https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline
With all of this in place, your postpartum period should be covered. You must know that this time in a mom’s life is a time when new moms require special care and support. Creating a well-stocked postpartum kit can contribute significantly to your comfort, recovery, and overall well-being. Always personalize your kit based on your preferences and needs and update it as necessary. By having essential items readily available, you can focus on self-care, nurture your emotional and physical health, and fully embrace the joyous and transformative journey that awaits you.
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Hello, I'm Ana Cristina
This blog is meant to help new moms and dads start a more successful parenting life and answer most of the questions I’m sure you’ll have. You’re not alone. Hi, I’m Ana Cristina, mom of two: Maurizio & Isabella. We live in el calorcito de Miami and I’m sharing my great experience of being a SAHM to help you get through this wonderful (and sometimes chaotic, messy, and tired) journey.