Breastfeeding Perspectives

8 Postpartum Essentials for Mom and Baby

postpartum essentials for mom
Having the right postpartum essentials is crucial for a new mother's recovery and well-being after childbirth. These essentials, ranging from hygiene products to supportive undergarments can play a vital role in promoting physical comfort, healing, and emotional stability during a sensitive and transformative time.

Do You Have A Postpartum Essentials Checklist?

As a first-time mother with a brand-new baby, it is easy and natural to focus all your attention on your precious angel. However, the person who will need just as much attention and assistance at this time is you, Mom. You may experience some soreness and discomfort after giving birth which is to be expected. Worry not, there are ways to ease this discomfort. In this article, we will take a look at 8 critical postpartum essentials for mom and baby.

postpartum essentials for mom

1. Herbal Sitz Baths

Herbal Sitz Baths are one of the resources to relieve some of that ache. These baths are meant to soothe and heal sore skin, muscles, and tissue damage after giving birth. Keep in mind that the time your physician clears you for baths varies for each mother. At that point, you may begin to add these herbs to your bath to alleviate tension in your body.

2. Postpartum Undies

Though soaking in your herbal sitz bath will dull some pain, your comfort and relaxation does not have to end there. Postpartum undies are just the thing for this. It may be uncomfortable to wear regular underwear for a bit while you’re healing, so these undies are designed for your comfort during that process. With plenty of stretch room, they vary in color and size to moderate this hormonal experience.

3. Lactation Tea

Introducing lactation tea to your weekly regimen is also a vital addition to your postpartum routine. This tea benefits both mom and baby as it assists with milk production for a more soothing nursing experience. For further information on its benefits, consult with your physician.

4. Nursing Gown

To further alleviate possible nursing woes, a nursing nightgown is another essential luxury during postpartum. This gown is convenient and comfy for those late nights when the baby wakes up for feeding time. Equipped with adjustable straps and clip-down cups, a nursing gown makes sleepless nights more manageable.

5. Cooling/Heating Pads

After nursing, you may experience some unsolicited aches and pains. Cooling pads will aid in soothing soreness in the breast before and after feeding as well as your pelvic region after a vaginal delivery. Along with cooling pads, a warm compress will increase milk flow and appease tightness. This can be achieved with old or new remedies such as a heated cloth or an electric heating pad.

6. Peri Bottle

It may not be mentioned often but a peri bottle is truly a mother’s best friend after delivery. Soothing stitches and swelling this aid is sure to bring you comfort. Simply fill it with warm water and apply it around your perineum to assuage irritation and reduce stinging.

7. Stool Softener

Going to the restroom after birth can seem dreadful, especially if you have hemorrhoids or stitches. A stool softener is a wonderful addition to accommodate you during this time. Helping you pass insufferable bowel movements, a stool softener is sure to make going to the bathroom more bearable.

8. Witch Hazel Pads

Witch hazel pads are a postpartum must-have. Not only do they prevent possible infection, but they also combat swelling, pain, and bruising after birth. We recommend that you keep a few of these pads with you for when you are out and about after leaving the hospital (Newton, 2024). This will help to relieve any itching, burning, or irritations that you may be experiencing.

Final Thoughts

Your body will experience numerous changes throughout pregnancy and after birth. By thinking ahead, you can prepare for postpartum, which appears different for every woman. This will allow you to acquire the specific essentials necessary for you and your baby. We hope you found this article on postpartum essentials for mom and baby to be very informative. You may also be interested in a previous article on 8 Must-Have Supplies for New Moms.

References

Dix, Megan. “All The Best Postpartum Essentials According to Health Professionals.” Forbes, 4 Mar. 2024. 

Hintz-Zambrano, Katie. “The 31 Best Postpartum Essentials Every New Mom Needs Now.” Mother, 18 Jan. 2023. 

“40 Best Postpartum Essentials for Mom and Baby.” Newton Baby, 2024, www.newtonbaby.com/blogs/hush/postpartum-essentials. 

"Milk.. It does a baby good!

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Kathy Parkes

Breastfeeding Perspectives | MSN-Ed, BSPsy, RN, IBCLC, RLC, FILCA, CHC, CAHPE

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About Kathy

Kathy Parkes is a registered nurse, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a Fellow of the International Lactation Consultant Association.

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