14 Postpartum Care Kit Essentials: Items To Pack
Hey there, new parents! 🎉 Welcoming a little bundle of joy is such an exciting time, but let’s face it—it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially during the postpartum period after a vaginal birth. From the discomfort of vaginal tearing to managing those trips to the bathroom, everything seems a bit overwhelming. But fear not! I’ve got the scoop on the best postpartum care kits that are just perfect for jump-starting your recovery and making life with your new baby a bit easier.
Why a Postpartum Care Kit is a Must-Have
After your baby’s arrival, your body needs time to heal, particularly if you’ve experienced a vaginal delivery. A well-thought-out postpartum care kit is not just a great gift; it’s a crucial aid in your healing journey. Imagine having a beautifully boxed starter kit ready with all the essentials tailored just for you. From organic herbal sitz baths designed to soothe perineal pain to cozy socks that keep your feet warm during those late-night feeds—every item serves a purpose.
What To Pack In Your Postpartum Recovery Kit
1. Postpartum Pads / Giant Maxi Pads
For the first week after you give birth, it’s normal to experience postpartum bleeding. Make sure to stock up on these as you will need to change them often, especially if bleeding is heavy.
Your body is just adjusting and recovering, so there’s no need to worry.
Postpartum pads can help make sure you are comfortable and leak-free when you’re ready to move around, starting as soon as you stand up in the hospital.
They cater the best post birth pads to individual needs, from overnight protection to stitch-sensitive options.
It’s also worth mentioning that it’s typically recommended that you avoid using tampons or a menstrual cup until after your six-week check-up to lower risk of infection.
2. Instant Ice Maxi Pads
These instant ice maxi pads are a simple yet effective way to manage postpartum discomfort. They are especially useful in the first few days after delivery when discomfort and swelling are often at their peak.
3. Witch Hazel
This miracle solution helps prevent swelling, and hemorrhoids after giving birth.
You can carry wipes in your purse or make your own witch hazel pad to provide continuous relief.
It’s also quite common to freeze pads soaked in witch hazel to use as an ice pack. You can buy witch hazel pads ready made.
While it may not sound great now, the relief is so worth it.
4. Maternity Undergarments
Maternity underwear can help keep you comfortable while you heal after giving birth.
They make postpartum underwear with soft mesh that keeps pads, ice packs and C-section stitches in place.
Once you are ready to readjust to your own clothes, keep some large underwear with a comfortable, stretchy waistband at home. We also known as ‘granny pants’ haha.
Yes, they are massive, but they are comfy. The last thing you want is your postpartum pad slipping about all over the place, or the waistband of your knickers resting on your c-section stitches! FYI – yes, the waistband on the stitches is as bad as it sounds – take it from someone with 1st hand experience of this!
Likewise, if you haven’t added a belly wrap to your registry list, you should! Having a baby can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable when it’s time to re-enter the world. These miraculous garments support your belly, waist and hips post-pregnancy.
You can wear them under anything while you are waiting for your body to recover and regain its shape.
5. Donut or Boppy Pillow
You can imagine that having a baby puts quite the hurt on the entire lower half of your body.
Even sitting down can be extremely uncomfortable. Keep a donut pillow or a boppy pillow nearby to help take some pressure off those sensitive areas.
You can also use them to prop your arms up while nursing. A breastfeeding pillow helps support the weight of your breast so that baby has easy access to your nipple and is comfortable when breastfeeding.
Do whatever you need to do to position yourself comfortably and load your house up with all the pillows you could ever need.
6. Peri Wash Bottle
Speaking of lower-body sensitivities, you may also want to consider investing in a good perineal irrigation bottle. After your birth experience, it can even be scary to wipe after using the restroom.
A good peri bottle can help eliminate pain and still get the job done. Many options are portable and discreet so you can keep them at home or carry them with you in your bag.
There are plenty of options out there, especially for new moms, so do a little research to find the one that works best for you.
7. Perineal Healing Foam or Numbing Spray
Take advantage of all the new products on the market that provide instant relief and promote long-term healing. For example, they make perineal healing foam with witch hazel and offer great healing qualities.
If you’re in experiencing more immediate pain and swelling, healing foam or numbing spray help relieve pain in the perineal area.
Add these lifesavers to your postpartum care kit to avoid being stuck with no pain management when you have to take care of the baby.
Earth mama has a great range of products to help you after you’ve had a baby, for example this new mama bottom spray is fab.
8. Sitz Salts / Epsom Salts
Who doesn’t love a nice, relaxing bath? Sitting in a sitz bath can help limit the swelling you experience after childbirth and reduce pain or itchiness you may feel. Fill the bath with a few inches of warm water and some sitz salts and enjoy 15-20 minutes to yourself.
To avoid irritation, hang your legs outside the tub to keep them out of the bath and pat yourself dry once you’re done to avoid rubbing the salts into your skin.
You can check out this guide on how to take a postpartum sitz bath. It will describe the process in full for you.
9. Nursing Garments
Breastfeeding can be difficult to adjust to, especially if you’re a first-time mom. Aside from helping baby learn how to latch, you may be getting the hang of it yourself.
To make it easier, stock up on nursing tank tops, t-shirts, nursing bras or other clothing options.
There is also a chance of leaking between nursing. Invest in some breast pads that can help save you a few changes of clothes throughout the day.
9. Nipple Cream
You may also experience sore nipples or dryness as you find your rhythm while breastfeeding.
Soothe any discomfort with nipple cream or nipple butter designed to get you through the first few weeks of nursing.
Don’t worry, there’s good news: once you and baby learn to work together, the irritation will resolve on its own.
Lanolin is the most effective nipple cream available and can be purchased at a drugstore.
10. Nipple Shield
If you plan on breastfeeding, it’s helpful to have a nipple shield at home.
It can be used during those early days when nursing may still feel painful or difficult.
11. Painkillers and Stool Softeners
You may already have over-the-counter medication at home, but if you don’t, stock up before your due date.
You often experience unfamiliar aches and pains after pregnancy and labor as your uterus readjusts in size. It’s nothing to be alarmed about, but a few good pain management options can go a long way for the first few weeks.
Ibuprofen is a good choice for pain relief and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Also, if you’re experiencing pain or constipation during bowel movements, try adding a stool softener to your regular routine until your body readjusts. These can also prevent hemorrhoids.
12. Perineal Balm
The perineal area can be very tender and swollen after delivery, especially if there was tearing or an episiotomy. A soothing perineal balm can help alleviate discomfort, reduce swelling, and accelerate healing.
13. Disposable Underwear
Disposable underwear is incredibly useful for postpartum women, providing comfort and convenience during a time when regular underwear may not suffice due to lochia (postpartum bleeding) and healing.
14. Nipple Gel Pads
Nipple gel pads can be a lifesaver for breastfeeding mothers, providing relief from sore or cracked nipples, which are common in the early days of nursing.
What to Look for in a Perfect Postpartum Kit That is Ready Made
- Essential Items for Comfort and Recovery:
- Upside-down Peri Bottle: For a gentle and effective way to clean those tender areas without any hassle.
- Perineal Cooling Pad Liners: Infused with witch hazel, they provide soothing relief and help reduce swelling.
- Disposable Postpartum Underwear: Super-absorbent and incredibly soft, perfect for those first few weeks.
- Herbal Perineal Spray: Made with natural ingredients like lavender essential oil and witch hazel for a soothing touch.
- Ease of Use and Accessibility:
- Toilet-top Storage Caddy: Keeps everything you need within easy reach for those frequent bathroom trips.
- Easy Access Caddy: Ideal for storing essentials right where you need them, ensuring that your postpartum care is as seamless as possible.
- Sensitive Skin-Friendly:
- Products made with natural ingredients like organic coconut oil, olive oil, and vitamin E cater to even the most sensitive skin types, ensuring that your healing process is gentle yet effective.
- Gift-Ready Packaging:
- Beautiful Box and Gift Packaging: These kits often come in a gift box making them the perfect registry go-to or a thoughtful gift from loved ones.
- Special Considerations:
- Whether it’s for a natural vaginal delivery or a scheduled C-section, there are kits designed with specific needs in mind, including items like a belly band for c-section recovery or reusable nursing pads for breastfeeding moms.
Why These Kits Make the Perfect Gift
Choosing the perfect postpartum kit like those offered by brands like Frida Mom or the Bodily Scheduled C-Section Box means giving the gift of relief and comfort. They are not just practical—they show a deep understanding and appreciation for what new mothers go through. Plus, with free shipping often available, it’s an easy choice for family and friends looking to support from afar.
In this exciting yet demanding world of mom (and dad!), having a postpartum care kit means one less thing to worry about. Whether you’re buying it for yourself or as a gift, it’s a beautiful way to acknowledge the journey of motherhood and promote a smoother, more comfortable recovery. Here’s to a great start to your postpartum experience, filled with self-care, comfort, and lots of love for your new baby girl or boy!
Conclusion
Make sure you have everything you need to relieve pain and taking some of these items in your hospital bag might be a good idea too!
Taking care of yourself is so important to ease you into this next exciting chapter of life, so make sure you voice your needs, stock up on the postpartum essentials and splurge on the good stuff, momma.
You deserve it.
