The hospital has released you and the time has come to begin the postpartum journey at home. So what gear do you need to heal and start motherhood off on the right foot? Here’s a list of supplies to have BEFORE the baby arrives. Click links to order!
Hello 3rd trimester! Is your hospital bag ready?!
Why you NEED these things!
Large panties- After your birth you will bleed for 3-6 weeks. Having comfy underwear is a must for pads to be comfortable and avoid further irritation to delicate, damaged tissue.
Various size pads- Bleeding can be different for each person. Some may bleed heavily for a few weeks and some may have light bleeding. Its nice to be prepared for whatever happens so you do not need to go out for more supplies.
The MomWasher- after birth you may have tears of varying degrees, and because urine is acidic it burns when in contact with those tissue injuries. Running warm water over your vagina while you urinate dilutes the urine and cleans the area.
Pain relieving spray- because of the likelihood of tissue injury during birth pain reliving spray is always nice!
Lanolin nipple cream- When you start breastfeeding you skin needs some time to get used to the wear and tear of constant nursing. This cream is great at healing, moisturizing, and preventing cracking.
Soothies nipple pads- another great resource for soothing and healing sore, painful nipples.
Breast Pump- It’s important to have a good, functioning pump. You may need to pump down engorged breasts so the baby can latch. Perhaps the baby is having trouble latching, or you are experiencing pain while nursing, you can pump and bottle feed with breastmilk until you see a lactation consultant to troubleshoot. There are a variety of reasons you may want the pump during the first few weeks of life, so having a reliable pump is important.
Breast Friend nursing pillow- we love this pillow because it is tall enough to bring the baby to your breast (important for a proper latch, and for your back!) The velcro strap around the back is a great for keeping it in place.
Postpartum ice packs- These are great for swollen and inflamed tissues of the vagina and perineum. Even if you do not tear you may still have swelling from pushing, which is uncomfortable.
Dr. Browns Bottles & Preemie Nipples - While there are hundreds of bottle brands, sizes, nipple shapes and more, on the market, I am here to point you in the right direction, easing both you and Baby’s transition. I always recommend that clients consider Dr. Browns Bottles when choosing baby products. [Glass vs plastic, bottle color, wide neck vs. normal, its all your personal preference at that point!] Dr. Browns bottles are not only the best fit for any mom planning to mix bottle and breast feeding, but they are also formulated to reduce gas, as well as help reduce the risk of colic, making them perfect for nearly all newborns. The Dr. Browns nipples are most similarly shaped to that of the natural breast, compared to any other bottle on the market. Choosing the Preemie Nipple is important for newborns (regardless of their gestational age), as they allow Baby to easily transition from breast to bottle, without any extreme change in milk flow. The preemie nipples can be used for any duration of time, as they help reduce the risk of chugging, choking, and gasping for air between swallowing. I highly recommend them for all newborns, regardless of if they are exclusively bottle fed or not. Not sure when to switch Baby to the next sized nipple? Reach out today to chat with a Specialist about your baby’s feeding journey!
“Did you know that your baby’s bottles can go straight into the dishwasher? This eliminates the need for additional & expensive, countertop sterilizers. Note: unless your baby has a medical condition that increases their risk of illness, there is no need to sterilize your bottles after every single use. Once a day is plenty! Throw them in the dishwasher overnight, and you are all set! ”
Steam cleaning bags- these do the job and take so little time to do it! This is perfect for the quick sterilization of pump parts, when necessary! (Especially perfect for traveling to hotels, where you will not have access to a dishwasher!)
Freezer meals and easy snacks- as a postpartum care specialist I cannot tell you how many times I have arrived at a new parents home to find they have done nothing but care for the baby. They have not eaten, drank, showered, brushed their teeth or dressed! The first order of business for us is often to feed the mother! With a stash of nutritionally dense meals and snacks you can grab and go you can easily eat. Our postpartum doulas are great at helping make freezer meals and snacks, for a quick meal while we are not there. Being a new mom is exhausting, making sure you are well nourished can help ease the exhaustion; making life a little easier.
Newborn Care Specialist- having an expert come to visit in the first few days home can be a invaluable resource. They can easily help with breastfeeding (latching and positioning), routine building, answering questions about normal postpartum recovery and newborn care. They are also there to make you a meal or two, let you get a nap or shower, help with Baby’s laundry, and more. We strive to always provide knowledge, non-judgmental, professional care to ease your transition into parenthood!
Large water bottle- Being hydrated can have a large impact on how you feel. It can help you be more alert and over all better feeling.
Stool softeners and Motrin- Something that a lot of new moms do not know is that you may get hemorrhoids from pushing. They can be very inflamed and painful. That first bowel movement can be terrifying! The stool softeners will help that experience be bearable. Speak with you OBGYN about how to properly use them and for how long. Motrin can also help with this tissue inflammation in and around your vagina and perineum. Speak with your OBGYN about how to use Motrin properly and for how long.
As always I am here for your postpartum and newborn needs and questions
