When I was expecting Brooklyn I focused a lot on having everything ready for her – the proper baby ‘equipment’, shall we say. I did research on all the fun things like car seats, strollers, carriers, breast pumps, mattresses, play mats, etc. And while I know having the right equipment for the job makes things a thousand times easier, I had completely neglected the fact that I would need equipment to take care of ME!
As her due date got closer, I had my hospital bag packed, the nursery set up, the stroller by the door, the car seat installed. Check, check, check! I was ready. And sure, we were well prepared to physically care for Brooklyn at home, but I didn’t have what I needed to physically care for myself when we got home. Which resulted in my Mum running out to buy supplies for me, on the regular.
This is why I think you should pack your postpartum recovery kit before you even start packing your hospital bag – which is really quite a simple task because the hospital will have a lot of supplies for you, you just need to grab all the comfy things and put them in a bag; don’t overthink it. Put your energy and attention into how you’re going to take care of YOUR body when you get home, when the nurses and doctors aren’t there to check on you or help you go pee.
Alright, enough reasoning, here’s my list for your Your Postpartum Recovery Kit.
- PADS. And lots of them. I really didn’t realize how much I was going to leak fluids after pregnancy. It should be a given, but I was naive. So stock up, you won’t be disappointed. Get a variety of sizes and styles – different days, different flows. My favourites: HERE.
- PADSICLES. Just trust me on this one – they were a lifesaver for me the first time and I’ll be doing them again for this recovery. So take some of the above pads and make some padsicles to keep in your freezer. They will save your undercarriage, for sure. You can also try a perineal spray, just make sure the ingredients are natural and herbal. My favourite spray: HERE and a great padsicle recipe HERE.
- DEPENDS. These were a lifesaver. My regular underwear with a pad just didn’t cut it for the first few weeks postpartum. They didn’t stay in place as well or have the amount of coverage I needed for all that leaking – whereas the depends (with an extra pad) stayed put and got the job done 😉 My favourites: HERE and HERE.
- NIPPLE CREAM. Just do yourself a favour and get this. Even if you have the best experience with breastfeeding, your nipples will thank you for moisturizing them in between feedings. My favourite: HERE.
- NURSING BRAS…without underwire! I like underwires, always have. So the nursing bras I invested in all had underwires. Well, don’t be like me. You’re going to be doing a lot of lounging (hopefully) so even if you’re not nursing, grab some comfy bras without underwire, but that still hold everything in. My favourite: HERE.
- NURSING PADS, if you’re nursing. This will eliminate having to wash your bras every day from leakage! My favourite: HERE.
- PRENATAL VITAMINS. Your body is still very much in need of all your vitamins and minerals in a prenatal or postnatal vitamin, so make sure you’ve stocked up and continue to take them daily.
- WATER BOTTLE. Drinking a ton of water postpartum is so important. I found that having a water bottle that I could bring around the house with me helps to ensure I’m staying on track. And try to drink warm water to help with the healing process your body is undergoing. My favourite: HERE.
- THERMOS. Please invest in a thermos. For the love of all things, we do not need to be drinking cold coffee or warming it up a thousand times in the microwave. Plus, this way you don’t have to worry about spilling a hot drink on your newborn because your cup will have a lid! Win, win. My favourite: HERE.
- PERI BOTTLE. They will likely give you one of these at the hospital, but in case they don’t, this will be your new best friend when you’re going to the potty. My favourite: HERE.
- EPSOM SALTS and some dry herbs, like lavender, calendula and comfrey. You can also get some great premade postpartum bath salts and they’re worth every penny. My favourites: HERE and HERE or keep it simple HERE.
- COMFY UNDIES. You couldn’t have paid me enough to wear a thong for months after giving birth; so I highly recommend that you grab yourself some comfortable briefs or boyshorts, nothing too tight as remember, comfort is key.
- COMFY PANTS. Like seriously comfortable pants that are a size bigger than you would usually wear and loose, because you do not need to have any tightness where it’s not needed.
So there you have it. Your body has just been through an incredible change in a very short period of time, so having your recovery kit ready for when you get home will ensure you are doing what you can to take care of yourself in the best way possible. Because remember, you don’t know how you’re going to be feeling or what your baby’s needs will be, so being as prepared as possible beforehand will do your body (and mind) wonders!
