Postpartum Recovery Kit Essentials
The cute onesies are washed, diapers lined up, and the nursery is ready for baby, but what many parents-to-be forget about is preparing for the effects that birth will have on their bodies. The recovery is no joke, and having products on hand to help with those initial postpartum challenges can be a game-changer.
Here’s what will be in my recovery kit:
Frida Peri Bottle
If giving birth at a hospital, they will provide you with a generic one for the early bathroom trips, but having one with a nice angled spout will prevent any hands-in-the-toilet situations.
Oversized High Waisted Undies
And I mean THE BIGGEST ONES YOU CAN FIND, so you can fit ultra-absorbent pads and/or padcicles (frozen pads) in without worrying about what’s going on down there. Unbeknownst to many, bleeding still occurs even if you have a c-section.
A Stool Softener
With a good dose of magnesium citrate - those initial stools will not be hard on my watch!
Silverette Nursing Cups
Silver can naturally kill bacteria and also contains anti-inflammatory agents. I hear these cups are essential for preventing and healing cracked, sore, and infected nipples, so I’ll be putting them to the test.
Homeopathic remedies
I have a small stash of remedies to help with trauma, incision pain, bruising, and swelling ready to go for whatever comes my way.
Substance Perineal Spray
A little numbing of the “down there” bits and cooling of any haemorrhoids will be much appreciated.
Prenatal Vitamins
The prenatal vitamins don’t stop when baby is born. I advise all of my postpartum patients to continue taking prenatal vitamins throughout the 4th trimester and beyond, making sure your tank stays full regardless if breastfeeding is occurring or not.
Lactation Treats
Cookies, energy balls, or muffins made with brewers yeast to help encourage milk production will most certainly have to be hidden from my husband so they make it through the birth.
Supplements
Individually customized combinations of herbs can help new parents cope with extreme fatigue and support postpartum mental health.
Whether labour ends in vaginal delivery or C-section, you are a super parent and deserve some TLC while you take care of that new little bundle of joy. Hopefully these picks can help make your postpartum recovery a little bit more enjoyable.
This post was written by wellbe’s naturopathic doctor, Dr. Mallory, ND. Book your virtual or in-clinic visit to learn more about pre and post-natal care today!