Hello fellow mamas, I realized I typed this post up after birth, but never published it ... if that is not the definition of mom life I don't know what is.
ANYWAY - I am a year in now and still stand by all the below products to have right after birth. Your body changes drastically and everyone is a little different but each of these products still can help in one way or another. Your body may feel a bit foreign, but girl, you are a damn superhero you just gave birth to another human being.
Do not focus on the snapback - focus on keeping you and baby alive and well. There are so many unneeded added pressures on women during and after birth - don't fall into the trap. You and baby got to know each other's heart beat but now it is time to learn each other all over again outside of the womb. Enjoy all the moments together. They will be challenging but they are always worth it.
Here are all my postpartum suggestions:
Frida Mom Postpartum Kit: GET YOURSELF THIS ASAP! Thank me later. It has everything that you need in it. (Peri Bottle is sold without this postpartum kit, so if your hospital doesn't give you buy this one - I got one from the hospital but preferred the Frida Peri Bottle over it)
Honey Pot Postpartum Overnight Pads/Female "Diapers"/Overnight Pads: You will be bleeding for days/weeks so you need to be prepared for it all. Also, plan to wear big ass underwear after birth. They wont be cute, but it is what it is. Nothing really cute after birth expect the baby,
Tucks: I have mentioned before, but they are worth mentioning again. Hemorrhoids are no joke.
Colace or Merilax: Optional depending on your body. I had surgery last year and needed to use colace to aid with going to the bathroom, but didn't need it much for this. They will most likely give you a stool softener at the hospital as well. Your body just went through war to give you a bundle of joy, so you might need a little extra help when it comes to some basic functions like going to the bathroom.
Water bottle with a straw: Any water-bottle with a straw recommended. My hospital provided me with a jug, but I also have a smaller one to walk around. At the hospital it is just easier with a straw and once you have baby ever minute is valuable so saving those seconds by having a straw vs twist top is weirdly important.
Dermoplast: Self explanatory! There will be lots of things going on down there and you will want all the relief you can get .
Nipple Cream & Nipple Pads: Emphasize on these products, especially if you plan to breastfeed. Your body will produce milk anyway so being prepared with the nipple pads is important so that you aren't out somewhere and you leak through your shirt.
Motrin: This one is self explanatory - you just want something near by for pain management. You may need this for your overall pain level, engorged breast, if you had any tearing, etc. I felt fine sometimes and then the pain would hit me like a ton of bricks at once - taking every 6 or so hours for the first couple of days can definitely prevent you from going from 0 to 100.
Pink Stork Tea: I drank the energy, postpartum, lactation, and calm. They have around 30 different teas to take you through the whirlwind that is motherhood.
Extra's:
Things to make sure to leave the hospital with: peri bottle, extra-large pads, disposable underwear, sitz bath, belly band, and ice pack pads.
The "Pink Drink" and/or "Mango Dragonfruit Drunk with coconut milk: helps with milk supply and dehydration if you are planning on breast feeding.
Your pediatrician will ask you how many times that baby has pooped and peed so keep a log of that information. You can also download this app to track feedings, diaper changes, and growth developments.
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