Post-Birth Essentials: What You Need After Delivery

The arrival of a baby is an exciting time, but it's important to remember that new mothers will also need care and attention. In the weeks after giving birth, women can expect to experience a range of physical and emotional changes. Here are some essentials to make those initial post-birth days more comfortable and help speed up recovery.

For Comfort and Healing:

- Perineal numbing spray to relieve pain and soreness.

- Perineal squeeze bottle to ease the process of peeing postpartum.

- Mesh underwear or disposable postpartum underwear to accommodate pads and provide comfort.

- Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage pain and cramps.

- Witch hazel pads to soothe hemorrhoids and perineal stitches.

- Sitz bath or a doughnut pillow to ease vaginal soreness and perineal pain.

- Nipple cream to protect and heal sore nipples from breastfeeding.

- Breastfeeding pillows to provide support and comfort while nursing.

For Hygiene and Convenience:

- Maternity pads or adult incontinence underwear to manage postpartum bleeding (lochia).

- Breast pads to absorb leakage between feedings.

- Nursing bras and tops with easy access for breastfeeding.

- Peri bottle for rinsing the perineal area during and after urination.

- Stool softeners to ease constipation and the first postpartum bowel movement.

Postpartum underwear

The hospital will provide you with stretchy, disposable mesh underwear, but you may want to purchase additional underwear for when you return home. Look for underwear with a wide, stretchy waistband that will accommodate your postpartum pads without digging into your skin or restricting your sensitive abdomen. High-waisted underwear can provide extra coverage and support, especially when paired with high-waisted jeans.

There are many options available for postpartum underwear, including disposable and washable varieties. Some brands to consider include Frida Mom, Kindred Bravely, and Bodily. You can also find postpartum underwear packs at Amazon, Target, and Walmart. When choosing underwear, look for soft, stretchy fabrics that will be comfortable and accommodating of your body's fluctuations.

Breastfeeding essentials

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to nourish and bond with your baby. It can be a very rewarding experience, but it also requires some essential items to make the process comfortable and convenient for both you and your baby. Here is a list of breastfeeding essentials to help you prepare for this journey:

Nursing Bras and Pads

Nursing bras are designed to provide easy access for breastfeeding. Look for styles that offer comfort, support, and seamless, wireless designs that can be worn day and night. Nursing pads are also essential to prevent leaks and protect your clothing. Choose between washable cotton pads or soft, disposable options.

Nipple Cream

Nipple cream is a must-have to soothe and heal cracked or sore nipples caused by breastfeeding. Look for lanolin-based creams that are ultra-purified, safe for your baby, and do not need to be removed before breastfeeding.

Breast Pump and Storage Bags

A breast pump is a handy device to extract and store breast milk when you are not available to feed your baby directly. There are electric, manual, and wearable pumps available, each catering to different needs and preferences. Storage bags are essential for safely storing and freezing your breast milk supply. Look for bags with clear markings to easily track the amount and date of pumping.

Nursing Pillows

Infant support pillows are soft, U-shaped pillows that allow your baby's head to cradle safely while feeding. They provide support for various feeding styles and help you maintain a comfortable position. Lounger pillows are also great for breastfeeding and can be used on the go.

Nursing Cover

A nursing cover is a lightweight cloth or blanket that provides privacy when nursing in public. It helps reduce distractions for the baby and makes a great accessory while travelling.

Water Bottle

Breastfeeding can be dehydrating, so it's important to have a reusable water bottle on hand to remind you to stay hydrated and maintain an optimal milk supply.

Remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique, and you may find that your needs vary. Don't be afraid to reach out to healthcare professionals or join support groups for additional advice and assistance.

Self-care items

• Perineal numbing spray – this can be sprayed directly onto your vagina for relief after a vaginal delivery, especially if there is any tearing.
• Perineal squeeze bottle – fill this with warm water and use it to rinse your perineal area before and after urinating to keep it clean and hydrated.
• Maternity pads – you will experience postpartum bleeding or lochia, which is similar to a long and heavy period, so stock up on the thickest, longest, fullest coverage pads you can find.
• Mesh underwear – this type of underwear is stretchy, comfortable, and disposable, and can help hold the aforementioned giant maxi pads in place.
• Pain relievers – you will likely experience pain and cramps as your uterus begins to shrink, so take extra-strength ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help ease the discomfort.
• Witch hazel pads – these can be placed on top of your pad to help reduce swelling and inflammation and provide relief from hemorrhoids or stitches in the perineal area.
• Stool softeners – constipation is common after birth, so take a stool softener to make bowel movements less of an ordeal.
• Nursing bras or tops – your breasts may become engorged, leaky, or tender, so a comfortable bra is a must-have. Look for one with a clip-down design for easy nursing access.
• Nursing pads – if you're breastfeeding or pumping, your milk will start coming in a few days after birth, so have some absorbent pads on hand to place inside your nursing bra and protect your clothing from leakage.
• Nipple cream – nipples can become sore and cracked from breastfeeding, so nipple cream can help protect and heal the skin. Look for lanolin-based creams.
• Water bottle – drinking plenty of water is key to staying hydrated, which can help with constipation and a sore, swollen perineum.
• Donut pillow – if you're exceptionally sore, you may want something soft to sit on, like an orthopedic donut pillow or a Boppy pillow.
• Perineal cooling pad – applying a cooling pad to your perineum can help reduce discomfort in the first couple of days following a vaginal delivery.
• Perineal spray – talk to your doctor about using a numbing spray to relieve postpartum perineal pain.
• Bidet – a bidet eliminates the need to apply lots of toilet paper to the area and can be a lifesaver for new moms.

Pain relief

There are two general ways to relieve pain during and after labour: using medications and using "natural" methods (no medications).

Medication

Analgesics

Analgesics relieve pain without causing total loss of feeling or muscle movement. They do not always stop pain completely but reduce it.

#### Systemic Analgesics

These affect the whole nervous system rather than a single area. They are often used in early labour but are not given right before delivery as they may slow the baby's breathing and reflexes. They are given in three ways: injected into a muscle or vein, administered through a small tube placed in a vein, or inhaled with a mixture of oxygen.

#### Regional Analgesics

Regional analgesics relieve pain in one region of the body. In the US, this is the most common way to relieve pain during labour.

##### Epidural Analgesia

Also called an epidural block or simply an "epidural", this causes a loss of feeling in the lower body while the patient stays awake. The drug is injected near the spinal cord and starts working in about 10-20 minutes. A small tube (catheter) is placed through the needle, which is then withdrawn, and small amounts of the drug can be given throughout labour without the need for another injection.

##### Spinal Block

This involves injecting a much smaller amount of the drug into the sac of spinal fluid around the spine. It works right away but lasts for only 1-2 hours, so it is usually given only once during labour to help with pain during delivery.

Anaesthetics

Anaesthetics block all feeling, including pain.

#### General Anaesthesia

This causes the patient to go to sleep. The patient does not feel pain while asleep.

#### Local Anaesthesia

This removes all feeling, including pain, from a small part of the body while the patient stays awake. It is often used when performing an episiotomy (a surgical cut made in the region between the vagina and anus to widen the vaginal opening for delivery) or when repairing vaginal tears that happen during birth.

Non-Medication

Relaxation Techniques

• Deep breathing exercises
• Music therapy
• Biofeedback

Soothing Distractions

• Music
• Soothing scents (aromatherapy)

Movement

• Rocking on an exercise/birthing ball
• Taking a bath or shower
• Walking
• Changing positions frequently

Other

• Hypnosis or hypnobirthing
• Acupuncture or acupressure
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)—a technique in which nerves in the lower back are stimulated using a small hand-held device controlled by the woman, which has no known side effects for mother or baby

Baby essentials

• Nappies/diapers: Two of the best disposable diaper brands are Rascals and Coterie. For eco-friendly options, try cloth diapers or disposable diapers from Dyper or HealthyBaby.
• Swaddles: Muslin swaddle blankets are great, but zip-up and velcro swaddles are more convenient for middle-of-the-night changes. Love to Dream Swaddle UP, SwaddleMe by Summer Infant, and the 2-in-1 Butterfly Swaddle are all good options.
• Onesies: Zip-up onesies are the way to go. Avoid ones that go over the baby's head, as newborns usually hate that.
• Hand mittens: These will prevent your baby from scratching their face and eyes with their sharp fingernails. Try the bamboo cotton mittens from goumikids, which stay on well and have a reversible black-and-white pattern that doubles as a developmental aid.
• Sanitiser: Babyganics and The Honest Company both offer good hand sanitiser options. Babyganics is an alcohol-free foam, while Honest has a gel or spray option.
• Pacifiers: Try Natursutten, Soothies, BIBS, Nuk, or Avent.
• Nasal decongestant: The Frida Baby SnotSucker will help clear your baby's sinuses and help them breathe better. Use with a saline spray.
• Diaper rash cream: Try Earth Mama's diaper balm, Motherlove's balm, or Triple Paste.
• Wipes: Honest and Rascals are both good options.
• Laundry detergent: You'll need a baby-safe detergent for all the extra laundry. Try Dreft or Honest.
• Baby tracking app: Sprout Baby and Baby Tracker Pro can help you keep track of eating and diapering.
• Breastfeeding pillow: Boppy and My Brest Friend are good options to relieve your back, neck, spine, shoulders, and arms.
• Burp cloths: Gerber's cloth diapers, aden + anais Burpy Bibs, muslin burp cloths, and Copper Pearl burp cloths are all good options for soaking up spit-up.
• Body wash: Tubby Todd, Pipette, and Noodle & Boo all offer gentle body washes for babies.
• Breastmilk storage bags: Try Medela, Lansinoh, ZipTop, or Kiinde Twist Pouches.
• Breast pump: Motif Medical Luna, BabyBuddha Breast Pump 2.0, Spectra S2, and Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump are all good options.
• Baby bottles: Dr. Brown's bottles are a good option, and the PopYum bottle is great for on-the-go. The Emulait baby bottle starter kit comes with a cleaning brush.
• Infant formula: Keep a can of Bobbie infant formula or Earth's Best organic baby formula on hand for emergencies.
• Baby wrap/carrier: Solly Wrap, Baby K'tan Active Wrap, WildBird Ring Slings, LÍLLÉbaby Complete Airflow, Ergobaby, and Tula are all good options.
• White noise machine: Try the Dohm White Noise Sound Machine, the Hatch Rest, or the Nanit Sound Machine. The Hatch Rest Go and the Yogasleep Hushh 2 are portable options.
• Co-sleeper: A Moses basket is a good option for moving your baby from room to room. Other options include the HALO Bassinest swivel co-sleeper, the Snoo, and the SnuzPod4.
• Car seat: The Maxi-Cosi infant car seat is a good, affordable option.
• Medications: Motrin Infant Drops, Infants' Tylenol, and Infants' Advil Drops are good to have on hand in case your baby gets sick.

Frequently asked questions