[vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”80″ gutter_size=”3″ back_color=”color-xsdn” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shadow=”std” shadow_darker=”yes”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_custom_heading text_weight=”100″ text_space=”fontspace-210350″ separator=”yes” separator_color=”yes”]5 Things I Recommend for Postpartum[/vc_custom_heading][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]”What will I need for after the baby comes?” is a common questions parents ask, especially those who are going into birth and postpartum for the first time. It can be so very overwhelming searching the aisles or webpages of the major baby stores and trying to decide what is necessary, what would be nice, and what you definitely do not need. It is hard to prepare for something you have never done before, for a baby who you have not yet met earthside.
I have been through the postpartum period three times, with three different personality babies. While each baby is unique (and how to parent them is unique), there are a few items that I found extremely helpful for me across all three postpartum times.
Here are my top 5 recommended items for the postpartum period:
Haakaa
This is a tool I did not discover until my second baby, and when I did, I was so so glad to have it. This can be used a milk catcher or a manual type pump to express milk. If you are planning to breastfeed, this tool is handy to have through all stages of breastfeeding. I found myself using this more frequently than a manual or electric pump. While I personally did not use it catch milk from the breast I was not feeding from, I know many parents who do! Check your local stores for this awesome item, or you can find it {here}.
A Good Water Bottle
If you do not know this, breastfeeding makes your thirsty! Like, very thirsty. You do not have to monitor how much you drink, instead you can just drink to thirst. But know that the thirst level will be higher than pre-baby. Having a good water bottle around is essential. Setting up an area to breastfeed can be helpful. Include some easy to open and non-perishable snacks, and most definitely a water bottle you love.
Lounge Pants
Well these are probably self explanatory! But being comfortable postpartum is necessary. It is a time of deep recovery and shifting to a new way of life. While doing all that, you need to be as comfortable as possible. I really liked having lounge pants around. I have heard these are good for both vaginal and cesarean recovery. A great item I think you will be happy to have on hand.
Affirmation Cards
I did not have a set of these until my third postpartum period, but they were so impactful for me. Postpartum can be a time of so many varying emotions. Having this deck of cards to pull from each day (or multiple times of day when needed!) really helped me emotionally. When preparing for postpartum, it is important to prepare to take care of yourself not only physically, but also emotionally. The deck I bought and loved was from The Renegade Mama, you can find {here}
Nipple Cream or Silverettes
Silverettes are a great thing to throw on a baby registry. I was pleasantly surprised how much they helped to soothe sore nipples in the early days of breastfeeding. I used them with my third baby, and nipple cream with the first two. Nipple cream is more affordable and can also be a great tool to have for the time when your nipples are getting adjusted to having a baby on them most hours of a day! You can find the silverettes {here} and a nipple cream I recommend {here}.
BONUS Item to Add to the Registry:
Food or meal delivery gift cards. You know you will be happy for these when the time comes!
The truth is, you will not really know what you need until you are in the thick of parenting. It is so great to prepare the best you can. Please remember to prepare to not only take care of baby, but to also take care of yourself! Think about what you will need physically and emotionally. When you are taken care of, it will be easier for you to take care of your baby.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image media=”201″ media_width_percent=”70″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]
April is a birth photographer and certified birth doula in the Pasadena/Glendale/Los Angeles area. Interested in birth services? Let’s connect!
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