Postpartum Essentials – Your Post-Birth Checklist
Posted: June 29, 2023
Postpartum essentials are vital to help get the recovery process underway, post birth.
But preparations for Mum can often get overlooked, as we stock the house up with nappies, onesies, baby wipes, and everything you will need to start caring for your new precious little one.
So this is your reminder to ensure you get all your postpartum essentials ready for you! No matter how you brought your baby into the world, be it c-section or vaginal, you are going to be in postpartum recovery mode for the next few months (at least).
As a new Mum, it’s important to prioritise your postpartum recovery so that you can heal, regain your strength, and adjust to the beautiful but challenging journey of parenthood.
Our experts at Babyroad have been helping new families with everything they need, for over 22 years! We stock everything for pregnancy, birth and beyond, and love helping new parents prepare for their new addition.
To assist you during this crucial time, we have compiled a list of postpartum essentials, to help keep you as comfortable as possible, during this very busy (and sleep deprived) time for you.
These items are designed to support your physical and emotional well-being, making your post-birth recovery as comfortable as possible. Let’s dive into the must-have products every new Mum should stock up on for post-birth, because you know you won’t be leaving the house for shopping trips for the first few weeks, at least!
Checklist of Postpartum Essentials
Every new family is different, so we have put together a list of all the things you should consider, to help aid in your post-birth recovery. Our team is happy to help answer questions you may have about postpartum products and accessories, so feel free to visit us in our Perth Showroom, or contact us via this website, for help!
Postpartum essentials checklist:
✔ Maternity pads
✔ Disposable underwear
✔ Nipple cream
✔ Breast pads
✔ Ice & heat pack
✔ Colostrum collector
✔ Nursing bras and tops
✔ Belly butter
✔ Compression shorts and pants
✔ Postpartum belly band
✔ Nursing pillow
✔ Sitz bath
✔ Perineal irrigation bottle
✔ Perineal spray
✔ Witch hazel pads
✔ Healthy snacks and hydration
✔ Painkillers
✔ Comfy lounge wear and shoes
Maternity Pads and Disposable Underwear
During the initial days after childbirth, you will experience postpartum bleeding, also known as lochia. Maternity pads provide the necessary absorbency and coverage, ensuring cleanliness and preventing discomfort. Additionally, disposable underwear is convenient and ensures hassle-free disposal. Pack these in your hospital bag so you are ready to go!
Want some undies you can just chuck out with your pad? The Bubba Bump Mesh Underwear is another good option. These mesh, boy leg undies and stretchy, soft, seamless and breathable to keep pads (and everything else) in place, without squeezing or pulling. ade from polyester and spandex, these are another great addition for the postpartum recovery tool box.
Nipple Cream
For our breastfeeding Mumas, nipple cream is a lifesaver. It helps soothe sore and cracked nipples, promoting healing and enhancing comfort. In the first few days and weeks of frequent breastfeeding, many women experience nipple soreness and dry skin, so it is handy to have a natural cream ready to go.
Breast Pads
Breast pads are essential for absorbing leaking milk, to help keep your clothing dry. You have a few different options in terms of disposable breast pads or reusable breast pads, so check out all your options and see which ones are going to work for you.
Ice & Heat Packs for Your Breasts
Ice and heat packs are your breasts best friend. They can be placed comfortably into your bra to help relieve tenderness and pain caused during breastfeeding by conditions such as mastitis or blocked milk ducts as well as any post-surgical breast procedures.
Breastfeeding Ice Packs can be frozen to be used as a soothing ice therapy, or heated in a microwave or hot water, to be used as a heat pack.
Colostrum Collector
Colostrum collectors are a syringe with a blunt end (no needle) that you can use to collect your colostrum towards the end of your pregnancy and post birth. These allow you to collect, store and feed colostrum from the same container, expressing either antenatally and postnatally in a safe, easy-to-use storage solution.
Nursing Bras and Tops
You’re going to want a super comfy bra that can adjust to your changing shape and leave on all day (and quite possibly night). Investing in comfortable nursing bras and tops is crucial for breastfeeding moms.
These specially designed garments offer easy access, proper support, and discreet feeding options. Look for adjustable straps, breathable fabrics, and quick-release clasps for convenience.
Belly Butter or Good Toning Moisturiser
Your skin can change significantly when you are pregnant and with hormones fluctuating, this can lead to skin dryness and sensitivities, not to mention being itchy from all that stretching.
Stock up on a good belly butter or toning moisturiser to soothe and tone up your belly and other areas post-birth.
Compression Shorts and Pants
SRC Recovery Leggings assist in speeding up recovery after pregnancy. They are not only comfortable to wear, post birth, but also address these postpartum conditions, including:
- Abdominal Muscle Separation (DRAM)
- C-Section and Perineal Trauma / Stitches and
- Low Back Pain
SRC have a range of recovery leggings in various lengths which are great for your postpartum recovery. You can check out the range of recovery and support garments here.
Postpartum Belly Band
A postpartum belly band offers support to your abdominal muscles, providing gentle compression and stability. It helps reduce discomfort, aids in proper posture, and assists in shrinking the uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size.
Medela has a range of postpartum products for Mums and Bubs which you can browse here.
Nursing Pillow
Whether it’s before or post-birth, a comfy nursing pillow can support you, and keep your arms and back comfy. They are perfect for wrapping around you to stabilise your resting position in pregnancy, holding your baby securely for breastfeeding or keeping you comfortable while pumping.
Sitz Bath or Perineal Irrigation Bottle
A sitz bath is a shallow basin that fits over the toilet seat and is filled with warm water. This soothing therapy helps alleviate pain, swelling, and inflammation in the perineal area after childbirth. It promotes healing and provides relaxation.
A perineal irrigation bottle is an upside down bottle that acts as a portable bidet that will help with cleaning those sensitive areas post-birth.
Perineal Spray and Witch Hazel Pads
Perineal sprays provide instant relief and promote healing for sore and sensitive areas. They typically contain natural ingredients that soothe and calm discomfort. Witch hazel pads are also effective for reducing swelling and providing relief to haemorrhoids, a common postpartum issue.
Healthy Snacks and Hydration
Proper nutrition is vital during the postpartum period, as it supports healing and provides energy. Stock up on healthy snacks like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruits. Hydration is equally important, so keep a water bottle handy to ensure you drink enough fluids throughout the day.
A great gift idea for new parents is a healthy food hamper delivery, filled with fruits and veggies and healthy snacks, to save them leaving the house for a grocery shop.
For breastfeeding Mums, there is also a range of breastfeeding biscuit options, including boobie bikkies and lactation cookies, which are rich in whole grains, protein, B vitamins, minerals, iron and Omega 3 essential fatty acids, which help boost energy levels, support and nourish Mums while they are nourishing their baby.
Painkillers
You are going to be sore and sleep deprived, so painkillers might be another option to consider (chat to your doctor about what your options are, post-birth and if breastfeeding).
Comfortable Loungewear, Slippers, Non-slip Socks & Comfy Shoes
No brainer right! In the early days of motherhood, you’ll spend a significant amount of time at home, resting and caring for your baby. Comfortable loungewear, such as loose-fitting tops and pants, will allow you to move freely and provide easy access for nursing. Cosy slippers will keep your feet warm and snug.
You are going to be doing a lot of stand up rocking and jigging, so we also recommend some comfy, supportive shoes and non-slip socks, for those late night wake ups and nursing.
Contact Babyroad for Help Choosing Your Postpartum Essentials
Remember, taking care of yourself after childbirth is essential for your well-being and ability to care for your little one.
Many of these postpartum essentials are available at Babyroad, and we would love for you to visit us in our Perth showroom, which also has everything else you need for pregnancy, birth and beyond, including nursery room displays, pram and car seat demos and so much more.
We also offer Australia wide delivery, so feel free to shop our range of maternity and postpartum essentials online.
These postpartum essentials will help aid in your recovery, providing comfort, support, and relief during this transformative period. Embrace this precious time, listen to your body, and prioritise self-care. Wishing you a smooth and joyful postpartum journey!
Please note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance and recommendations specific to your situation.
