The Ultimate DIY Postpartum Care Kit for New Moms
Congratulations! You will be having a baby very soon, and we know that having a baby can be an exciting, yet stressful experience. Many mom’s forget to prepare a DIY postpartum care kit while preparing for the arrival of their little one. We all know to prepare our hospital bags but we also need to prepare for postpartum life. No matter if you have a cesarean, vaginal, home, birthing center, or water birth, there are things that you may want to include in your diy postpartum kit. Let’s look at some of those and why they are essential for new moms.
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DIY Postpartum Care Kit Checklist
Most of the following items are geared toward women who experience a vaginal birth; some will be valuable for moms who have a cesarean, too. We know that no matter which type of birth you experience, recovery is critical.
Must-haves for your DIY Postpartum Care Kit
The items below are crucial to your comfort post-delivery. The joy of childbirth is not without its aches and pains. While these are temporary, they can be quite challenging to deal with if you don’t have the right tools.
Mesh underwear
One of the most comfortable recovery items post-childbirth is the mesh panty. Often, hospitals will give new moms a pair of mesh panties. However, these are often not very sturdy and fall apart easily. This brand offers the same comfort with more stability. The soft, stretchy material will feel much better than your regular panties.
Postpartum Padcicles
Some of you new moms may not realize that after having a baby, you cannot use a tampon or menstrual cup for weeks. Nothing can be inserted in the vagina post-birth unless medically necessary. However, that’s not the only reason you will want these pads. These are actually ice packs too! They are specifically made for postpartum so they absorb more fluid while also helping to soothe soreness. Giving birth is a magical experience, but it is painful. These big pads are meant to cool and soothe that pain.
Sitz bath kit
While you may be using soothing pads, they aren’t magic. You will still need to be careful when going to the bathroom. Many women find that wiping and toilet paper are uncomfortable. Likewise, this is not a regular period. You will want to soothe and clean your skin more often. This sitz bath kit is perfect for that task. The tablets make it easy to create the right environment for healing and soothing irritation.
Cooling Pad Liners
Nearly every recovering mother will tell you that witch hazel and ice are the preferred pad companions for healing. These cooling pad liners are designed with healing in mind. You will not have to soak your own pads or inserts, which can be time-consuming. This kit provides you with comfort and saves you time.
Peri bottle
Remember, we said going to the bathroom was going to be uncomfortable. Rather than increasing your pain with wiping and risking a new tear or irritation, a peri bottle can be a lifesaver. This peri bottle is turned upside down to minimize your mess and discomfort when spraying. The angle you need to move with traditional bottles is not fun at all. This one may not be fun, but it won’t be so uncomfortable.
For abdominal support
As your belly grows, your body will need support. Round ligament pain is usually the culprit for the pulling and tugging you feel in your midsection. Women are often given a belly support during pregnancy. After your baby is born, though, you will want to be able to get your belly back to normal. A great belly binder can be used to support your back and body.
Belly binder
This belly binder is designed to change with your changing body. Women will begin to feel a little more like themselves when using this binder. After childbirth, we often feel like jelly and that nothing goes where it should. This binder can also support posture and proper movement by helping mom sit and stand a little straighter.
For Pain
Repeat after me: Stay ahead of pain! Pain is inevitable whether you had a vaginal or cesarean birth. If you endured a long delivery, you might be even more exhausted and sore. Your body has been through a lot of changes. Don’t let the pain get too bad. When you are in the hospital or recovering at home from a home birth, your provider may prescribe more potent pain relievers. Take those as directed, but ask about taking over-the-counter products instead or in between for lingering pain. For complicated births, you may not be pain-free even with medication. Make sure you include these essential pain relievers in your DIY postpartum care kit.
Stool softeners
Stool softeners are a must-have for new moms on strong pain relievers. Some pain relievers prescribed in the hospital can cause constipation. A stool softener can prevent new pain from not being able to have a bowel movement. You have a new baby, aches, pains, and routines to begin. You do not need to worry about bowel issues too. A mild stool softener taken regularly can prevent issues with medication.
Tylenol/Ibuprofen
Even after you stop taking doctor-prescribed medication, you will need a mild over-the-counter option to help with pain. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are the preferred options for most medical professionals. Bringing these along can help you move from the prescription to the over-the-counter medications more quickly.
Breastfeeding Essentials for your DIY Postpartum Care Kit
Nursing bra
Nothing beats a great nursing bra. Some women will continue wearing them until they wear out—long after breastfeeding is over. The nursing bra makes opening the breast for access much simpler than trying to undress every time. They are also often more comfortable and softer than other bras. You will be tugging at them and pulling them several times a day to access your breast for feeding. They need to be comfortable and flexible.
Nursing pads
If you are breastfeeding, your nipples will get sore, and your breastmilk will leak. These truths are inevitable. Good nursing pads can aid with both. Soft, absorbent pads can prevent discomfort and leaks. While they will only hold a little breastmilk, they will offer some protection.
Nipple shield
If you plan to breastfeed, you may not realize that many babies do have trouble latching in the beginning. Your nipples may be inverted or flat as well. Sometimes, all you need is a nipple shield to help your baby latch on to the breast. They can also help with some pain as there is a barrier between your baby and your breast, but this is minimal. These shields are fantastic additions to your bag.
Nipple cream
Sore nipples will happen. There’s more moisture in that area than ever before. Your baby’s mouth and your own breastmilk keep the nipples moist. The friction and moisture can cause the skin to quickly become irritated. Nipple cream can help protect the nipple and acts as a moisture barrier. Keep this on hand.
Lactation Gummies
Some of us produce enough milk to feed a tiny army. Others of us have trouble producing enough milk to sustain our little ones. Many moms will try to boost lactation through lactation gummies. These gummies contain milk thistle, which should help boost your supply.
Extras for your DIY Postpartum Care Kit
The items below may seem like odd things to include when preparing for your baby, but they can be lifesavers for new moms. These things can save you time and energy, as well as get you on the road to recovery faster.
Frozen food
If you are a health-conscious new parent, you might not want to purchase prepackaged frozen meals. These can be full of unwanted ingredients, and for some people, they can have hidden allergens. However, there are solutions to these issues. First, when you are planning your meals in the last few months leading up to your due date, consider cooking double or triple batches and freezing them. You will ensure that you will enjoy the dishes that are available to you. Second, you can make some freezer meals that are not completed but only need to be dumped into the slow cooker or baked in the oven. Many Pinterest boards are dedicated to freezer meals and once a month cooking with fantastic recipes and ideas. You are only limited by your imagination. If you are cooking casseroles, be sure to use disposable pans available at your local dollar store. Likewise, you can get slow-cooker liners to minimize mess there too. Just pull out the liner and toss it in the trash after dinner.
Paper plates
Another great cleanup tip is to use disposable plates and utensils. No, these are not great for the environment long-term, but overextending a recovering body by standing at the sink washing dirty dishes is not good for you either. Paper plates for a few weeks can be a wonderful alternative to hours washing dishes. As long as you are using paper and not Styrofoam or plastic, you could compost or burn the plates as long as there are no leftover food particles.
Postnatal vitamins
Everyone knows that prenatal vitamins are essential to your baby’s growth and development, but we often forget postnatal vitamins as well. These postnatal vitamins can help recover lost nutrients and aid in recovery. Your body will continue to need additional calories (around 300) and nutrients to breastfeed and recover from childbirth.
Conclusion
Frida Mom’s postpartum essentials kit
Don’t have time to create your own DIY postpartum care kit? Frida Mom’s postpartum pack includes panties, pads, liners, and healing foam. Pick up a pack for your hospital bag. Your vagina will thank you.
Related
The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist