5 Things you Need for Postpartum Recovery
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Postpartum is the first 6-12 weeks after your baby’s birth. While we’ve usually done a lot to prepare for what we need to care for our baby, we often don’t always know what’s needed for us as mothers (or birthing parents). As the birthing parent, you will have gone through a lot! Let’s make sure you have what you need to feel comfortable and heal quickly. As always, my goal here at The Baby Planner is to best prepare you for parenthood, and making sure you can recover quickly is essential to this!
What to expect
There were some things that I was surprised by after having my first baby that seem obvious but many aren’t informed about!
You may be VERY sore and achy all over your body - I expected to be sore down there but did not expect my whole body to be sore. It’s because your whole body tenses up when you are having contractions and you use so many muscles in labor! I was also sore in my arms and back from holding my baby most of the day.
You will menstruate A LOT - you will have 9-10 months of periods that have been protecting your baby in the womb that needs to come out. Your OB or Midwife should give you tips on how much is too much and how to look out for blood clots. This will typically last 3-6 weeks. But here’s some good news - after this larger cycle is complete, it can take a while for your period to return, especially if you are breastfeeding.
You may be very bloated - If you have a c-section or epidural you will also be hooked up to fluids. When I first got home after having my baby I remember my ankles being SO swollen. I lost an additional 7-8 lbs of fluid in the first week.
You will still look about 6 months pregnant - It will take some time to re-train your abdominal muscles back into their original place. Also, as mentioned above, your body will still be expelling what’s left from protecting your baby which takes some time!
Your stomach may feel strange - It may feel extra squishy and weak in the beginning as your muscles and organs are remembering their new places again.
Your body is amazing and adaptable and will heal! - It’s good to remember this because it can be discouraging at first. Most of your physical healing will happen in the first 6-12 weeks. But it may take about a year to feel back to your new normal but your body DOES heal and it heals incredibly well, especially if you are taking care of it. Check out the post on your Postpartum Care Team to also make sure you have enough support.
5 things you need for your postpartum recovery
Pads
Underwear
Perineal Soothers
Peri Bottle
Stool Softener (and other medicines)
Pads
I recommend heavy flow, overnight pads like these from always. The hospital will give you some pads but I really like these because they are much thinner and more absorbent than the ones you will be given in the hospital. In the beginning, it will be a LOT heavier than a normal period so you will double them up slightly overlapping with one in the front and one in the back. Then after the flow lessens, you will only need one then can switch to a lighter absorbency. You cannot and should not use tampons during postpartum.
Buy enough to have about 20-40 pads in every bathroom of your house.
High Coverage Underwear
There are a lot of options for underwear in this category. You have disposable options like mesh underwear or adult diapers. Then you have period underwear or absorbant underwear specific for postpartum. Or you can wear any large coverage underwear. For all of these options you will still need to wear the pads, the underwear just won’t hold as much as a pad and there will be a lot of protection needed in the beginning. Remember you have 9-10 months of periods in there.
You will hear a lot of people talk about the disposable mesh underwear you get in the hospital. Many women love these, but I prefer something that is a little bit more support so I recommend high coverage period underwear. Be sure to get some that are high-waisted - it will feel more supportive and will not rub on a scar in case you need a c-section.
Reusable Options - More Support
FourthWear Postpartum Underwear - this one has pockets for ice/hot packs for both c-section and vaginal deliveries
Disposable Options
For the reusable options, buy enough to have 2 for every day of the week (if you are doing laundry once per week)
Perineal Soothers
After a vaginal delivery, you will most likely be sore down there. Whether you’ve had a tear or not, there’s some healing to do to get back to feeling comfortable. There are lots of options for sprays, balms, foam, and pads that all help to soothe you. Here are some of the most widely used products. I personally did fine with the Earth Mama Perineal spray, then switched to the balm (it’s stronger) once I was comfortable touching that area.
Buy one to two of these for every bathroom in your house.
Peri Bottle
You will use a peri bottle to spray water lightly on your pelvic region every time you pee so that it does not sting with you use the bathroom. The hospital will most likely be able to give you one of these. However, Frida Mom and other brands make one with a bent nose so it’s easier to reach.
Stool Softener (and other medicines)
Your first trip to the bathroom after delivery can be a bit scary, so many will recommend taking a stool softener to ensure it’s easy for you! Other medicines you may need are ibuprofen for pain or other soothers for hemorrhoids. Speak with your OB about what medicines they recommend you have. also, if you are breastfeeding, most OBs will recommend you continue to take your prenatal vitamins.
Other things you may want:
Belly Band (optional) - Your stomach can feel a bit strange after giving birth and having a little extra support can be good to help train your stomach back. If you’ve had a c-section your OB or Midwife may give you a special band just for c-section recovery.
Epsom Salts or Sitz Bath - Another way to soothe your achy body and down there
Always speak with your OB or Midwife before using any of these products. Hope this helps.