A Postpartum Kit for Mom

We all know the baby gets all the attention.

I mean, of course they do! They are squishy and tiny and smell so, so sweet. And they are a lot of work! And all this attention begins even before the baby is born. There are countless lists on Pinterest of how to prepare for labor, what is needed in a hospital bag and even what the baby needs when they get home from the hospital.

But one list that somehow fades into the background is a list of postpartum essentials for Mom.

Listen. Having a baby is no small feat, no matter how that baby came into the world. There is a lot of adjustment and a lot of bodily fluids and a fair amount of discomfort in those first few days. With my first baby, I didn’t prepare anything for myself because I didn’t think about what I might need. With my second baby, I completely forgot to prepare something, even though I had some sort of idea about what having a newborn was like. I remember sending Theo to the store late at night to browse the feminine aisle and find me….certain things. You know the ones. I was armed only with what I had swiped from the hospital and I kept having to send Theo to the store to pick up necessities.

This time around, I was much. more prepared and I made myself a little Postpartum Mom kit. As I put it together, I couldn’t help but think of what a great gift it would be for a new Mom or even a seasoned Mom!

*Warning: I will now begin to talk about the not so glamorous and lovely parts of postpartum. Be warned!

1. Nursing Supplies I have always found that my milk comes in right around the time that I get home from the hospital. And, ladies…let me tell you…those first few days are PAINFUL. The engorgement from the excess milk is almost more painful for me than the healing from birthing a baby. Mostly, I just have to endure it until it gets better, but I have found these things to be very helpful. First, a nipple shield. This comes in handy for one or two feeds a day when I find that my nipples just cannot withstand another cluster feeding marathon. Be careful, though, to not overuse it or you might be stuck using it for months! Next, I find it very helpful to have a breast pump on hand. It’s not wise to pump after every feeding because then the milk supply just increases. However, in those first few days of engorgement, I have found it very helpful to feed on one side and pump just a small amount to relieve the pain in the other side. I also love having an actual pump on hand, but I find that I use a hand pump far more frequently! Of course, it would be just plain mean to our poor nipples to not have nipple cream! This stuff is wonderful and I find myself slathering it on after every single feeding. Nursing Pads are an absolute must for any mother who plans to breastfeed! I usually start out with the disposable ones until my milk regulates, then switch to reusable ones. Another thing that I have found helpful is a nurselet. This handy little device is made to hold up the shirt while nursing the baby. Let me tell you…trying to figure out how to get that baby to latch on while holding up the shirt is hard! This handy little device holds the shirt up! While not nursing, it can be worn as a bracelet to mark which side was fed on last. There are also so many cute colors and patterns! I love to have a nursing cover. I don’t use it at home, but I use it anytime we are out and about or there is a guest at our house. I love these 360 ones that can be used as a blanket or a carseat cover, too! 
2. Chucks Pads. This is gross, but…there is a lot of bleeding after birth. After every birth I have had, I have snagged a couple of these from the hospital. It’s way easier to throw out a disposable pad then to have to change the sheets in the middle of the night.
3. Perenial Ice Packs. There are some awesome directions on Pinterest of how to make some DIY perennial ice packs with witch hazel, but I have always taken a few from the hospital and just saved them for my next baby. These are also self-explanatory and bring some relief from swelling or pain down south.
4. Depends. I know you think I’m the strangest person alive, but I finally got smart after my third baby was born and just bought adult depends instead of pads. GAME CHANGER. These are so much more comfortable than wearing a giant pad and having to possibly throw out my underwear after a little leak. It may not be what a new Mom wants to receive as a gift, but she will thank you later. Trust me.
5. New Mama Bottom Spray. Our hospital gave out some of this, but its so nice to have a bottle on hand. Again, self-explanatory…but when it’s so sore down there, its wonderful to have some relief! 
6. Pads. Once I’m done with the depends in the first few days, I switch to Party in my Pants cloth pads. These are so comfortable, they are absorbant and they work even better than any disposable I’ve tried. My favorite part about them is that there is literally no smell!!!  I’m not going to lie…I was a little bit intimated by the idea of using cloth pads postpartum. But I have found that I LOVE them. They don’t have any harsh chemicals to bother an already sensitive area and they are actually very easy to clean. I cannot recommend this brand enough! I received the Queen Pad, the Super Overnight Pad, the Overnight Pad and the Super Pad. Each pad has a unique absorbency and shape, so chances are that you can find the pad that is just right for you and your needs! Plus, each pad comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns that are so fun! 

If you feel intimated by trying out cloth pads, check out Party in Pants pad prescription guide!

If you still reallllly aren’t sure, but you just want to try, you can get a free liner of your choice (just pay shipping).

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