Postpartum Essentials: My Top Picks the Third Time Around
Postpartum gear and plans have taken over my preparations for baby #3. With my first baby, I was so concerned about having all of the right baby gear that I paid little attention to postpartum -- and boy did it catch me off guard. With my 2nd pregnancy, I was so worried about making sure I had all of the plans in place for Brody to transition into his big brother role well. I forgot the importance of taking care of myself too. With baby #3, I think most of my focus has been on what life is going to be like when he arrives. We had very little gear we needed to purchase this time around (you can read my must have baby gear post here!), but my postpartum list seems to have grown with each pregnancy.
Here are the essentials I am stocking up on...some are tried and true favorites, some Momma Society recommendations, and a few new and improved finds.
My Must Have Postpartum Items
Boppy // The classic boppy pillow has so many uses with newborns. From the perfect support below the baby when nursing to a great tool to help big brother or sister hold the baby--it's a must-have. I added a linen boppy cover to mine from Madly Wish.
Lip Mask // Dry lips are always synonymous with postpartum for me. I think it's the combo of spending a few days in the hospital -- along with nursing a baby that makes my lips crack and dry out. I stocked up on an extra container of my favorite lip hydrator (that I shared in this Amazon Beauty round up). Just put it on at night and you'll wake up with lips as soft as your baby's bum. Plus it's under $12!
Nursing Bras // A new baby usually calls for a new lingerie collection -- of the nursing bra sort. This sexy and comfortable nursing bra from Belabumbum is going to be great for postpartum. I've actually already started wearing it.
Milk Saver // I've never tried these before, but I'm hoping to take advantage of the extra milk in the early days while my supply is regulating. Usually it gets tossed after being collected in a seeping nursing pad, so I'm hopeful these will be awesome.
Deodorant // Postpartum B.O. Maybe it's just me, but my oh my do my postpartum hormones make my pits smell. Having my last baby in August in Arizona sure didn't help. This deodorant has rave reviews on Amazon and I'm looking forward to trying it as a more natural alternative.
Breast Pump // I'm excited to try the Motif Luna pump this time around. I've heard great things about it!
Mom Box // If you're new to all things postpartum, Mom Box is an awesome purchase that includes the postpartum essentials you need for the first week.
Peri Bottle // This little tool is essential in the days after birth. Filled with warm water and sprayed on your perineum while you pee can offer a lot of relief. I'm excited to try the Frida Mom with baby #3. It's much more ergonomic than the one's at the hospital.
Stool Softener // Pooping after birth is hard and slightly scary. #justbeingreal Stock up on stool softeners and take them religiously. You'll thank me later.
Kindle // Middle of the night feedings and early mornings -- with my previous babies I found myself spending a lot of time scrolling Instagram and social media. This time around, I'm hoping to swap that out with reading. A lot of the moms in our facebook group recommended the Kindle since the light is really soft of the eyes. I can't wait to give it a try.
Instacart // Grocery delivery. Worth every penny. I've been playing around with Instacart for the past few months. I had a few pretty awful experiences with it to start, but I've started to get the hang of it now (and be super specific with requests). It's helped us immensely to stay within our grocery budget and have more time at home together on the weekends.
Nipple Cream // Between nursing and nursing pads, it can be pretty common to have dry or cracked nipples in the early days. This is one of my favorite nipple creams.
Nursing Pads // regulating milk supply = milk leaking. For the first weeks and months after birth I'm usually wearing nursing pads 24/7. Some moms prefer the reusable ones -- I usually prefer the disposable ones b/c laundry is tough enough as is during postpartum.
Loungewear // I'll be living in comfy clothes for the first few weeks. I love this set from belabumbum -- it looks chic and practical. It comes with a nursing tank, pants and robe that will come in handy when I need to run brody to preschool drop off.
Pads // Once I graduate from adult diapers, pads and panty liners will follow for the next couple of weeks dealing with lochia. Stocking up now so I have everything on hand.
Sleep Bras // With the need for 24/7 breast pads in the early days, that means I'll be needing something to tuck them into. These sleep bras come highly recommended from Momma Society moms and the price is super affordable! Stocking up on multiple.
Heat Patches // The biggest thing that caught me off guard after giving birth for the 2nd time was the intense after birth contractions. I hear they get tougher with each birth. They lasted a solid 3-4 days for me with Isla. The only thing that brought relief was pain pills and heat. Last go around I used a rice sock that I would microwave. This time, I'm going to try these heat patches!
Paper Plates // The goal of the 4th trimester is to take as many things off of your PLATE as possible. Dishes are one of them. Stock up on a huge package of paper plates to get you through the first month or so.
Disposable Underwear (AKA adult diapers) // This is step 1 in the postpartum healing process. Sure you can do giant pads and mesh underwear, but sometimes it's easier just to have one piece to toss the first few days of newborn life.
Pain Relievers // For those first few days postpartum, having some pain relievers on hand may be helpful! Especially with after birth contractions.
Haakaa // This magic milk collector was one of my favorite tools with Isla. It attaches to the breast you are not nursing from and collects the letdown. It's a great way to start building that freezer stash.
The First 40 Days // I read this book recently and it was eye opening to see how other cultures care for moms during postpartum. I love the reminder to just recover, rest and feed the baby for the first 4-6 weeks after his/her arrival.
Exercise Ball // This is one of my favorite tools to calm a newborn. They seem to love the bouncing motion. We keep ours in the living for months after giving birth.
Insulated Water Bottle // Keeping hydrated is so important during postpartum -- for milk supply and heath. Plus, I usually find myself with an insatiable quench when I'm nursing. This is my favorite water bottles + I'm sure I'll love it even more once baby arrives.
Full Coverage Underwear (Granny Panties to the rescue!) // It's time to tuck those sexy panties away for a few weeks (months? years?) Opt for comfort and pad accommodation during postpartum. These undies come highly recommended for pregnancy and postpartum from the moms in the Momma Society community.
Postpartum Recovery Garment // This will be my first time trying a postpartum recover garment. Did you know that many insurance companies actually cover these? You can check with aeroflow to see if yours does. I've heard great things about this Motif one!
Witch Hazel Pads + Numbing Spray // Hemorrhoids, little tears, maybe stitches? Witch hazel pads and numbing spray to the rescue! I usually layer these on top of pads or disposable underwear as my nether regions heal.
