All of my labor and delivery experiences have been very different and unique, but as a mom of four now, I’ve found that all the postpartum recovery basics are essential to help me heal.
With Sydney’s birth, I felt as though going into the postpartum period after giving birth was completely traumatic. No one mentioned that there would be excessive bleeding, vaginal tearing so bad you can’t even pee, stinging, sweating, chills, leaking breasts, crying — and yes, even those adorable hemorrhoids. Oh my.
Last year, Frida Maugham shared a beautiful ad that was denied airing during the Academy Awards. It depicts a tired new mother recovering from childbirth and her baby crying in the middle of the night. She waddles to the bathroom, with fishnet underwear and giant pads stuck in her. You can feel her pain when she urinates and sprays a bottle of water on her vaginal area to soothe the burn.
This ad is completely real and gives an idea of what life is like for most mothers in the first week or two after giving birth. Not only are you taking care of yourself, but you’re also discovering life with a new baby who needs you more than anything. Add to that the fatigue and changing hormones, and it’s a lot for anyone to handle.
After my first child, I had a general lack of awareness of what to really expect after giving birth, and I thought there must be other first-time mothers out there who might feel the same way.
Once you give birth, you are so busy taking care of your new little ones, that you tend to forget to process the experience and take part in real life as a new mother. It’s not glamorous, and maternity leave is certainly no walk in the park. The more we participate, the more we can help mothers-to-be prepare and not feel alone in the postpartum process. You’ve got this, mama!
Below you’ll find a list of postpartum recovery essentials, as well as a few other things that I felt were really essential during the first few weeks of motherhood. I hope you find this list helpful!
- Witch hazel pads: These are my absolute favorite witch hazel pads to put on top of regular pads for healing
- Pinto postpartum vitamins: Use code “ambitiouskitchen” to get 20% off your first month!
- Lavender essential oil: A drop of lavender essential oil in your pad is great for healing.
- Hydrate electrolyte blend: Restoring hydration postpartum is essential and I found this really helped me (even during pregnancy!) Use code “AMBITIOUSKITCHEN” for 20% off!
- Hydro flask with straw: You will need to drink plenty of water to flush everything out and this is especially important if you are breastfeeding!
- Epsom salts: For sitz baths! And trust me, you will want to eat it almost every day.
- Perineal balm: I loved this!
- Pumping bra: I go to pumping bra!
- Nursing bra: I love this!
- Nursing pads: This is to prevent chafing and leakage.
- Postpartum pads: If you prefer pads, I absolutely love this company.
- Comfortable underwear: You probably won’t fit into your old underwear, so I highly suggest some high-waisted ones to help hold everything in (including pads!).
- Super soft nightgown: My favorite nightgown that is super soft and easy to nurse in! I’m basically living in this postpartum period
- Perineal spray: This was very soothing and smelled amazing.
- Superfood Boobie Bars: The most addictive lactation bars that helped boost my supply!
- Nursing cabinets: My favorite nursing shirts that are super comfortable and practical.
- Nipple butter:I use this all the time and love it. Best nipple butter!
- Ice packs:Grateful for these ice packs!
- diapers: I’ve found that diapers are much easier to wear than pads, plus you can make the pads again.
- Berry Bottle: Without a doubt, you will need it!
More posts by Aspiring Mama
The birth story of Viggo James
Our favorite newborn essentials
What’s in my hospital bag (+ free printable checklist!)
The third trimester with the child 2
Skin care routine during pregnancy
Read all of Ambition Mama’s posts here!
If you have any other postpartum recovery essentials, I’d love to hear them in the comments below! xo.