Postpartum Essentials I’m Actually Using

I’m navigating postpartum recovery and early motherhood. These are simple, practical items that are genuinely helpful during this postpartum period.

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These are a few things that helped to have right from the start. Some are supplied by the hospital but not enough for at home in my experience.

Postpartum Recovery

Peri bottle- I liked this one because it's very practical and inexpensive. The first one I used wasn't big enough and wouldn't retract on its own. The hospital ones are a bit harder to get spray where needed. 

Disposable underpants\(pads these are cheaper and work just as well)- These really make your life so much easier during this phase of the journey. I put a pad down anywhere i'd be sleeping or sitting for the first few weeks. Here's some organic cotton pads if looking for healthy options against skin and sensitive area. 

Cold pads- These will make the pain so much more bearable, you can make your own padsicles but for the first few weeks these were so helpful and convenient to have. Trust me, all your ambitions go out the door after delivery. It's all about survival those first couple weeks.

Donut pillow- This one is essential if you’ve had bad tears, I even brought it with me to thanksgiving dinner because it made such a big difference for sitting down.

Tucks pads- These helped with the healing as well as the smell wasn’t as bad when I was using these. Yes you smell something horrible till the bleeding stops but you don't want to put any chemicals down there.

Small fan- Our hormones are pretty wacky afterwards and the sweats are real. This fan was so helpful to have for use anywhere.

Comfortable gown- I literally lived in my gown the first two weeks after delivery. It was helpful to have one that was hospital and breastfeeding friendly.

Snacks- You need snacks close by at all times. When breastfeeding you have to eat more than you think. And having snacks nearby makes a difference for those late nights or anytime you need something. I like healthy options like nut mix, sourdough crackers(recipe) dried fruit, granola bars to name a few.  Our diet makes a huge difference for our healing journey, it's worth prioritizing.

Nursing Essentials

Silvertettes- These really made a difference for me during the first few months. My nipples were constantly painful and it wasn't until my sister bought them for me that I was able to get relief. It was a life saver. I thought I was just going to have to live with it until I stopped breastfeeding. Thank you sis!

Nursing pads- These were the most helpful for me during the first two months is when I leaked. As your milk regulates to babies needs so some seem to not have enough while others over produce. It's important for the future of breastfeeding to be consistent with feeding your baby. formula and pumping affects this greatly during the first few months.

Comfortable rocking chair- If mother is comfortable and relaxed it helps with better milk flow and makes it so the baby will relax. I notice a difference when I feed in the comfortable chair versus just anywhere.

Nursing pillow- This was the most helpful when my little one was small as it helped support her and lift her closer to me without tiring my arms. These are often found gently used for good price on fb market place or ksl.

Nursing kit- I got mastitis and having this was so helpful. Everything in one little bag was nice so i could grab and have it anywhere. The cold\warm pads were especially helpful.

Night light- You will have lots of late night booby parties and nappy changes. Having a light I can easily move wherever and touch for light makes it all go a little smoother.

Water bottle- It makes a difference to have a bottle that you can drink from without tipping. Also, more ounces is good too.

Nursing bras - I managed the first little while without but they really make a huge difference. Here's some I found that are inexpensive and good quality. 

What we consume affects how we feel.

It may not seem to make that much difference in the moment but over time it adds up. So eat healthy to feel healthy. Here's a few important things I made an effort to consume to support postpartum healing and support breastfeeding.

Protein! So important for so many reasons. It helps rebuild blood, especially protein from meat like liver beef chicken etc. it also helps prevent mastitis. You can blend liver in blender with water till smooth then just drink down quickly and chase with something with strong flavor that you like. Best to not mix it with much stuff as it digest better alone and its hard to hide flavor in shakes  etc. A good friend shared this method with me and it works great for me.

Greens- everything from swiss chard, spinach , sorrel, kale, lettuce. This also helps build up the iron and supports mothers milk especially if you choose to not do the vit k shot for baby.

Flaxseeds & chia seeds- great omegas that make milk rich so it helps satisfy the baby and supports over all healing.

Oats- This was helpful for milk supply. Oats are a high risk of containing glyphosate so is important to get from good source. I love this brand, health food stores often carry it as well.

Sun chlorella pills- I can’t tell you how many times these held me over. They support the immune system, gut health and energy. I keep a bag in my purse so if I find myself needing something quick yet in a Dr. office or anywhere, these give me strength and have been such a blessing. During labor I wasn't able to keep anything down all day and was worried I wouldn't have strength to give birth then remembered these and told my support person to offer them to me every so often. I was surprised how much they helped. I also had fair energy during pregnancy when I remembered to take them. There are subcription discounts if you find them helpful. Also suggest starting with 1 or 2 a day then working up. I found 4-5 my happy place.

Fruits and veggies- healthy carbs like squash etc. you want a nice variety of colors in your diet.

Legumes- I personally prefer sprouted lentils which I'll add my recipe.

Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut- Got to keep that gut supported. If these foods give you gas then start with just a tablespoon then work your way up giving your gut time to adjust to all the extra microbes.

Nut and seeds- Good source of protein and healthy oils.

These next ones are simple but don't underestimate their power

Sunshine- Get about 15 minutes of that early morning light with as much exposure as you feel comfortable with. Take your warm morning drink, take your shoes and socks off and get some grounding while you're at it

Water- Make sure to get plenty of good quality water. Staying hydrated makes a huge difference for your healing and milk supply.

Exercise- Definitely go slow those first couple of weeks but keep moving. I would start with short walks, or even in bad or chair, leg and arm moves, and work up to longer or more swift to more specific exercises. Even ankle pumps and twists or arm workouts while you are taking it easy helps keep the circulation going while you heal. If you start to bleed more than usual just slow down a little.

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