STM what do I need after I come home from the hospital??

LSauer21

All STMs out there. What personal items did you find most helpful when you got home from the hospital? A few friends said to stock up on pads. Anything else??

PacoCat33

I know pregnant chicken has a great list... I'll see if I can find it!

nesenotes

Pads... The diaper kind! that bottle to spray your hoo ha with (from the hospital) and ugly underwear you don't mind throwing away. If you have a c-sec I highly recommend a binder ( can be given to you at the hospital free as well).

AllTheTeaInChina

For pads, Always Infinity. I've always used regular always but bought the infinity ones for pp, they are awesome. They are so thin I thought there was no way they would work after using the diaper like hospital pads but they did. I used the long ones to get coverage up the back a bit.

I took the water squirt bottle and witch hazel pads from the hospital. I can't remember what else I really needed.

PacoCat33

Here you go! I think this is super helpful!

PacoCat33

OMG! It would help if I actually included a link: https://www.pregnantchicken.com/pregnant-chicken-blog/2012/3/3/exit-care.html

[Deleted User]

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nextworldwonder

Ahh!! DD1 will be 8 When I bring home this LO. I wish I could remember what I wish I had then. I guess the best way to look at it is to think about hibernation. We're due in December so it's not as easy to run to the store for little things. Stock pile pads, diapers and food. Think of daily use things like bathroom stuff and cleaning products (ie for dishes and laundry). Are you breast or bottle feeding? If breast, you will want nipple cream. If formula, make sure you have at least a 2 week supply. you want enough to get started but not so much that you'll be screwed if it doesn't agree with your LO. But like I said, basically just prepare for hibernation... or like a hurricane. you'renot going to want to leave the house.

nesenotes

Yes stool softener! ! So so so important! That first crap is insane lol

lovelovelove09

i was told to invest in some "nice" lounge pants because everything else will suck to wear.

feeshah

Food....
Lots of food that is easy to make or hear up.

When I got home after DD was born I had an apartment full of family. Both moms, my aunt, my grandma and a reeeeally good friend of the family stayed with us for a few weeks. My mom took DD and put me to bed (I was so zombied out I had no idea what I was doing) I slept for 19 hours or so. Woke up STARVING and they had dinner ready. It was hands down the BEST MEAL I have ever had in my entire life. I promptly took back DD started the bonding. Apparently in didn't miss much because DD slept almost as much as I did.

But the family left tons of food that lasted a few weeks. It was awesome

MeganK81410

Just a quick tip regarding pads: put a little witch hazel or water on them, and toss them in the freeze/fridge until they're cold. That will help with any swelling, witch hazel helps with healing, and the cold will feel amazing!!

vintagejjane

Depends, loose fitting clothes (especially nursing cami's), a peri bottle for sure for when you use the bathroom.

lovelovelove09

MeganK81410 said:

Just a quick tip regarding pads: put a little witch hazel or water on them, and toss them in the freeze/fridge until they're cold. That will help with any swelling, witch hazel helps with healing, and the cold will feel amazing!!

Aka "padsicles"

Eora3

lovelovelove09 said:

MeganK81410 said:

Just a quick tip regarding pads: put a little witch hazel or water on them, and toss them in the freeze/fridge until they're cold. That will help with any swelling, witch hazel helps with healing, and the cold will feel amazing!!

Aka "padsicles"

I also put the witch hazel wipes in the fridge and lined pads with them.

On a side note: I had some swelling "down there" even with my c-sections. So they aren't a bad idea for all mamas. Plus they are nice and soothing after the first poo (c-section mamas, take the stool softener, just do it. The first poo is bad and scary.)

brittandjp

Repeating, but just because I want to reiterate the importance of each! Big pads (you'll bleed A LOT and for a while -- I think mine went on for at least a couple weeks), extra mesh panties for the first couple of days, comfy/roomy panties for the days following (I didn't go back to my normal undergarments until I was done with the pads), the squirt bottle from the hospital, witch hazel pads, a stool softener, and some sort of nipple cream if you're nursing.

amieeyoung

Yes, I had a c-section and still had swelling (of course I also tried the vacuum- fyi I don't recommend it- in hopes to not have a c-section so I was pretty swollen) and padsicles are amazing- wish I had known to put witch hazel on them then!!! Also stock of pads, home items (such as toothpaste, shampoo, tp, paper towels etc that you use regularly- I'd use paper plates, and plastic silverware for at least a few days to so you don't have a bunch of dishes- then again I don't own a dishwasher), diapers, nipple cream if breast feeding, boobie pads for when milk comes in. Stool softner was my friend- I didn't know how important it would be -

Last time I didn't prep for meals before and sorely wished I had so I'd consider getting some easy to throw together meals (crockpot, frozen etc) or make your own to help things along.

Comfy clothes that are loose fitting

JennaRaek

When my milk came in I HAD to pump. My boobs were going to explode and DS wasn't eating as much as I had. I only had to do it once a day or so, but I might not have made it without doing it. Pads like everyone said. Freezer meals are awesome. One of the best things we did was put up one of our baby gates when I got home from the hospital so we could keep the dogs in the kitchen while people came over. Our dogs are very friendly, just obnoxious, so it was nice to be able to keep them away from the company that was constantly there.  Witch hazel is great and I didn't discover it until 3 weeks or so PP. Stalking up now.

CatO

I mostly lurk, but had to contribute.  Lansinoh Soothies if you are going to breastfeed. You put them in the fridge and then after nursing use them . It feels amazing.

Beevol

The hospital sent me home with more than enough pads, witchhazel wipes, and a spray bottle which were the most important things. I also recommend nursing tank tops (you wont want to wear a bra right away and your size may change a bit those first few weeks) and frozen meals (pizzas, pre-made casseroles, etc). 

Annya26

If you are breastfeeding I highly recommend having tea bags on hand! They were life savers while getting through the first few painful weeks of nursing while we got the latch down. (wet, stored in fridge and applied to nipples for about 10 mins. after nursing. All natural, safe for baby and has healing/soothing properties.)

LSauer21

Awesome suggestions! Thanks ladies!

murphyame

The biggest, hugest, longest, most ginormous pee pads you can find.  A lot. Like a whole lot.

jayellekay

I am probably the oddball in that I didn't love the supplies they home with me from the hospital. I preferred regular pads (and this time, I'm even buying the incontinence kind, because I had more trouble with leaking pee than blood...). I also didn't like the Dermoplast (numbing cold spray), but loved the witch hazel spray I bought myself. And, for sore nursing boobs, I thought the usual lanolin stuff was scratchy, but preferred Bella B nipple nurture butter. I still have most of that left from DD. Oh! Definitely buy a stool softener--your sore nether regions will thank you later. That reminds me I need to buy more since mine expired since 2011.

colliebabe

I didn't see this mentioned yet but cabbage leaves work for sore boobies. I know it's common for women who are letting their milk dry up but I also used them a couple of times to soothe after BFing.

Also having access to drinks/water wherever you can in the house. I would sit down to nurse and get all comfy...and then realize that I was insanely thirsty and there was no water around.  I bought one of those reusable cups with a straw and constantly filled it with ice and water. 

AllTheTeaInChina

colliebabe said:

I didn't see this mentioned yet but cabbage leaves work for sore boobies. I know it's common for women who are letting their milk dry up but I also used them a couple of times to soothe after BFing.

Also having access to drinks/water wherever you can in the house. I would sit down to nurse and get all comfy...and then realize that I was insanely thirsty and there was no water around.  I bought one of those reusable cups with a straw and constantly filled it with ice and water. 

Yes! I would always forget to grab water before sitting down and then get super thirsty but didn't want to get up after getting latched etc. 

AngelSong76

Booze.    And a maid.  

But seriously... I used the stuff they sent me home from the hospital with, and had lots of bigger pads on hand.  I needed them for about 2 weeks and then could use regular ones until it stopped completely.  Nipple cream if you are breastfeeding, and the pads so you don't leak everywhere.  Lots of nutritious snacks.  Keep water in the refrigerator so you can just grab and go.  Stool softener.  I can't stress that enough.  Especially if you have a c-section.  I didn't poop for 9 days after my surgery and it was awful when I finally did.  Freezer meals or things you can cook quickly are absolutely vital.  

One thing I found really useful was my detachable shower head.  It helped me make sure I was cleaning and rinsing my c-section scar thoroughly.  You still have some belly after you have the baby (or at least I did) and I couldn't really see that area very well, so being able to spray the water onto it was helpful.  That may not be everyone's experience, but it was mine.  

Also yes to the comfy clothes.  You will live in yoga pants and nursing tanks for awhile.

LSauer21

Lol

JesseCingel

I used a couple bags of frozen peas on my boobs when my milk came it. It felt great. My boobs were in my armpits. Also- tons of healthy snacks you can prep and eat with one hand. For 6 months I planned all meals around what I could eat with one hand.

BrideLinds

Bottled water was a life saver while nursing as a PP said. Breastfeeding makes you so thirsty and it's nice to have something with a cap so you can keep it on the couch/recliner/whatever right next to you (especially if you are recovering from c section).

I also suggest getting some neosporin and breast shells for sore nipples. The shells keep your nipples from rubbing up against your shirt or bra and allow them to air out and heal faster.