Postpartum Kit

dogperson11 · June 2014

The WTF thread has me nervous I'll spring a boob leak and not be prepared to deal with it, which then makes me nervous that I'll go into labor early and not have my postpartum essentials on hand. I've got a running list of things to have on hand for myself for postpartum care and I've got a coupon code for Amazon so figured I'd order it all at once and just have it on hand for when it's needed. Am I missing anything? Overboard? Any brand preferences?

*Disposable breast pads (brand recommendations appreciated)
*Lansinoh nipple cream
*Tucks witch hazel medicated pads
*Earth Mama Angel Baby Postpartum Bath Herbs
*T.N. Dickinson's Astringent, 100 Percent Natural, Witch Hazel (liquid)
*DulcoEase Pink Stool Softener
*Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Spray
*Peri bottle (know they'll give me one at the hospital)
*Always Extra Heavy Overnight Maxi Pads with Flexi-Wings (how many do I need?)

discohiker · June 2014

One of my buddies recommended actually pouring witch hazel on some maxi pads and then freezing them in advance. I never got to do this because I ended up with a c-section, but if go VBAC this time I think I will try it.

I would also recommend starting yourself on Metamucil a week or so before due date and continuing that to keep things moving in addition to the stool softener.
Grab as many of those disposable panties and super pads as you can from the hospital room.

This may just be me, but I also had my husband install a showerhead that has a wand so that I would be able to spray water directly on my booty. It came in handy for numerous other reasons as well.

alphaxi614 · June 2014

Wow I hadn't even thought of this yet! The only thing I have are pads because I got coupons for Always on the mail! Thanks for posting and I'll look forward to reading everyone's suggestions.

Raclla · June 2014

Ask your OB for the Rx nipple ointment!!!!! It's so much better than anything OTC.

Depends. Easier than panties and a pad. Get a small pack, you'll only need them for the first few days. You can add pad-sicles in them. Less mess.

pmpkn219 · June 2014

the Lansinoh lanolin cream is so thick/viscous, it can rub when applying! the Medela Tender Care Lanolin or whatever is much smoother, glides on soft. Cracked nipples will appreciate the texture difference

and definitely take the hospital Dermaplast (numb spray) or got some from Amazon

otherwise looks pretty good. do you have a BJs membership to stock up on granola/protein bars, easy to grab/nonperishable snacks? Sometimes it's hard to remember to eat when caring for a newbie

KittyMisha · June 2014

I needed heavy duty pads for weeks after, last time. My hospital provided Tucks medicated pads and a squeezy bottle to fill with warm water and squirt in my crotch when peeing, and those were a lifesaver. They also gave me prescription stool softener, but I barely needed it and I still have a bunch left.

I agree with PP that the Lansinoh breast pads are my favorite, and I liked pure lanolin as nipple cream. Brand didn't matter. It was the most comforting thing I tried, and I never worried about it getting in baby's mouth.

Jennicillin · June 2014

Great list, right on target

I would add Depends.... but that's just me. I discovered the second time around that it was way easier for the first 4-5 days of really heavy bleeding to wear those instead of deal with pads and granny panties. They're comfortable, breath well, and hold a lot.

KittyMisha · June 2014

My diaper sprayer blasts water out with the force of a jet engine. I'm pretty sure it would take skin off if I used it that way. YMMV, however.

rstarrlemaitre · June 2014

You're so organized! Looks like a good list. I have nipple cream and nursing pads ready to go, and I've been stocking up on overnight maxi pads. If anyone else is looking for a lanolin-free nipple cream, I recommend Earth Mama Angel Baby.

noycela · June 2014

The only things on your list that I actually used after DS were Tucks and maxi pads (they have giant pads at the hospital and I took several of these, then had normal maxi pads at home ... Can't remember how long I bled, but I think less than 2 weeks). I guess I used nipple cream a couple times, but didn't like or really need it ... And it caused permanent stains in some of my tanks and sports bras, grrrr.

You seem very well prepared! But don't over-stock -- you may not actually need or use all these things.

discohiker · June 2014

I almost forgot... the lactation consultant will come by and give you nipple cream. I still have a few of the sample size pure lanolin ones that she hooked us up with. I only had to use it for about the first week, so I still have the unopened tube that someone gave me.
That consultant also gave me nipple shield cups that collected the leaking milk, which I diligently poured into small bottles, refrigerated, then froze in bags once I had enough and this was how I began my supply of BM.
Also... this one is important for those of us who have ample milk supply.... make sure you have some dark colored (black, navy) t-shirts that you really don't care about to wear around the house the first few weeks. If you do leak, it is much less noticable in case you have to deal with people. I also liked the bralette - type nursing bras, that basically held your boobs in but let them breathe. I think I got mine at the motherhood maternity outlet mall.

lookame3639 · June 2014

7 yrs ago i was given a sitz bath in the hospital, when I took my hospital tour this time I asked about it and I was told they no longer do sitz baths since your sitting in dirty water and they caused more infections then the new tube like thing they provide now.

just thought I'd toss that out there...

Jolaine83 · June 2014

You can approach this one of two ways: 1) be as prepared as possible and know you might purchase things you won't need or 2) have your list prepared, see how things go and have your DH or trusted family member fulfill your list before you are released from the hospital and by then, you'll have an idea of what you need for sure.

My first labor/delivery recovery was hard and I really only used what the hospital gave me: witch hazel wipes, hemorrhoid cream, demoplast spray, stool softener, the huge pads and mesh undies and the little premade icepacks (they sent me home with probably 5 or 6, plus the supplies and directions to make more.) The only thing I needed more of was the hemorrhoid cream and normal overnight pads for after the heaviest flow was over. I also used older underwear for the first week that I didn't mind getting messy. I didn't even have a peri bottle or detachable shower head and it really wasn't a big deal for me personally.

I over prepared the second time and my labor/deliver was much easier. I have packs of witch hazel wipes, hemorrhoid cream, stool softeners and other thing I thought for sure I'd need in addition to what the hospital gave me. Pinterest got to my head with all of their helpful 'must have' lists. lol That stuff was never opened and eventually expired before I finally threw them out. Even with the precedent of needing all of those things the first time around, I didn't the second.

Basically, unless you are planning a home birth or a birthing center birth where you go home within hours of delivery, than you'll have a lot of the helpful things already opened and used on you - which means you've paid for them and can take them with you when you leave. The hospital will not allow you to use your own. I cannot even use my own allergy meds in the hospital, despite it having nothing to do with delivery, much less stuff specific to recovery from birth.

So, if you are already prepared and purchased everything, that's great and the worst case scenario is that you won't need it. Which isn't that horrible, really. But if you are stressing about this, don't. If you know you have preferences other than what the hospital will give you, than definitely get it, but don't think you'll be SOL if you don't stock up ahead of time. Even if you need something in addition to the what you bring home from the hospital, all it takes is an understanding DH/relative/friend and a 24 hr Walmart/pharmacy, etc to help you out.

Jenrileysmom · June 2014

noycela said:

The only things on your list that I actually used after DS were Tucks and maxi pads (they have giant pads at the hospital and I took several of these, then had normal maxi pads at home ... Can't remember how long I bled, but I think less than 2 weeks). I guess I used nipple cream a couple times, but didn't like or really need it ... And it caused permanent stains in some of my tanks and sports bras, grrrr. You seem very well prepared! But don't over-stock -- you may not actually need or use all these things.

This exactly.

Barefoot84 · June 2014

I'd steal (or ask for) a second Peri bottle. That way, you can keep one by your home toilet, and one in the diaper bag. There are so many things to remember when leaving the house the first few week and I know I hated realizing I had forgotten my Peri bottle at home.

Also, I found the reusable breast pad, while a bit more work, were much more comfortable.

And you forgot wine...

dogperson11 · June 2014

Thank you for the insight and suggestions, ladies. I think I'll stock up on the Tucks pads and maxi pads and I can get the rest afterwards if needed. As far as the peri bottles go, we're cloth diapering and using peri bottles to hold our wipe solution, so we've decided to get 3 for that purpose already (1 near changing area, 1 in diaper bag, 1 spare).

BlytheMac · June 2014

Thank you OP for pulling this list together. I really have found some invaluable information in this forum.

P.S. I just dropped $50 on Amazon on this stuff.

:-O

boymomstrong · June 2014

dogperson11 said:

*Disposable breast pads: i like bamboobies
*Lansinoh nipple cream: not my favorite, i use coconut oil, A LOT
*Tucks witch hazel medicated pads: sure but you dont need whitch hazel then its the same thing....
*Earth Mama Angel Baby Postpartum Bath Herbs: whatever makes you feel good but i dont think you will want to sit or have time for a bath!
*T.N. Dickinson's Astringent, 100 Percent Natural, Witch Hazel (liquid): you dont beed both, i just ised witch hazel on a cloth and hold there for a few minzzz
*DulcoEase Pink Stool Softener: miralax every day! Whatever you want, and the hispital will gove you some too
*Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Spray: with all thats happening there try to limit the stuff you spray around... Witch hazel is enough
*Peri bottle (know they'll give me one at the hospital): AMAMZING!!!!
*Always Extra Heavy Overnight Maxi Pads with Flexi-Wings (how many do I need?) start with 2 packs then send hubby to get more if you need them...

I would also suggest a support belt to help with your abs and back control...

Jenrileysmom · June 2014

MsGrace2003 said:

flinton said:

I stole extra pads to lay on the bed at night. The blue ones with a gauze side from the hospital. I had a few nights where I would sit up and leak past my pad. An old towel would do the same thing.

Take anything that's open from the hospital. These came in a pack of 10 or so. I used them to sit and sleep on for a while (I bled really, really heavily for a while). The ones that were left I put in the diaper bag and used as disposable changing pads. If it's in your room and it's opened, you've already paid for it and the hospital will just throw it away after you leave anyway.

Yes! When I had DD they opened a second case of the little prepared Similac bottles for us. They told me to take it because the insurance would be billed for it anyway. We went home with almost a full case and those little things were so convenient.

MeganEMcG5 · June 2014

I used "feme pads" after DS. I think I bought mine on Amazon, but it looks like target has them too. They are basically frozen gel pads to give you relief after vaginal delivery. I don't think it's a must have, but it was definitely nice to have after DS! I have seen some instructions on making your own frozen pads though too...

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