What does mom need after baby is born?

zetlopez · July 2015

FTM and I feel pretty comfortable with my baby registry and that I have everything I need for baby. But what do I need (not to put on my registry but to make sure I buy)? I know I need nursing bras, nursing tanks, nipple cream, a breast pump. Anything else? I recall seeing something about tucks or something like that for the bleeding that will occur after. Not sure what else I should buy. Any suggestions?

amberrmariee20 · July 2015

I loved having maternity/nursing bras. They were amazing !! I just used regular pads for my bleeding after the baby. Our hospital gives us little squirt bottles to squirt our vaginas with after the baby so we can keep ourselves clean after peeing. I loved mine and continued to use it for a while after.
You may choose a nipple shield to use if breastfeeding, sometimes moms need those. Your going to want some big underwear and loose bottoms !! But other then that you don't really need a whole bunch !

bbiutmcph · July 2015

Granny panties. You will want them for pads from bleeding and if you were to end up with a csection you will want nothing near your incision. With my first I remember sending my mom to the store to find "the biggest and highest underwear she could" after my emergency csection.

I also always stock up on some of my favorite things just for some nice things as I go through all the emotions and feeling overwhelmed. Favorite snacks, drinks, lotion, lip balm, etc.

mandy903 · July 2015

This may be a personal preference but those popsicle pads were glorious for me after birth my deliveries. I had some from the hospital but plan to make some for home this go around. And I used a sitz bath for probably around a week after at home. I had a 4th degree episiotomy with my first and tore and had stitches with my second. And I agree with the ladies above. Breast pads too.

MamaOwl15 · July 2015

Definitely Tucks pads in case you have hemorrhoids, and non-laxative stool softener such as Colace . . . The first few postpartum poops can be pretty uncomfortable
I liked Always Infinity Overnight pads since they're not bulky like the ones in the hospital
And yes to granny panties!
Comfy yoga pants with a fold over waistband are great for those weeks when you're getting too small for your maternity clothes but can't fit your regular clothes yet, and the fold over style can be worn in such a way to not irritate your c-section incision if you have one

Also, Google how to make "padsicles"
If you give birth vaginally, especially if you tear or get an episiotomy, these are supposed to be great for soothing the swollen lady bits.

You may want to get some Mother's Milk Tea, lactation cookies, and/or fenugreek to have on hand for breastfeeding. You may or may not have any issues with supply, but especially if you're pumping, you may want a little boost.

mandy903 · July 2015

O and I used hot packs on my breasts when my milk came in on day 2 pp I was really engorged. .. And any nipple pampering products are a must if you bf

JaqiDec04 · July 2015

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is a belly bad. It's sucks in the loose belly, and helps it back into place. With my c section, this was an absolute must and really helped with the healing processes. I was in my pre-pregnancy clothes in just a few weeks.

komorebi · July 2015

I've never needed any perineum care, but definitely underwear big enough for the pads you'll need the first week or two (you bleed longer but not usually the same amount).

I'm also loading up my Kindle with some audio books and regular books.

MamaOwl15 · July 2015

I second the belly band. You can get a band like the Belly Bandit or a postpartum girdle, but it's definitely great to have.

I recall after DS was born feeling like my belly area was just so . . . Loose. Not just that it was still big, but everything was so floppy-feeling it was uncomfortable. A belly band or girdle can help hold everything in place while your internal organs return to their normal positions and your uterus shrinks back to normal size.

SarahAnne1101 · July 2015

Tucks have witch hazel in them. That's what gives the relief. I buy it in a bottle - by the alcohol and peroxide. I mixed it into the peribottle for cleansing after baby and soaked pads in it and froze them. So much relief from the burning and swelling - and stitches if you have them.

knottymomma · July 2015

For me, I needed hair ties, lip balm, and maxi pads that I liked. The hospital ones were horrible! The granny panties are true! Bring undies that go higher up in case you have a c-section plus they help hold tummy in after baby. Undies that you don't care about bc there will be blood. I also wanted shorts, stretchy comfy shorts.

komorebi · July 2015

If you have incontinence issues beware the girdle. Anything that squishes you in can hurt your pelvic floor. The pressure has to go somewhere and it's usually the path of least resistance post birth. Belly bands are less restrictive though.

mmcknight · July 2015

Pinterest has great articles on things moms need after birth. I made a private Amazon list and added the items I would like so I remember to buy them.

Kara03 · July 2015

I used a ton of Dermoplast spray. To help numb the pain while at home.

VallieS86 · July 2015

Oh my. ...... This freaked me out a little.

ksully1776 · July 2015

My sister - in - law swears by tucks saturated in aloe and witch hazel. She keeps them in the freezer abd says nothing feels better after childbirth than sitting on those.

ashwise · July 2015

@VallieS86 yup yup totally freaked out too.

zetlopez · July 2015

Wow thanks all for the suggestions. I read that post a few months ago that was from another board that was all about blood and realized I have no idea what I'm going to be facing once this baby is born. Everyone tells you about the sleepless nights, but not always about the cracked nipples and what goes on down there. I must admit I'm freaked out but happy for the advice so I can somewhat try to prepare myself.

Joelliexox · July 2015

mmcknight said:
Pinterest has great articles on things moms need after birth. I made a private Amazon list and added the items I would like so I remember to buy them.

Cool!! Would you mind sharing your amazon list with us so we can also see your good finds!! I like this idea, so many times you read something on here and think , oh I'll have to remember to buy that when the time comes, can't possibly remember it all!
Thanks!

mmcknight · July 2015

I will do that as soon as I get to a computer today. It's difficult to do on the mobile app

LiveNLove44 · July 2015

I don't think I saw this: witch hazel.

I had a couple bottles and mixed half and half water and witch hazel in my spray bottle for PP rinsing after going to the bathroom. It, along with Tucks, worked well for soothing the pain. I also did Epsom salt baths a couple times a day, doctor recommended, for a couple weeks PP. I had terrible tearing and the recovery wasn't easy, but the Epsom salt baths helped a lot.

Other than that, I also want to mention that not all granny panties are created equal. I bought some that were just full-bottom panties but they were a soft, satin-like material because they were more appealing to me than cotton. That didn't work so well because the pads wouldn't stick to that material. Go figure. Go cotton

knottymomma · July 2015

I saw something on Pinterest I thought I'd share! For moms that have an episiotomy there is the Undie Sundae!

https://realnewmom.blogspot.com/2010/11/undie-sundae.html?m=1

sweet+cheeks · July 2015

I had an episiotomy and tucks pads and dermoplast spray (usually provided at the hospital) were a must have! I would argue with the pp that said thin pads are best. In my opinion the thicker the better. I really liked the Overnight Kotex on the black box. I felt I had enough protection and the plasticy covers of the Always pads tended to "stick" to the delicate healing areas. One thing I haven't heard was nursing pads! Buy in bulk!! You do not want to run out. I was planning on using cloth nursing pads but I had such a crazy oversupply they just couldn't keep up! One weird thing I was happy to have was Aquafor healing ointment. I don't know if it is typical or just me but my skin dried out so much my hands started to crack and bleed. I blame the sudden drop in hormones. There was no way lotion was even going to come close to helping.

4littles · July 2015

Witch hazel,tucks pads,boob pads,lots of sanitary pads

MamaOwl15 · July 2015

sweet+cheeks said:
I had an episiotomy and tucks pads and dermoplast spray (usually provided at the hospital) were a must have! I would argue with the pp that said thin pads are best. In my opinion the thicker the better. I really liked the Overnight Kotex on the black box. I felt I had enough protection and the plasticy covers of the Always pads tended to "stick" to the delicate healing areas. One thing I haven't heard was nursing pads! Buy in bulk!! You do not want to run out. I was planning on using cloth nursing pads but I had such a crazy oversupply they just couldn't keep up! One weird thing I was happy to have was Aquafor healing ointment. I don't know if it is typical or just me but my skin dried out so much my hands started to crack and bleed. I blame the sudden drop in hormones. There was no way lotion was even going to come close to helping.

I suggested the Always pads that used based on personal preference. But I did have a c-section, so I didn't have any cuts or tears down there, just the incision on my abdomen. I've just found, in general, that thick pads feel like a diaper and the ones I had in the hospital made me waddle. I could wait to get home and use regular pads. Just personal preference, though!

kim1228 · July 2015

y'all this is freaking me out!! ah!!!

eat111315 · July 2015

Also check and see what your hospital gives you before stocking up. Mine sent me home with tons of witch hazel, and also gave me a nipple shield with my first (bc I needed it for the first couple of days).

All the other suggestions above are great. Pack them in your hospital bag, don't wait to get home to use them. With my first I would've given my eye teeth for a normal sized pad in the hospital!

MamaOwl15 · July 2015

kim1228 said:
y'all this is freaking me out!! ah!!!

It's actually not that bad. The bleeding only lasts a few weeks, and after the first couple days might not be very heavy at all, more like a period. Vaginas are pretty stretchy and not all women tear, and the swelling will go down. If you have a c-section, you may not even have that much swelling of the lady bits, just an incision, which should heal in a few weeks.

Six weeks feels like eternity till you're through it, but it's really not that bad. Otherwise, the PP period would have us all stopping at one kid.

intheversa · July 2015

FTM...reading all of this, making an Amazon wish list, I just hope my DH doesn't stumble upon it and be like what is this? Loving all the great advice though!

intheversa · July 2015

Any particular nipple creams that people really like?

mandy903 · July 2015

It's been a while for me but I used a lansinoh cream. I heard they make some kind of gel pads that are divine. And I know someone said they used plain coconut oil. ..

adcoxmt · July 2015

This post is making my vagina hurt already, haha! Just kidding (sorta).

Any BTDT moms with advice regarding a PP girdle - particularly the Bellefit ones? I know they're rather expensive, but I'm willing to pay $160ish to help my body heal faster (if they indeed work at all)!

Per the website:

Bellefit Double Corset is Doctor recommended.
Provides support for pendulous abdomen after pregnancy.
Helps straighten the spine after nine months carrying the baby.
Right compression prevents enlargement of fatty cells.
Helps the uterus go back to its place in less time.
Easy access to the groin with convenient flap with hooks.
Stays in place and offers overall support.
Won’t roll down your back or ride up your buttocks.
Helps you perform daily duties without feeling the aftermath effects of an overweight belly.
Aids emotionally since you want to look nice and fit as soon as possible.
Highly necessary on the second or third pregnancy.
Great for lymphatic drainage; decreases the risks of fluid collection and helps reduce swelling.
Perfect to use after surgery not only for C-Section, but also Hysterectomy, Diastasis-Recti.

Tested and approved by healthcare professionals at an international level, Bellefit^® is an amazing, medical-quality undergarment for women after pregnancy as well as Hysterectomies and Diastasi Recti. Bellefit^® Garments are not just lingerie, camis, body shapers or a simple – hold your pants disguise your belly band; they are medical garments to help the uterus go back to its place in less time, provide back support and compression without feeling uncomfortable. Bellefit^®products have been Digitally Mastered in the US.Bellefit^® Postpartum Abdominal Garments are comfortable and easy to wear. The reinforcement in the abdominal area reduces the deformity of excess fatty skin providing adjustable anatomic compression, allowing a faster recovery and molding of the mother’s figure. Our line of Bellefit^®Garments has been tested with great results for women by mitigating pain and helping muscles recover. Bellefit^® helps mothers resume their daily activities sooner.

https://www.bellefit.com/dualgirdle/

amberrmariee20 · July 2015

After I had my son I could sit fine with minor discomfort. I had a lot of stitches with him, I didn't use anything other than underwear, a pad and a squirt bottle !!

aiden0516 · July 2015

intheversa said:
Any particular nipple creams that people really like?

I was told today by a lactation consultant friend to only use lasinoh....not sure the reasoning-but that's what I'll go with.

twogirlsandagreen · July 2015

adcoxmt said:
This post is making my vagina hurt already, haha! Just kidding (sorta).

Any BTDT moms with advice regarding a PP girdle - particularly the Bellefit ones? I know they're rather expensive, but I'm willing to pay $160ish to help my body heal faster (if they indeed work at all)!

Per the website:

Bellefit Double Corset is Doctor recommended.
Provides support for pendulous abdomen after pregnancy.
Helps straighten the spine after nine months carrying the baby.
Right compression prevents enlargement of fatty cells.
Helps the uterus go back to its place in less time.
Easy access to the groin with convenient flap with hooks.
Stays in place and offers overall support.
Won’t roll down your back or ride up your buttocks.
Helps you perform daily duties without feeling the aftermath effects of an overweight belly.
Aids emotionally since you want to look nice and fit as soon as possible.
Highly necessary on the second or third pregnancy.
Great for lymphatic drainage; decreases the risks of fluid collection and helps reduce swelling.
Perfect to use after surgery not only for C-Section, but also Hysterectomy, Diastasis-Recti.
Tested and approved by healthcare professionals at an international level, Bellefit^® is an amazing, medical-quality undergarment for women after pregnancy as well as Hysterectomies and Diastasi Recti. Bellefit^® Garments are not just lingerie, camis, body shapers or a simple – hold your pants disguise your belly band; they are medical garments to help the uterus go back to its place in less time, provide back support and compression without feeling uncomfortable. Bellefit^®products have been Digitally Mastered in the US.Bellefit^® Postpartum Abdominal Garments are comfortable and easy to wear. The reinforcement in the abdominal area reduces the deformity of excess fatty skin providing adjustable anatomic compression, allowing a faster recovery and molding of the mother’s figure. Our line of Bellefit^®Garments has been tested with great results for women by mitigating pain and helping muscles recover. Bellefit^® helps mothers resume their daily activities sooner.
https://www.bellefit.com/dualgirdle/

I hated the bellefit. I had that and the bandit. Wearing any girdle like that squishes things downward which is bad news for your pelvic floor. The bellefit has a crotch but it still doesn't provide the pelvic floor support you would need to make up for the girdle forcing things downward.

The other thing is they are hot! After using several of these products I am convinced it is a marketing ploy and also terrible for your pelvic floor healing.

vamomtobe · July 2015

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - cabbage leaves! When my milk came in I had issues with being engorged, which is really uncomfortable. I even ended up with mastitis at one point. Someone told me to try cabbage leaves, so I actually stuck cabbage leaves into my nursing bra. I felt like some sort of strange walking boob salad, but I swear, in my head or not, it helped.

My hospital sent me home with a peri bottle, some awesome cloth underwear/diaper things, mega-industrial strength pads, and some sort of numbing aerosol spray that felt really cold and amazing. I bought witch hazel pads and epsom salts, but only ended up using the witch hazel.

adcoxmt · July 2015

@twogirlsandagreen Ahhh good point! I honestly hadn't thought of how it could affect the pelvic floor at all.... A lot of women swear by them, but don't mention if they're FTMs or how active they were during pregnancy, so maybe their results are attributed to those aspects anyways. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that I don't have to deal with Diastasis Recti though!

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