Hope I edited this discussion board correctly! With the holidays coming up and time running out, I was wondering if there are any good recovery hacks I can get prepped at home such as ointments/lotions, cooling pads, etc.? I am not the most creative or crafty person (and usually not much of a planner....nesting??), but I know it will be better to have as much ready before baby comes than to try to make things after.
@ibabyloveb87 haha absolutely no worries. I was still half asleep when I started it and didn't look to see if anyone else had so totally my bad. I'll go to the other
I bought a donut to sit on for the first week or so after birth. Could I have done without it? Sure. But did it feel great to sit on that instead of on my swollen lady bits? It did. And there are some cheap ones on amazon so consider it.
Make lactation cookies ahead of time and freeze the dough so when you are ravenous you just pop out 2 or 3 balls, throw them in the oven for 13 minutes and boom- you have some chocolate chip oatmeal cookies ready to nosh on.
Make some crock pot meals and freeze them the beginning of Jan that way Feb- April you have mostly prepared meals that only require you to turn in your crock pot and maybe add some chicken broth or something.
I never used a single padsickle that I made so...yeah.
Have doggy wee wee pads under your sheets (taped down) in case you bleed through to save your mattress. Also go buy some mega-pads. Next to the toilet I had a little basket that had my bulb syringe (because you can’t wipe for a week or 2 after), a stack of pads, some Epsom salts, doggy wee wee pads to lay out on the floor for when I would get in and out of the shower (you bleed. A lot. For a week to up to 6 weeks after) and Motrin.
Keep cups of water EVERYWHERE. you will not believe how thirsty you get. Same with snacks near where you think you are gonna hang with the baby/nurse/feed the most.
Keep a TV changer or book nearby for the feeding situation. There were a few times DS would lazily eat for like an hour. It can get boring.
Get a lactation consultant if you are gonna BF and ask for APNO (all purpose nipple ointment). use it and thank me. It is the BOMB for sore or cracked nipples.
Recovery was a lot easier/shorter with my second than my first but once my h went back to work and I was alone with both kids I was a bit sore again from lifting my toddler.
Take extra mesh undies, giant pads, and ice packs from the hospital. Really take everything you can lol I used the giant pads for the first like 2 days I was home and then switched to extra long pads I bought from the store. I kept a supply in our downstairs and upstairs bathroom. Ask for lanolin or whatever they have if you are nursing and start using it right away.
I also bought a pack of cheap Hanes underwear to wear until after the bleeding went away.
Ditto to always being hungry and thirsty. Snacks you can eat one handed are also helpful.
FTM that are nursing get Netflix lol such a great time to binge watch and not feel guilty.
I really missed that the second time around lol
Accept help from people or ask if you need something. I used company as a chance to take a shower Or even a nap. I’d nurse, pump and leave a bottle so I can stretch my nap a little longer if my mom or MIl were over. Or I’d do that at night for my h to take the first shift when I was ready for bed. He is great at staying up late but not so great at middle of the night.
I second the donut! I ended up with 3rd degree tearing and I don’t think I could have sat without it! It really was a lifesaver! And I don’t know how much it was but it was worth every penny!
I used which hazel on an unscented pad every time I changed it and it really seemed to help!
I also bought scented pads not knowing they were scented and wow did the irritate me! And don’t buy always overnight maxis! Yes they seem to hold lots but if you have stitches they actually pull at the stitches!
Take baths anytime you can! Even if it’s just water and relaxing but I think you can add things to help with the healing but I never did.
Vaginal tear/swelling care *Ice packs the first 24 hours *Peri bottle with warm water during pee stream to avoid the burn, and after to clean (then gently pat dry with toilet paper). Hospital should supply the peri bottle. *Stay on top of pain meds *Dermaplast spray and Tucks can be useful for pain and swelling, I didn’t care for them (hospital may supply) *I sat on the Boppy instead of buying a donut pillow
Hemorrhoid care *Tucks pads stuck in your butt crack *Stool softeners so you don’t strain
C-Section recovery *Stay on top of your meds *Ice packs on the incision *Wear a belly binder for support (my hospital supplies them) *Get up and start walking as soon as you can. The more you sit around, the more sore you will be. *Keep your incision clean and dry so it doesn’t become infected
Breastfeeding *Apply lanolin after every nursing session right from the start, regardless of how your nipples feel. Why treat cracked, bleeding nipples when you can prevent them?! *Use nursing pads so you don’t leak through your clothes
Self care *Don't buy into the “I don’t have time to shower” crap. Take a shower every day. While baby naps, or as soon as your partner gets home. Just do it. You deserve to feel human. *Take the stool softeners! Everyone talks about how scary your first poop is, so I was scared. Despite my 2nd degree tear and raging hemorrhoids, my first time didn’t hurt at all.
@daffodil_shoe omg how could I forget the Perri bottle, stool softeners and dermaplast! Vagina savers. I would even take the perri bottle in the shower to make sure things were cleaned up.
The babyfrida mom washer bottle was the best money I have ever spent. it was recommended by a few people in my other bmb and I tell everyone now. The Angled nosel is a game changer.
+1 to so much of what has already been said. I did make padsicles and used (and loved) a few but didn’t use all the ones I made so don’t go overboard. I hated the mesh undies and giant pads from the hospital because they didn’t fit right and caused leaks. I will probably bring my own to the hospital in case I feel like trying them out.
I bought the best pads. Super absorbent but also thin. They were Always Infinity pads. I also put a dark towel down on my light couch because I was afraid of leaks. Be careful when going sitting to standing, that’s often when I had gushes or leaks.
Cold Tucks pads on top of a padsicle feels nice.
I got a water bottle that I could be sure to open one handed so I could drink water while holding baby.
The only advice I have that I don’t think has been mentioned already is to try to keep healthy and easy to grab snacks on hand otherwise you will end up binging on chips or whatever and feel terrible. And you will most likely already not be feeling so hot.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Needing or wanting help doesn’t mean that you’re not a good mom. If you talk yourself into thinking that you should do it all you’re going to get burnt out. Along these same lines... another +1 for showering every day no matter what.
+1 peri bottle- it burned to pee for a couple days even with no tearing. Also I kept my bottle and used it to wet cloth wipes for cloth diapering.
I also loved and swear by Earth Mama Angel Baby brand Mama Bottom Balm and Cooling Spray. You can buy them at Target. I believe the balm was witch hazel and the spray was cucumber. They were amazing and I used them both after each trip to the restroom for a couple weeks.
Also check in with your feelings about adult diapers/ mesh undies. I hated them and felt demoralized wearing them even though it was only a couple during labor. It was one of my biggest complaints that feeling embarrassed is something to be avoided during labor- nudity and screaming were fine, but adult diapers felt humiliating. I’m buying black Thinx extra heavy period panties in case I need them this time instead and my midwife said that’d be fine. (I bled a ton during labor due to cord having a tear from placenta.) I did regular underwear with overnight cloth pads exclusively PP and plan to do that again. It was really nice to feel like myself and see something pretty when I had to deal with that mess every couple hours.
+1 showering every day no matter what. Screaming babies are breathing babies and even if you have to let them scream on the floor to get it done, that 10 minutes is necessary. Taking care of Mama is not secondary, it’s vital to taking care of baby.
Thank you to all of you who are validating my desire to shower every day. Sometimes I see mamas on social media talking about the first shower they have taken all week and all I can think is "that is so gross". Seriously, I am not a smelly person but going days without showering does get smelly and just makes me feel gross and inhuman, which is the last thing I am going to want when I am already a sleep deprived monster.
I have a question about witch hazel. I've heard good things about it but I'm not sure what is the best way to use it. Can you put it on a pad and then freeze it? I know my sister loved using it on a cotton round but I was wondering which form/use gave the best results.
Me:37 MH:37
TTGP since 07/2017
**TW** in spoiler
DX: PCOS, anovulatory, AMA
Femara X3: no response
Clomid X3: BFN (cyst and thin lining)
IUI (Dec '18) MMC
IVF (April '19) 9 retrieved, 7 fertilized, 2 normal PGT-A
@mandk1233 absolutely don’t feel the need to be a walking stink pile. I showered basically everyday with DS. The first month or so it’s actually super easy because they sleep SO MUCH that skipping off for 10-15 minute is easy.
@celticknotfire, I put witch hazel and aloe vera on pads and froze them (padsicles). I think freezing it feels good because anything cold feels nice at that point. Putting it on a cotton round would work too but it just wouldn't be as cold.
@celticknotfire I just put the witch hazel on my pad when I changed it. I didn’t try freezing them but I’m sure that would have been a nice feeling too! I also second the always Infinity pads! They are so thin and discrete but they catch a lot! But I also liked the mesh undies and pads, seemed to work for me, but I know lots of people who didn’t like how big and bulky they were!
@Swiftlet no need to start them early unless you are currently constipated. Your nurse should offer them sometime after delivery.
RE: poopy delivery- Y’all, you’re gonna poop if delivering vaginally. It’s your body’s way of making more room for baby, since your rectum and birth canal are next to each other. And if you’re pooping while pushing, that’s a GOOD thing. It means you’re pushing the right way. I can’t express how little anyone will care or bat an eye. Your nurse or provider will wipe it away and keep supporting you, barely registering it happened. Just accept that poop will happen. 😉
Showering with a newborn is SO easy. Get yourself a little bouncy seat and put them in it outside the shower door. Keep the chair in the bathroom for when you need to go to the bathroom or get ready.
I never had a problem showering every day with my first. Showering with two little kids is a much more difficult feat bc they rarely nap at the same time.
@clee5711 I always felt like showering with two while one of them is a baby is easy if you have a master bathroom on suite, put the two youngest in a bouncer seat like you said (or an excersaucer when they are older), and turn the tv on in the bedroom for the older one. Now when the baby begins walking all bets are off and you have to start showering at night lol
@doodleoodle yup. when my 2nd was content in the bouncer I’d wait till the oldest napped or set him up on my bed with the iPad. Once my second became mobile it has become so much harder! I wait for my h, put the youngest in the shower with me or am just thankful for dry shampoo.
@daffodil_shoe I specifically remember pooping while pushing and I swear they had it cleaned up and the nurse was back to the pushing before I could even be embarrassed.
Poop is Definitely NOT a big deal to anyone who’s worried about it!
Me:33 DH: 34 Married: May 2011 TTC #1: May 2015 DS: 10/20/2016 TTC #2: June 2019 #2 EDD: 2/20/2020
I know I'm probably in the minority here, but I preferred diapers over the mesh panties and pads. I bled A LOT and felt much more secure in the diapers. I had Always Discreet which fit just like granny panties and they were fantastic for sleeping.
I also second everything that is being said about Perri bottles. Warm water is a must, but it was an absolute lifesaver. My hospital gave me one, but I think I'm going to buy a second one to keep in the bathroom downstairs.
Also, I had a rolling bassinet which I would wheel into the bathroom whenever I took a shower alone with baby. Thankfully, she was always content to either sleep or lay quietly, but even if she had cried I was only a few feet away.
I didn't poop during delivery, and I want to say don't wish for that. The only reason is because I had horrible diarrhea at the onset of labor- like contractions sent my stomach/intestines spiraling out of control. By the time I was pushing my entire body had long been empty. Diarrhea during labor is not something I'd wish on anyone, although if you have IBS/IBD be aware this is a possibility and consider strategies for staying hydrated and protecting your furniture and rugs while laboring at home.
Full disclosure- I didn’t poop while pushing either. But similar to @craftywitch that’s cuz I emptied my bowels earlier in labor. While at home in my tub, during a particularly difficult contraction, I puked so hard that I pooped in the tub 😆 So that was when we decided maybe we should head to the hospital since my hot bath was ruined anyway!
I also experienced vomiting and diarrhea prior to going to the hospital and while in labor. I was told by so many moms to eat before you go to the hospital because labor can last for a long time and they won’t let you eat. I regretted following that advice.
I still by my statement that poop will happen! The vast majority of women empty their bowels at some point during labor and/or pushing to make room for baby.
I have absolutely no idea if I pooped during labor. For all I know I did. Point being, if I did they clearly quickly cleaned me up and moved right along without issue.
@misstree5, how did you know what size Depends to buy for your postpartum size? I struggled so much with what size postpartum granny panties to buy last time and I very much want to try Depends.
@jvk2012 I know you specifically asked about Depends, but the Always Discreet sizing is very simple (as I imagine Depends are). It's S/M, L, XL, XXL. I found that the sizing was very similar to clothing sizes. They had a lot of stretch so I erred on the smaller size and was fine. Link to always discreet for reference:
I had profuse diarrhea about 3 hours after my water broke (about halfway through labor) but even then I still pooped dangerously close to my husbands foot right before starting to push when I was laboring while standing and holding onto him. It was only a small drop but still...I was pushing enough that even that wee drop came out. It was super romantic....
Re: Delivery Recovery Hacks
With the holidays coming up and time running out, I was wondering if there are any good recovery hacks I can get prepped at home such as ointments/lotions, cooling pads, etc.? I am not the most creative or crafty person (and usually not much of a planner....nesting??), but I know it will be better to have as much ready before baby comes than to try to make things after.
https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12748409/c-sections#latest
Diagnosed with PCOS & Hashimoto's
DH: 34
Married: May 2011
TTC #1: May 2015
DS: 10/20/2016
TTC #2: June 2019
#2 EDD: 2/20/2020
Diagnosed with PCOS & Hashimoto's
I used which hazel on an unscented pad every time I changed it and it really seemed to help!
I also bought scented pads not knowing they were scented and wow did the irritate me! And don’t buy always overnight maxis! Yes they seem to hold lots but if you have stitches they actually pull at the stitches!
Take baths anytime you can! Even if it’s just water and relaxing but I think you can add things to help with the healing but I never did.
Accept the help! And take it as easy as you can!
*Ice packs the first 24 hours
*Peri bottle with warm water during pee stream to avoid the burn, and after to clean (then gently pat dry with toilet paper). Hospital should supply the peri bottle.
*Stay on top of pain meds
*Dermaplast spray and Tucks can be useful for pain and swelling, I didn’t care for them (hospital may supply)
*I sat on the Boppy instead of buying a donut pillow
Hemorrhoid care
*Tucks pads stuck in your butt crack
*Stool softeners so you don’t strain
C-Section recovery
*Stay on top of your meds
*Ice packs on the incision
*Wear a belly binder for support (my hospital supplies them)
*Get up and start walking as soon as you can. The more you sit around, the more sore you will be.
*Keep your incision clean and dry so it doesn’t become infected
Breastfeeding
*Apply lanolin after every nursing session right from the start, regardless of how your nipples feel. Why treat cracked, bleeding nipples when you can prevent them?!
*Use nursing pads so you don’t leak through your clothes
Self care
*Don't buy into the “I don’t have time to shower” crap. Take a shower every day. While baby naps, or as soon as your partner gets home. Just do it. You deserve to feel human.
*Take the stool softeners! Everyone talks about how scary your first poop is, so I was scared. Despite my 2nd degree tear and raging hemorrhoids, my first time didn’t hurt at all.
DH: 34
Married: May 2011
TTC #1: May 2015
DS: 10/20/2016
TTC #2: June 2019
#2 EDD: 2/20/2020
Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Needing or wanting help doesn’t mean that you’re not a good mom. If you talk yourself into thinking that you should do it all you’re going to get burnt out. Along these same lines... another +1 for showering every day no matter what.
I also loved and swear by Earth Mama Angel Baby brand Mama Bottom Balm and Cooling Spray. You can buy them at Target. I believe the balm was witch hazel and the spray was cucumber. They were amazing and I used them both after each trip to the restroom for a couple weeks.
Also check in with your feelings about adult diapers/ mesh undies. I hated them and felt demoralized wearing them even though it was only a couple during labor. It was one of my biggest complaints that feeling embarrassed is something to be avoided during labor- nudity and screaming were fine, but adult diapers felt humiliating. I’m buying black Thinx extra heavy period panties in case I need them this time instead and my midwife said that’d be fine. (I bled a ton during labor due to cord having a tear from placenta.) I did regular underwear with overnight cloth pads exclusively PP and plan to do that again. It was really nice to feel like myself and see something pretty when I had to deal with that mess every couple hours.
+1 showering every day no matter what. Screaming babies are breathing babies and even if you have to let them scream on the floor to get it done, that 10 minutes is necessary. Taking care of Mama is not secondary, it’s vital to taking care of baby.
on my pad when I changed it. I didn’t try freezing them but I’m sure that would have been a nice feeling too!
I also second the always Infinity pads! They are so thin and discrete but they catch a lot! But I also liked the mesh undies and pads, seemed to work for me, but I know lots
of people who didn’t like how big and bulky they were!
RE: poopy delivery- Y’all, you’re gonna poop if delivering vaginally. It’s your body’s way of making more room for baby, since your rectum and birth canal are next to each other. And if you’re pooping while pushing, that’s a GOOD thing. It means you’re pushing the right way. I can’t express how little anyone will care or bat an eye. Your nurse or provider will wipe it away and keep supporting you, barely registering it happened. Just accept that poop will happen. 😉
DH: 34
Married: May 2011
TTC #1: May 2015
DS: 10/20/2016
TTC #2: June 2019
#2 EDD: 2/20/2020
I also second everything that is being said about Perri bottles. Warm water is a must, but it was an absolute lifesaver. My hospital gave me one, but I think I'm going to buy a second one to keep in the bathroom downstairs.
Also, I had a rolling bassinet which I would wheel into the bathroom whenever I took a shower alone with baby. Thankfully, she was always content to either sleep or lay quietly, but even if she had cried I was only a few feet away.
Also..I had made some padsickles ...they sounded like such an amazing and soothing idea, but omg I couldn't handle the cold!
https://alwaysdiscreet.com/en-us/experience-main-section/about-always-discreet
*Side note: my friend who had a c section LOVED them because they were so high wasted and didn't hurt her scar
DH: 34
Married: May 2011
TTC #1: May 2015
DS: 10/20/2016
TTC #2: June 2019
#2 EDD: 2/20/2020