Some must-have items to get your hands on to help your postnatal recovery!
Navigating the minefield of what to buy for your baby (the baby products companies lead you to believe that you need SO.MUCH.STUFF!) doesn't leave much room to think about your VERY important POSTPARTUM RECOVERY! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When stocking up on baby stuff, remember to grab a few bits to help you heal and recover after the birth (even if you don't have a tear or a cut, the vagina, perineum and breasts will still feel sore and need some TLC). I'd recommend putting together a little care kit basket in each bathroom with the following (do this in pregnancy):⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
BIG cotton or disposable knickers e.g. Tena pants or those mesh postpartum undies you can get on Amazon. Go for high-waisted underwear that cover your scar if you are planning a Caesarean birth. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
2-3 packs of maternity pads for the 'lochia' (bleeding in the ~2 to 6 weeks after birth, which you will experience regardless of how your baby is born). You might like to have mix of thick pads for the first week or so, and slimmer ones thereafter
Cheap peri(neal) bottle or a jug filled with warm water to pour on your perineal area while you pee in the first few days, to help reduce discomfort and stinging⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Painkillers ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Breast pads and nipple cream (Lansinoh was my go-to) if breastfeeding ⠀
Flannels, compresses or cabbage leaves to ease sore breasts and nipples ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Epsom salts and lavender oil for a soothing Sitz bath to aid recovery and relieve discomfort/pain. Simply bathing in plain warm water, or adding table salt, vinegar or baking soda to the water can also create a soothing solution. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What would you add to your Postpartum Recovery Essentials? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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✨ The Postnatal Prep session covers what to expect in the postnatal period physically and emotionally + lots of practical ways to prepare in pregnancy. You will be equipped with your very own Postnatal Wellbeing Plan for the 4th trimester, and a toolbox for tougher days. Get in touch for more information or to have a free chat ✨