The postpartum period is now known as the fourth trimester of pregnancy. It is a period full of physical and emotional changes. Therefore, postpartum women need a lot of care and attention, whether their birth was easy or not. Whether the birth was vaginal or cesarean, there will be pain and discomfort and a few weeks of recovery. Experts advise preparing in advance for the postpartum weeks and purchasing prenatal supplies to reduce the mental burden during the postpartum period. Therefore, we have prepared a list of the most essential postpartum must-haves that make the lives of new mothers easier.
Postpartum pads are large, long pads with very high absorption to protect against any leakage during the postpartum period. You can also use pads that contain witch hazel and aloe vera gel to relieve pain in the perineal area after childbirth. You can also make postpartum pads at home using the recipe in this article.
Ask your doctor about safe pain medications during breastfeeding and purchase them before you give birth. We don't mean to scare you, but the first days after giving birth may be painful due to the pain of the birth incision, whether it was a cesarean section or vaginal birth, the pain of uterine contractions that you will feel during breastfeeding, and the pain from breastfeeding due to breast engorgement or cracked nipples. You can also use local analgesics for the perineal area that your doctor will prescribe for you, which are in the form of a cold spray that provides immediate soothing and comfort.
Constipation is a woman's number one enemy during postpartum, so talk to your doctor about this annoying symptom and ask her to prescribe stool softeners that are safe during breastfeeding. Take them as the doctor prescribes. Don't forget to drink anise and fennel to avoid constipation and painful flatulence.
These cotton pieces placed inside the bra absorb any milk that leaks out of the breast, saving you the embarrassment of having milk stains on your clothes.
It is a cream made mainly of Lanolin, which is safe for infants. Choose a cream made from safe ingredients to relieve the pain of cracked nipples and various breast pains that occur in the first days of breastfeeding.
You should consult your doctor before purchasing a postpartum corset, as despite its benefits, it may not suit you. One of the benefits of the postpartum band is trying to return to the pre-birth body and reducing sagging because of the stretching of the abdominal muscles due to pregnancy. Providing greater comfort during movement, and relieving lower back pain
Postpartum bleeding is normal and may take a few weeks. Bleeding is heavy in the first days after giving birth for many women, which may cause blood to leak onto the underwear despite the use of highly absorbent l pads. Therefore, wearing disposable underwear that you can throw away without damaging your panties is preferable.
Once milk starts to come in, your breast may be engorged, especially if you have difficulty breastfeeding your baby. So, you need a soft nursing bra that does not pressure the breast. It is important that the bra you wear during the breastfeeding period is made of natural fabric, such as cotton, and does not contain annoying wires. It also features a comfortable design that facilitates effortless breastfeeding.
You will need several comfortable cotton pajamas with buttons in the front to make breastfeeding easier. It is also vital that the pajamas are loose-fitted and do not put pressure on your abdomen, especially in the event of a cesarean section.
A common condition that affects women after childbirth is a urinary tract infection. This infection is excruciating because it causes pain and inflammation in the perineal area, which is still recovering from childbirth. Therefore, drinking enough water during the day is essential to replace the fluids you lose from breastfeeding and avoid urinary tract infections.
You won't always have time to sit down at the dining table and eat your meal from a plate, so it's essential to have plenty of healthy snacks to satisfy your hunger and help stimulate milk production. Dried fruits, dates, and nuts are among the most essential healthy and beneficial snacks for women postpartum.
Manual breast pumps are the most important breastfeeding essentials in the first days and weeks after birth. They help initially extract colostrum, which is rich in benefits for the newborn baby. They stimulate milk production and facilitate latch at the beginning of the breastfeeding journey. The manual pump is easy to use and less painful than the electric one.
The postpartum period is a difficult period full of challenges, but it is also a beautiful and irreplaceable period during which you experience your first moments with your infant. So enjoy this unique period and be prepared with the most essential supplies to make your life easier.