Postpartum Checklist -- Feedback from Experienced Insta Mommies
Postpartum (the period just after delivery) is already a challenging and overwhelming time within itself. Finding ways to make it as easy and stress-free as possible has definitely been on the top of my to do list. If you guys have been following me for a while then you know I’ve shared with you all my journey with anxiety and feeling overwhelmed at times. Well of course, this period in my life has definitely enhanced those feelings, and I’m constantly trying to find ways to prepare to make it easier for Cory and I once Harper arrives.
I’ve been doing lots of research, and I’ve even reached out to my Instagram followers to get their advice on what should be on new expecting mommies postpartum checklists. I’ve heard so many stories from different moms about things they wish they did differently and their postpartum situations, so of course my biggest goal right now is to be overly prepared as much as possible. From nursing pads to creams and peri-bottles, this list is compiled of things I’ll be using during my postpartum journey as well as suggestions from other new and experienced mommies!
The Ultimate Postpartum Checklist
Depends
Yes, for all of us expecting mama’s out there-- Depends will be a complete lifesaver during postpartum. Depends are easier to use than mesh underwear and they help with absorption and are disposable!
Tailbone Donut Pillow
Lots of mom’s have told me that I’ll need something soft to sit on after giving birth. This tailbone donut pillow is perfect for helping with any discomfort and relieves any pressure I may have during postpartum.
Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit
FridaBaby has an amazing postpartum recovery essentials kit that includes disposable underwear, ice maxi pads, cooling witch hazel pad liners and perineal medicated healing foam. This essentials kit will be perfect for keeping next to my bedside.
Instant Ice Maxi Pads
I won’t truly know my level of leakage of course until after giving birth, but one thing I do know is that it does happen and it is uncomfortable. These instant ice maxi pads feature a cold therapy that helps in aiding and healing my vagina postpartum and help soothe and absorb any leakage.
Upside Down Peri Bottle
I’ve read quite a few articles that talk about how much it hurts to pee postpartum. The trick to this is to fill a peri-bottle with warm water and as you’re using the restroom, squirt the peri-bottle towards your bottom for a much calmer and comfortable experience.
Perineal Cooling Pad Liners
Frida Mom’s perineal cooling pad liners are full-coverage medicated vaginal pads that help to reduce swelling and speed up the healing process.
Maternity Robe
When it comes to postpartum, I want to make sure I am wearing something comfortable and easy accessible for Harper when it’s time for feeding. A maternity robe will allow me to freely move around without feeling restricted and gives me enough coverage during postpartum as well.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is so important-- especially during breastfeeding. I plan on keeping multiple bottles of water next to my bedside as well as a fully loaded fridge to ensure I’m getting enough water for myself and Harper.
Paper Plates + Plasticware
This is a big one for me! I know I will not be in the mood to wash any extra dishes outside of Harper’s bottles, so making sure we are fully stocked with paper plates and plasticware will definitely alleviate some weight off of our shoulders and more time to focus on other things.
Nursing Bras
When it comes to a nursing bra, my number one goal is making sure it’s comfortable and supportive. I’ve been told to buy a nursing bra that’s larger than I think because engorgement is no joke and I’ll need something extremely comfortable with no underwire.
Supportive and Stretchy Clothing
When it comes to my postpartum clothing, I don’t want anything too tight however I do know that I’ll need something supportive. Anything that is high-waisted and stretchy will be my go-to!
Postpartum Doula
I’ve decided to hire a postpartum doula which is basically a professional doula that helps take care of the mom. Oftentimes people only focus on the baby after they’re born and the mom is left to figure everything out in her new life on her own. My doula and midwife both focus a lot on postpartum and making sure I am good with the visit after the baby is born, which is a huge thing for me! Here are a few benefits I find in having a postpartum doula:
Support for the entire family
Sleep
Navigating postpartum emotions
Breast and Bottle Feeding
Centered care, unbiased information and emotional support
Knowing that I will learn a lot of things once baby Harper arrives and understanding that nothing compares to real life experience, I still want to be able to take all of the things that I am learning from different moms and implement the advice to make my experience as good as it can possibly be. Below are a few more recommendations from experienced mommies that follow me on IG and their postpartum checklist recommendations:
(Click the right photo to view more responses)
Protective hairstyles
Fully stocked postpartum care kit next to bedside
Housekeeper
Lots of rest (sleep when the baby sleeps)
Help from family and friends
Easy meals/meal prep
Click here to view even more tips, suggestions and advice from IG mommies on what to include on postpartum checklist!
Being that my husband and I want to have a pretty massive family, we are taking all of the necessary steps to make sure we get all of the help we can, so we don’t traumatize ourselves with our first baby girl as we navigate through our new life! We’re still figuring it all out and if we can help someone along the way who’s going through the same thing as us, that’s exactly what we want to do! Let me know in the comments below some of the must-haves you had on your postpartum checklist and how they helped make your journey a lot smoother.