Postpartum Self Care Checklist & Things To Know – Postpartum Must Haves

New mums need a lot of after birth essentials in the postpartum period to take care of themselves along with their tiny tot. Whether you’re going for a vaginal or c-section delivery, making sure you have all the post partum necessities with you while you’re still pregnant is going to make your transition into new motherhood as smooth as possible. Browse through this comprehensive postpartum checklist you’ll need post-labor to heal your inner and outer self after welcoming your baby.

Postpartum Checklist: What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag?

Most expectant parents begin the hardwork of designing their baby nursery and buying all essential baby stuff in the second or third trimester. As they prepare for the big day, near week 38, most parents even pack their hospital bags so there’s no last-minute rush to fill a suitcase between contractions.

However, what most parents, especially mums-to-be neglect is their postpartum health and requirements. During the first six weeks of postpartum recovery, new moms experience a wide range of symptoms including heavy bleeding, fatigue, perineal pain, stress, anxiety and sleep deprivation.

So, it is equally important to stock up on postpartum must haves as you near the end of your pregnancy to keep yourself comfortable as you heal. In this article, we have rounded up an extensive postpartum checklist of all the must-have items you’ll need on hand to care for yourself in the first few weeks after birth.

Post Partum Necessities: What Do I Need To Prepare?

It is crucial to prepare for postpartum and understand the psychological, physical and emotional adjustments you are about to experience. Moreover, you need to prepare your house and transport because postpartum care is not only about preparing your body.

Hence, to make the time a lot more comfortable and easy, here are a few suggestions you should consider:

  • Make a postpartum care checklist to make sure you do not miss out on anything.
  • Delegate household chores like cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. to your partner, family members or friends for about six weeks after you give birth. This will give you enough time to heal and rest.
  • If not possible, at least have your freezer full of home-cooked meals so you don’t have to spend too much time cooking after giving birth.
  • Keep your house in order before you give birth to make sure you don’t have to worry about too much cleaning or household chores with a postpartum body and a new baby.
  • Take postpartum leave, even if you work from home, to make sure you get plenty of rest and self-care you deserve.
  • It is common for women to experience swollen joints, achy muscles, and back pain in the third trimester. Some of these symptoms might persist even after giving birth. Seek out a pelvic floor physical therapist who can help you navigate that physical transition postpartum.
  • Add your post partum list of supplies to your baby registry to ease off your expenses a bit.
  • Stock up on your postpartum supplies beforehand.
  • Gather reliable knowledge on postpartum care with some books or podcasts.
  • Make sure your car is fully prepared to rush you to the hospital whenever needed.
  • Securely set up your car seat in advance to bring your baby home.
  • If you are a parent to other children, seek a babysitter or relative who is prepared to be on standby.
  • Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Let your loved ones come and lend a helping hand.

Postpartum Preparation List: What Should I Do Before Leaving For Hospital?

When your labor begins and you’re about to leave for the hospital, here is what you should do:

  • Calm down and go with the flow.
  • Try to relax as much as possible.
  • Ask your partner to check you have packed everything you need for the hospital.
  • Make sure your bag accommodates your postpartum essentials checklist too, such as a couple of changes of clothes, maternity pads, disposable underwear, nursing bra, your toiletries (toothbrush, soap, hair ties, etc.), baby’s nappies, clothes and a blanket.

After Birth Essentials: What Care Do I Need In The First Week Of Postpartum?

Postpartum care is not just about stacking all the needed supplies but also about taking some actual self-care steps. Here is your postpartum care checklist in the first week following birth:

  • Have someone nearby for the first 24 hours.
  • Schedule an appointment with your gynaecologist or midwife in the first week for a follow-up visit.
  • Lay flat for at least 30 minutes twice a day to take the needed rest and reduce swelling from your body. This will also help relieve strain on your abdominal muscles and lower pelvic floor.
  • Eat healthier food to ensure you get good nutrition.
  • Make sure to include enough fiber in your diet to prevent constipation.
  • Stay hydrated and drink clean, safe water.
  • Since getting enough sleep will be challenging after your baby is born. Try to take as much rest and sleep as possible by sleeping when the baby sleeps.
  • Avoid hard physical labour and taking steps to let your body heal.
  • Try to analyse the difference between normal and excessive postpartum bleeding. Seek immediate care if you are bleeding more than normal.
  • Maintain personal hygiene to prevent infections.
  • Limit visitors to let you and baby get enough rest.

How Long Does It Take To Recover?

Since every new mom’s body is different, so is their recovery rate and postpartum symptoms.

If you delivered your by C-section, you’ll probably need to stay in the hospital for three to four days. On average, most new mums feel recovered by 6-8 weeks. However, some mums may even take longer to completely heal. Moreover, many new mums even feel their belly is numb for months. As your uterus shrinks back into its normal size and shape, you might even experience cramps and abdominal pain.

If you’ve had a vaginal birth, your gynaecologist might keep you in the hospital for 24-48 hours. After you go home, your body will need anywhere from three to six weeks to heal, depending on whether you had a perineal tear or an episiotomy.

Postpartum Essentials Checklist: Here’s The Ultimate Postpartum Checklist You Need To Have

Creating your postpartum needs checklist is as important as preparing the baby registry list. Here are all the essential things you’ll need for a smooth and speedy recovery postpartum:

Postpartum Supplies Checklist For Mom: All Types Of Birth

Regardless of whether it is a C-section or vaginal birth, here is a postpartum essentials list for all new mums:

  1. Maternity Pads

Regardless of what kind of birth you have, you will have vaginal bleeding and some discharge after birth. Hence, maternity pads come in really handy. If you typically use tampons or menstrual cups for your periods, wait until your six-week postnatal check-up before starting again. Restart using them only asking your medical care provider.

  1. High Rise Postpartum Recovery Underwear

Why we said “high rise”? To support your postpartum belly. Make sure you choose comfortable and highly breathable panties that you can easily slip a disposable maternity pad in.

  1. Comfortable Maternity Clothing

If you want to be comfortable, it is a wise idea to wear loose, comfortable maternity clothes throughout your postpartum period.

  1. Dermoplast

Perfect for vaginal stitches or c-section wounds, Dermoplast helps reduce pain or discomfort and relieves itching around cuts.

  1. Stool Softener

Stool softeners might not be the most exciting product on this list but they are essential as they help to relieve constipation, which is common after childbirth. They also help prevent haemorrhoids.

  1. Haemorrhoids Relief Cooling Pads

Well, just in case you suffer from haemorrhoids, witch hazel medicated hemorrhoid cooling pads help provide immediate relief all that discomfort.

  1. Pain Medicine

Painkillers such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (ibuprofen) are a must to help your healing body recover from that postpartum pain. However, you should consult your gynaecologist before using any over-the-counter medicine, especially if you’re nursing your little angel.

  1. Disposable Washcloths

To maintain better intimate hygiene, use clean, disposable washcloths to gently pat yourself dry after doing your bathroom business.

  1. Belly Wrap

People have mixed opinions about using belly wraps. Many new mums love them but some don’t. However, if you ask us, they’re really worth investing as they provide support to your lower back and pelvic floor muscles. Moreover, they also help tucking your abdominal muscles back in.

If You Have A Vaginal Delivery

This section is specifically intended for mums who go for a vaginal birth:

  1. Witch Hazel Pads

These pads are perfect to fight off bacteria and help reduce any swelling, pain, or bruising.

  1. Peri Bottle

If you don’t know what a Peri Bottle is, it is simply a perineal irrigation bottle. In simple words, a Peri Bottle is a squirt bottle intended to be used for your perineum, the area between your anus and genitals. This bottle keeps your intimate area clean and hygienic while making sure you urinate with ease and no pain or burning.

  1. Donut Pillow

To relieve pressure while being seated and reduce swelling from the vagina, an orthopedic donut pillow is sure to help any new mum.

  1. Sitz Bath

A Sitz bath is a life saver to relieve your discomfort from pain or hemorrhoids if your pelvic area is sore from an episiotomy or tear during delivery. It also helps reduce swelling, maintain hygiene and promote healing after birth.

  1. Epsom Salts

Epsom salt is also a must for new mums during postpartum recovery as it helps soothe stretched skin, relieves pain and inflammation from haemorrhoids or a torn perineum. It can be used in a bath tub or a sitz bath.

  1. Pain & Itch Spray

Your perineal area will initially be uncomfortable, sore, itchy or painful. Hence, a pain-relieving spray will provide you immediate relief from any pain or itching due to its numbing ability.

  1. Perineal Ice Packs

Perineal ice packs provide major relief to those who give birth vaginally as they help reduce postpartum swelling and soothe sore areas.

If You Have A C-Section

Moms who deliver their babies via C-section have different requirements than those who go for a vaginal birth. So, if you are going for a caesarean delivery, here are some things you are likely to need:

  1. Heating Pack

To relieve your incision site, a heating pack is sure to be your savior.

  1. Shower Chair

Not many will recommend this but trust us, an adjustable shower chair is a life-saver for less painful bathing after a caesarean delivery.

  1. A Pillow For Your Belly

Well, you don’t have to buy this separately but we recommend it. Holding a pillow against your abdomen while feeding the baby or when coughing, sneezing, or laughing works really well to support your painful belly.

Postpartum Essentials List For Baby

The postpartum needs checklist is actually what you list in your baby registry. These items include diapers, baby wipes, clothing, swaddles, blankets, towels, bibs, mittens, socks, diaper rash creams, toiletries, pacifier, essential nursery furniture & baby gear, etc.

  • However, don’t forget to add a thermometer and a snot sucker in your list.
  • Infant pain-reliever medicines, colic medicines, Vitamin D drops, saline drops, etc. will also be needed but make sure to consult your paediatrician about choosing the right product.
  • Even if you plan to breastfeed for the most part, you’ll need formula and feeding bottles too.

Postpartum Must Haves For Breastfeeding

Here is a useful postpartum preparation list for breastfeeding your little munchkin:

  1. A Supportive Bra

Postpartum breasts are sore, tender and full of milk. Hence, a comfortable support bra with wide straps and adjustable hooks is a must have. However, make sure to choose a bra that allows easy access for nursing.

  1. Nursing Pillow

If you don’t want an added expense, a normal pillow works just fine but if you don’t mind purchasing a nursing pillow, find a good one that helps your baby latch comfortably. Moreover, a good breastfeeding pillow is also sure to reduce the strain on your back and neck.

  1. Nursing Pads

If you’ve got a good milk supply, you’ll have leaky breasts. So, keeping nursing pads in your bra will protect your clothing from milk leaks for the first few weeks. If possible, choose washable nursing pads over disposable ones to be more environment conscious.

  1. Breast Pump and Breast Milk Storage Bags

If your plan to breastfeed regularly, you need a good backup of breastmilk handy. So, a breast pump and milk storage bags are a good investment.

  1. Pumping Bra

If you want hand-free pumping, a pumping bra is sure to help you.

  1. Nipple Cream

Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience but some mommies can get cracked or sore nipples when they start breastfeeding or pumping. A nipple cream will help soothe dry, cracked, or sore nipples postpartum.

  1. Nipple Shells

It is really uncomfortable and unpleasant when your nipples are sore and they touch your bra/shirt. So, nipple shells are good to stack in your postpartum kit.

  1. Nipple Shields

If you want to breastfeed but have flat or inverter nipples, nipple shields will help you nurse your baby easily.

  1. Lactation Supplements

To have a nice breastmilk supply and boost your milk production, you can also use lactation capsules or teas.

After The Big Day: Postpartum Self Care Checklist

Here is a quick postpartum self care checklist for you:

  • Avoid strenuous activities.
  • Do not let mom guilt take over you.
  • Try to spend some quality time with your partner to boost your mood and mental health.
  • Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or doubts related to your healing.
  • If you feel like you’re experiencing postpartum depression for more than two weeks, seek professional help straightaway.

Postpartum Recovery Checklist For A Faster And Easier Recovery

If you want to recover smoothly and easily, here is a postpartum recovery checklist you should consider:

  • Use ice compression on your perineum every few hours for the first 24 hours post-birth.
  • Try warm sitz baths for at least 20 minutes every couple of hours to ease pain.
  • Care for your C-section incision by cleaning it with soap and water once a day.
  • Do gentle exercises under your doctor’s guidance to rebuild your strength.
  • Start doing postpartum Kegel exercises as soon as you’re comfortable to do so and try to do three sets of 20 each day.
  • Take postpartum vitamins to support the daily energy needs of your new life with a demanding newborn.
  • Make healthy food choices with plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Don’t rush, be kind to yourself and give yourself some time to heal.

The Bottom Line

Just as taking care of your newborn, it is super important to be extra kind to yourself. After all, your body just got you through one of the most challenging physical tasks of your life. We hope you’ll focus on self-care as much as you can and give yourself time to recover by making sure you get all postpartum checklist before giving birth.

Being prepared is also important to impact your physical and emotional healing positively and reduce your chances of getting postpartum depression. Most importantly, feel no shame in asking for more helping hands from a trusted family member or friend.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making A Postpartum Supplies Checklist

Now that you have your postpartum checklist, here are our answers to a few commonly asked questions about the same.

How long after birth are you considered postpartum?

You are generally considered postpartum for six to eight weeks, which is also known as the “fourth trimester”. However, some women experience a delayed postpartum period for up to 6 months.

What should you avoid during postpartum?

Here are a few things you should avoid during postpartum:

  • Strenuous activities
  • Using tampons or a menstrual cup
  • Sexual activity
  • Smoking, drugs or alcohol
  • Birth control pills

What postpartum items do I need?

Here is a post partum list of items you need:

  • Maternity pads, disposable underwears, comfortable maternity clothing
  • Dermoplast, Stool softener, Haemorrhoids relief cooling pads, Painkiller, Witch hazel pads
  • Belly wrap, Disposable washcloths, Donut pillow, Shower chair
  • Peri bottle, Sitz bath, Epsom salt, Perineal ice packs, Heating pack, Itch spray
  • Supportive nursing bra, Nursing pillow, Nursing pads, Nipple cream, Nipple shells, Nipple shields
  • Breast pump and breast milk storage bags, Pumping bra
  • Lactation supplements

What should you wear directly after delivery?

Make sure to wear comfortable clothing whether you have a caesarean section or a vaginal birth. Maternity gowns, a loose t-shirt with pyjamas or loose-fitting loungewear are good options to consider. Moreover, you should wear a supportive nursing bra with breast pads and disposable underwear with a maternity pad to catch post-birth bleeding. A cosy pullover and a pair of socks should also be packed, regardless of the season, just to be on the safe side.