Postnatal essentials: 7 items you’ll need after giving birth
Most mothers-to-be start buying supplies for their dear little belly-dweller long before they are even born. But whether you’re planning to have your baby at hospital or home, it can be a good idea to think about the items you’ll need after you give birth.
So here is a list of postnatal essentials that will come in handy after your baby is earthside.
1. Black granny undies
Typically, postpartum bleeding (or lochia as midwives call it) lasts around 4-6 weeks after you give birth. That’s a really long period and potentially a whole lot of underwear that can get stained. For this reason, it’s a great idea to buy a stack of dark coloured underpants to wear your pads in after you’ve had your baby. High waisted is even better, as they can firmly hold pads in place. When your postpartum bleeding is over, you can throw them out!
2. Heat packs
Unless it’s your first baby, you’ll more than likely get to experience the joy that is after-pains. This is like an added little bonus of uterine cramping that occurs for mothers after they’ve had their baby – only there aren’t any hormones surging through your body to help with the pain. This is when heat packs come in handy as a way to soothe your cramping. They’re available in most chemists or you can easily make your own using a scrap of fabric and some rice.
Read more about postnatal care:
- A symptom of postpartum depression that isn’t talked about
- “This Is Postpartum”: Brilliant mums are sharing all kinds of post-baby bodies
- Everything you need to know about the after-birth poop
3. Chamomile tea
Both mother and baby can benefit from the natural relaxation properties that chamomile has to offer. It’s really soothing to sip on during those long newborn nights, and the benefits will go through your milk and help relax your bubba, too.
4. Face wipes
When you’re in the throes of the fourth trimester, it can be hard to remember to have a shower, let alone properly wash your face! Having some facial cleansing wipes on hand can make a new Mum feel like she’s got her sh!t together – even if she doesn’t.
5. Bath salts
One of the nicest ways for a new mum to relax and unwind is to have a soak in the bath with some Epsom salts or magnesium chloride flakes. It can be even nicer to have your new baby in with you, too! Enjoy a lovely soothing, bonding experience together while your body gets a little nourishment at the same time. You could even try adding some dried lavender or calendula flowers, too.
6. Muesli bars or muffins
Postpartum hangry rage is a real thing that all new mothers can relate to. We get so hungry that if we don’t get food when we need it, we actually consider eating the arm of the couch. For this reason, it can be a great idea to have a stash of healthy muffins in the freezer or a box of muesli bars nearby to nom on before the postnatal hangries kick in.
7. A good ol’ box set
Whether you’re planning to breastfeed or not, you’ll be spending a lot of time sitting around feeding your newborn when they arrive. So best get comfy. Now’s a good time to put aside a box set of something fabulous to watch while you spend the next period of your life on the couch, feeding your little one. Unless you’re a mother of many like I was, in which case – download those podcasts to listen to on-the-go! May as well enjoy the passing of time this way, interspersed with lots of heart-eyed baby gazing.
So find a nice box, pop all these essentials into it and relax. You’ve totally got this.
