Expectant mothers tend to focus more on the baby. They prepare all that their little ones need well ahead of their arrival. They do everything necessary to ensure their infants are healthy and delivered safely.
With so much going on, soon-to-be mommies may forget to think about themselves, specifically the recovery after giving birth.
You’re bound to feel uncomfortable and sore whether you had a vaginal or c-section delivery. And the entire recovery process can be a bit, well, messy.
This article lists five postpartum essentials to ease new moms’ recovery process.
Pads
Bleeding will always follow after giving birth. There’s also a discharge called lochia that lasts for up to six weeks right after the baby is born.
Lochia is discharged from the uterus and is a mixture of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. As such, it is necessary to wear sturdy maxi pads to absorb all that discharge.
Lochia contains bacteria, so it is advisable for women who’ve delivered a child to let all of it flow out. Using tampons or a menstrual cup is a big no-no as these may cause bacteria to be pushed back into the uterus and cause an infection.
Belly Wraps
Research shows that spontaneous healing of the abdominal wall occurs within the first eight weeks after childbirth.
Doing core support or belly wrapping and core retraining during this period results in faster recovery times. It also improves core and pelvic floor function over time.
Core support using specialized post-pregnancy wraps delivers targeted relief to the pelvic and abdominal areas while the body is healing.
Image by Minnie Zhou on unsplash.com
Peri Bottle
Peeing can sting in the first week or so after giving birth, especially if there are stitches. Using a perineal bottle while urinating will help with the stinging sensation.
When buying a peri bottle, choose one with an angled end. That way, you won’t have to lean at an awkward angle to spray warm water to cleanse the perineum.
Heating and Cooling Pads
Heating and cooling pads provide much-needed pain relief to the vaginal area or breasts. The vagina, in particular, swells after birth due to increased blood flow and fluid. Applying ice to the region is an easy, effective way to find relief, especially in the first 24 hours after giving birth.
Luckily, there are plenty of options for heating and cooling pads. There are soothing gel pads that can either be warmed or cooled, depending on the need. There are also maxi pads that come with an ice pack designed to cover the entire perineal area.
Sitz Bath
Women who get an episiotomy or tear during delivery will experience soreness in the pelvic region.
Using a sitz bath eases this discomfort, reduces swelling and hemorrhoids, and promotes good hygiene and healing.
Here’s how to prepare and use a sitz bath.
- Fill the basin with warm water.
- Soak in it for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Add more warm water as needed to keep the temperature warm
- Gently pat the area dry with a towel; don’t rub it.
What’s in Your Postpartum Kit?
Stocking up on products that will help ease your postpartum pains is a must for all soon-to-be moms. This makes the transition into new motherhood much easier and more enjoyable.
If you’re pregnant and nearly due, what postpartum essentials do you have in your kit? Do you have any of the items above in your kit?
We’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below, and let’s get the discussion going.
Author’s Bio
Olivia Davis is a Content Relations Officer from The Pelvic Hub, a writer and has spent over a decade researching women’s health.
Comments are closed.