Empowered Delivery Preparations - Postpartum Recovery Essentials

By: Aunt Doula (08/21/2023)

Something most people aren't ready for when they deliver is the supplies needed to manage their recovery after birth. Some of these supplies will be provided by your birth location – however they are not always the most practical, comfortable or ergonomic. If they work for you, great! This list is designed to give you a full roster of supplies for whatever your postpartum experience may bring. I believe in having and not needing and then donating to another postpartum person if you have left-over supplies! There are always different brands, quality and prices – I only list brands in certain places to give you a starting point for a product, not as the only option! If there is no brand, it is because they are all for most purposes the same and you can choose based on what matters most to you and your situation. Items are listed in “most used” or “must have” order of what I have found to be most helpful to a recovery journey as a postpartum doula. If there was one thing I can tell every person to have above all others, it is a bent-neck peri-wash bottle! It is listed first for a reason.

* Bent-neck Peri-wash bottle. Birth locations usually give a squeeze bottle that can be difficult to aim and use, but you will be provided *something* after birth. A bent-neck is just a higher quality of postpartum life to the necessity of a peri-wash bottle.

* Absorbent method of choice for lochia – postpartum blood flow. This can be adult diapers (disposable or reusable), maxi pads, ‘period’ underwear – whatever you prefer and think will be most comfortable. Anticipate at least 2 weeks of flow regardless of your delivery method! C-section births will still experience some lochia flow!

* Topical pain relief for vulva & perineum – Lidocaine spray such as dermoplast, witch hazel pads such as tucks, steriod cream can be prescribed if you have had a tear, hemorrhoid cream for anus pain

* Ice packs designed for perineum/vulva/anus (strips that fit in underwear under pads), ice packs for chest/areola/nipples regardless of choice to chest feed.

* Stool Softeners and/or Laxatives – request from your provider while still at your birth location and ask what to take at home – the first #2 after birth can be a rough ride!

* Absorbent method of choice for chest – disposable or reusable are available

* Skin balm/nipple cream such as lanolin (ensure if chest feeding that what you are using is safe for feeding like lanolin)

* Sitz bath tub that fits over toilet seat – no need to soak whole body in the tub! Purchase Epsom salts or whatever your provider suggests for you to soak in for relief. *Ask when it is recommended you soak before you begin*

* A soft cushion pad (does not have to be a donut hemorrhoid pad) for relief while sitting for the healing vulva/perineum/anus. Memory foam, easy clean cover, whatever looks good to you.

* Low back/lumbar cushion (can be something integrated into a chest feeding pillow such as the ‘mybreastfriend’ pillow)

* Compression socks for sore legs and if you have a velcro baby who wants to be bounced! *Talk with your provider about if you should be wearing them, what compression rating and when to wear*

*Yoga ball for all manner of uses at home postpartum – nice to sit on for pelvic pain relief, bouncing gently to soothe baby off your feet, a place to sit comfortably if bruised and sore.

Consider these items as you prepare for your delivery and remember that it's better to have and not need, then need and not have - you can always donate any supplies you don't use to another postpartum person! Please don't hesitate to reach out for more details or options if you can't find something in your area.