It’s easy to get caught up in preparing for a baby’s arrival, but do you know how to prepare for after birth for yourself? Here are my top tips.
When I had my first baby, my midwife gave me a lot of advice about how to prepare for my recovery after the birth. Unfortunately, I didn’t heed her advice, and my recovery was extremely difficult as a result. For each subsequent birth, I did exactly as she recommended. My first days and weeks following were so much better.
I’ve also learned things about myself and about what my body and mental space need after having a little one. These are what have inspired my postpartum plan and what I am including in my postpartum planner (available for purchase soon)!
First 24 Hours After Birth
- Support belt/belly binder. This one is probably my number one must have, especially for the first 24 hours after the baby is born. Because the baby has lived in your tummy the last 9 months, when it’s born, your tummy will be like a deflated balloon. Trying to breathe is a bit strange, kind of like not being able to catch your breath. Having a belly binder of some sort is incredibly helpful in making your tummy have the support you need to breathe normally until your uterus shrinks back down to its normal size.
- Food you haven’t been “allowed” to eat. Sushi, subway, McDonalds milkshakes, soft cheeses. Whatever you’ve been craving but have been advised to avoid, have it now as a special celebration of your little one’s arrival and an end to your pregnancy.
- Depends/adult diapers/postpartum diapers. These are so helpful, because the first few days after the birth, you will have a bit more bleeding than normal. These make it to where you don’t have to worry about staining your nice unmentionables. Wear a pad with it and you’ll be good to go.
First Two Weeks (or so) After Birth
- Padsicles. These are so wonderful. They soothe your perineum, smell nice, and feel good. I use this recipe from the Passionate Homemaking archives. (There are some other great recipes on that postpartum care kit page, too).
- New/Clean Pajamas. This is one thing I didn’t do after my eldest was born and I dearly regretted it. I didn’t have anything cute to wear and ended up feeling like a ragamuffin “mombie” for at least 6 weeks after he was born.
- A new body wash. One of the things I make a huge priority after giving birth is taking a bath or shower every single day for 2 weeks and changing into a clean pair of clothes. Something that makes this extra special is buying a brand new body wash with a scent I’ve never used before but love. This makes it so enjoyable to suds up. You smell good and get clean, and the new scent is one you will associate with the sweet joy of having your newborn.
What would you add to the list?
Stay tuned in the coming months for my postpartum planner. I am designing this planner to help you have the best postpartum season possible. I’m using my own postpartum care plan that helps me keep my head above water mentally and physically after the baby is born. I can’t wait to share it with you! Make sure to subscribe to my newsletter to keep up to date on its release.
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