As a mom of 9 I have experienced postpartum quite a bit in comparison to the average mom. I have narrowed down my top five postpartum must haves. I created this list to help you navigate what is the best purchases to make. However, I understand that everyone is different and my top five may not be your top five. I would love to hear what your top five are, so be sure to leave them in the comments below!
My top FIVE postpartum must haves!
It actually might be a little more than 5 items, but it is 5 topics with supporting items.
1. Toilet/Bathroom:
Near the toilet keep a little caddy or put on your shelving the following items.
– cloth prefolds
– hydrogen peroxide
– peri bottle or bidet
– tall garbage
Okay, let’s go through it. Adult diapers, no these are not for you to urinate or pass bowel movements in. They are perfect for heavy bleeding! I like to take the cloth pre-folds and fold them and place them in to the diaper as a pad. The diaper is there to catch any excess so I don’t have to worry about leaking.
Hydrogen peroxide is a wonderful product to clean up blood. Spilled some blood on your carpet? No worries! Use hydrogen peroxide, give it a little scrub, and it will come right out.
I used to use peri bottles, but after the toilet paper shortage we have loved having a bidet! This is great for postpartum and every day! I highly suggest getting yourself one if you can!
Why are bathroom garbage cans so small? I’m not sure…but having a tall garbage can in your bathroom postpartum is super helpful when disposing of those adult diapers, chux pads, or any other extra waste you may not normally have.
2. Pain Relief:
I like to keep mine on my night stand.
– After Pain Tincture
– Arnica Homeopathic Remedy (oral)
What is a tincture? It is an herbal concoction that is made in a special way to make the herbs more potent and effective. I loved using an after pain tincture. In the past I used essential oils topically, white fir and lavender, they did the trick to keep the pain at bay. I also have been using arnica gel topically to help with different aches and pains. Simply rub it on the area where the pain is occurring. You can also take an oral remedy of arnica.
3. Under Garments:
Bras, pads, and milk catchers.
– wireless nursing tanks
– reusable cloth nursing pads
– breast pump (if needed)
4. Bedside Bins:
I like having two.
– one for baby clothes, burp rags, & breast pads
– the other for diapers, wipes, books, etc.
Bedside bins are so helpful to store stuff in so you don’t have to wander too far during the beginning of your postpartum recovery. One bin is designated for cloth/clothing, the other contains diapers & wipes, then my personal fun stuff like books, etc.
5. Hydration:
– a good big water bottle
– fluoride free water
Hydration is so very important. Splurge. Get a water bottle you love. Get a pretty one that makes you reach for it and take a big gulp. I suggest getting a stainless steel or glass water bottle for health reasons. If the budget can’t swing it or you don’t like those kind, make sure the plastic you choose is BPA free. If you can, drink fluoride free water. Fluoride is terrible for your health, I know, your dentist will probably tell you other wise. So do your own research, but please, just do your research! Don’t take mine or your dentist’s word for it! Electrolytes are so important to add to your water, so don’t forget this step. You can purchase electrolyte drinks or powders online or in grocery stores. Below I have a recipe you can use to create your own!
Electrolyte Recipe:
(makes about 2.5L)
8 cups Water
2 cups Organic Juice (I prefer grape)
2-4 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
(work your way up if you don’t like the taste)
4 Tablespoons Real Maple Syrup
1/2 teaspoon REAL Salt
Mix all ingredients together in a pitcher & refrigerate overnight.
Shake well before drinking. Store in fridge.
Shop my store here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/jennbeh (affiliate link)
Let me know below what your postpartum must haves are!
These are all great tips! I have really intense after birth pains and the arnica gel helps so much to alleviate it!
I am so glad you find relief with the arnica gel! Those after pains sure can be painful!! 😣