Ice can be your friend. “Ice packs that may be used on the perineal area may help decrease swelling related to vaginal delivery,” says Dr. Purdie. “They also can help with any burning feeling that could be related to the C-section scar.”
You should definitely have extra postpartum pads (that are principally large maxi pads) readily available, “as most individuals will proceed to bleed for 4 to 6 weeks post-delivery,” says Dr. Purdie. “Some women also prefer to make use of disposable underwear, as they could be more stretchy and cozy during this time.” (Adult diapers are also a convenient option, they usually may be easier to make use of. “Many patients have told me that these don’t rub against their C-section scar like most regular underwear does,” she says.)
What to search for in a postpartum kit
When you are shopping, either for a present or for yourself, “things to think about include whether the delivery was vaginal or a C-section, whether there was any tearing — and what degree the tear can have been — and whether she is breastfeeding,” says Dr. Harper. If you intend to get a C-section, it is advisable to go together with a dedicated kit for that purpose.
That said, there’s still loads of overlap. “Women who’ve a C-section will still have vaginal bleeding, so maxi pads and mesh underwear and even a peri bottle will remain vital,” she says. Plus, mothers who give birth vaginally might need to use a belly band to get extra support the primary few days after giving birth.
If you are breastfeeding it is advisable to search for a kit with nipple creams and other breastfeeding essentials. Nipple cream “could be very helpful to use post-breastfeeding or pumping to assist prevent or treat sore and cracked nipples,” says Dr. Purdie. “In addition, breastfeeding pads are useful for collecting any milk which may leak.”
Is a postpartum kit needed?
It depends! If you intend to deliver in a hospital, many now offer peri bottles, mesh underwear, and maxi pads. During this time, you’ll be able to stuff your bag with them and take them home. (For certain things, like iced maxi pads, you’ll be able to DIY your individual before giving birth.)
However, if you happen to’re searching for something a little bit more luxurious or thoughtful, a postpartum kit is perhaps the approach to go. (After all, fancy postpartum retreats within the U.S. exist and are fairly common in Asian countries like South Korea.) Whatever the case, recent mamas shouldn’t overlook their very own well-being. “We often have really high expectations of ourselves, when what we want to do is worry about eating, sleeping, and caring for ourselves and our infants,” reminds Dr. Harper. “If postpartum kits may help women with their self-care routine, that is wonderful.”
Meet the experts
- Lyndsey Harper, MD, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and CEO and co-founder of Rosy
- Jill Purdie, MD, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group in Atlanta, Georgia
