If you are here to read about all things postpartum, keep reading. If you are not, I suggest you skip this article because it may get a little personal.
Postpartum Essentials
Let's dive right in and talk about the most essential postpartum products for you to have!
If you deliver vaginally, make sure you take ALL (yes, all) of the mesh underwear, ice packs,and pads that you can from the hospital. You will be surprised how many of those that you'll need at home. Even, if you don't end up using them all, you can use them for other reasons or save them for your next childbirth! Also, bring home the peri bottle! I've also heard that Tucks Medicated Pads are great to have handy. Those can be purchased at most local grocery stores.
On the other hand, if you delivered by a c-section like me, I would take home the mesh underwear and pads. Personally, I absolutely hated the mesh underwear they had. They were a little small, uncomfortable, and made me itchy. You could also take the ice packs home and use them to soothe your incision area. I would highly recommend having other products, such as high waisted cotton underwear and the Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Kit at home for your convenience. You never know!
I fully went into the hospital thinking that I would have a vaginal delivery so a couple weeks before Grayson was born I purchased the Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Kit. I wanted to be prepared for everything! Many moms swear by this kit so I wanted to see what the hype was all about! Frida also offers a Labor and Delivery + Postpartum Kit that includes a hospital gown, socks, and other awesome goodies in it!
Clothing Essentials
High Waisted Leggings
Midi and Maxi Skirts (you can find really cute ones at American Eagle or Aerie)
Dresses
Button Up Pajamas (If Breastfeeding)
Nursing Bras (If Breastfeeding, I like these ones because they have foam cups)
Nursing Pads (Regardless if you are breastfeeding)
My Postpartum Experience
I want to begin by saying that each woman has their own unique postpartum journey, including myself. It is different for everyone and there is absolutley nothing wrong with that! Yes there will be good and bad days but in the end it is worth it. Pat yourself on the back mama because you just carried a child for nine months, gave birth, and are now going to experience the most beautiful part, your newborn baby and being a mother.
As I stated above, I had a c-section and it all happened so fast. I didn't do much research on it so I was really nervous and didn't know what to expect. However, I got up, got ready, and walked four hours after my surgery. The doctors were shocked! I think part of it was the fact that I hardly saw Grayson after he was born due to his difficulty breathing and was in the NICU. The most difficult part for me was getting in and out of bed. My incision site was sensitive but I wasn't in pain. I honestly felt fine and wanted to get up and move around as much as possible without pushing myself too hard. The day after my surgery I was able to take a shower and to tell you the truth it was really difficult to get in and out of the hospital shower! They have a combined bathtub and shower. The bathtub was surprisingly deep. So, Keanu had to help me. Another day passed and we were able to go home!
After being in the hospital for a few days, we were very happy to be in the comfort of our own home. It felt nice to sleep in our own bed, use our own shower, and bring Grayson to his home! Grayson continued to feed every two hours during the day and at night. He was a very sleepy baby and I often had to wake him to feed him. Since I was still a little bit sore and was breastfeeding, Keanu had to get up and hand Grayson to me during our night feedings. Our bed is very high off the ground and I didn't want to hurt myself! But after a few days, I was able to get out of bed and grab Grayson myself.
Two weeks later, my incision was healed. I also stopped bleeding around this time too. That is why I was glad I grabbed as many pads as I could from the hospital! (I wasn't joking earlier). I have been feeling great and have had no signs of postpartum depression!
I love the mom life so far! I am still off of work and staying home with Grayson. We have created our own schedule during the day while Keanu is at work and I've gotten creative in my free time. I started an Etsy Shop called Rustic Rose Graphics because I enjoyed creating graphic onesies for Grayson! (I also wanted to make some extra money while I'm home) I found it difficult to find baby clothes that aren't full of prints! Have you noticed that too? I decided to create some simple graphics that can go with any outfit! If you would like to view the items that I am currently selling, please check it out! I appreciate the support and hope to expand to more products once I get more traffic! Thanks again!
-Olivia
Comments