Postpartum Recovery: The Essentials I Recommend as a Doula
*THIS BLOG POST INCLUDES AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS, AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES. THE PRICE STAYS THE SAME FOR YOU BUT I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT. On a market so overly saturated by items for mums & babies it’s super hard to know what you actually need. As a mum and doula I have tried, tested and recommended postnatal products for years. Over time, the favourites have become clear and I have put them all together for you. Let’s start!
Peri bottle – my absolute post birth essential. Everything feels delicate after birth, no matter if you did tear or not. Wiping and rough toilet paper make it worse. The peri bottle is your perineum saviour. Just fill it with water and use after peeing instead of toilet paper. Pro tip: Urine burns, you can use the peri bottle while you wee to dilute your urine and stop it from burning.
Maternity pads- These might LOOK big but believe me, it’s exactly what you want. So many of my clients are surprised how much they are bleeding after giving birth. The last thing you want to do while snuggled up with your new baby is having to change your pad constantly. Go big or go home.
Postpartum Underwear- To hold your pad in place you will need disposable underwear. These are great as they sit higher up, so they won’t be uncomfortable should you have a c-section.
Button down Pyjamas- An absolute must have post birth. Not only do the buttons provide easy breastfeeding and skin to skin access, They are also super handy to help you adjust your temperature and deal with the postpartum sweats. 5 years after giving birth, these are still my favourites. Also available as a nightie.
Nipple cream – Breastfeeding can be uncomfortable in the beginning but we don’t want your nipples to become super sore. The Naydaya breast saviour is 100% on of the best nipple creams I have ever used and on top lanolin free and therefore also suitable for vegans.
Bamboo breast pads – These reusable bamboo breast pads are an absolute necessity. Easy to wash and so soft that you won’t even feel them.
Crossover nursing bra - I always recommend crossover nursing bras for the first few weeks and nights. They offer easier access and you save yourself fiddling around with the bra clips.
Touch control night light- The touch responsive night light is another handy little gadget that so many of my clients learned to love. At the hospital or at home, this portable light source is a must have. You can chose the light intensity and all you have to do is touch the top to turn it on. No more waking up the baby while trying to find the light switch.
Water bottle with pill compartment - Postpartum and breastfeeding requires you to stay hydrated! Not only will you REALLY crave water, most women are also on OTC painkillers and maybe some extra medication post birth. The pill compartment means that your painkillers and your medication are right where you need them - with your drink
Of course there are many many more things that might come in handy. Fluffy socks, an abundance of snacks and in some cases a ring pillow but if you are looking for the ultimate essentials - these are it. :)