This month instead of listing my new favorite finds in multiple categories, I’m going to tell you all about my top ten must-have items for postpartum recovery! And trust me, these really have been my favorite things this month since Bennett’s birth!
I’m still working on writing Bennett’s birth story, but that is coming soon. In the meantime, here’s my must have items for recovering after giving birth, along with bonus postpartum recovery ideas you shared on social media!
1. Nursing tee
While I’ve been ordering diapers and wipes, curtain clips, and other random things for our rental house and the baby, I stumbled across maternity and nursing friendly clothes on Amazon. This was my first time buying clothes from Amazon, and for $8, I decided to risk it with this shirt. It’s very cute in person, and I love the easy access panel and lace detail on the back.
2. Postpartum bath soak
Where was this when I had Edison?! My recovery after Edison was long – I’d had a lot of tearing and stitches (he’s got a big head!). Bennett on the other hand, was much easier to push out, but these are still magic! These herbal tea bag like pouches can go in your lovely mesh underwear, you can refrigerate them and use them like an ice pack, and you can add them to a sitz bath.
3. Rose Sugar Scrub
Yes, I did write an entire post on how to make this rose sugar scrub, but I love it so much I had to mention it again. I cannot get enough of the rose scent in my life, so I’m glad it purportedly helps with balancing hormones, depression and stress relief. Plus, you probably already have the main ingredients in your kitchen.
3. Woombie
I first heard of this from our pastor’s wife at our church in Arizona – her baby was snuggled up in one, and I stopped her to ask what it was. The Woombie is so much less hassle than swaddling in a blanket or sleep sack – there’s no snaps or velcro to deal with, it just zips up! If only Bennett were as big of a fan as I am … he seems to really like having his arms free, even at two weeks old. I’m hoping it will grow on him, especially with colder days coming.
4. Halo sleep sack
I know I just complained about swaddles with velcro and snaps, but I do like the Halo Sleep Sack for nighttime. It’s fairly thick, and not too complicated or fussy to fasten, thanks to the zipper.
5. Soothies
If you’re breastfeeding or exclusively pumping, trust me when I say you’ll need some of these. Put them in the fridge for great relief and to help your nipples recover.
6. Pumping bra
This pumping bra was recommended to me by a lactation consultant, and I think it is one of the best and most versatile out there. You may want to get two, so while one is in the laundry, you have another.
7. Pumping wipes
When you’re pumping on the go, or like me, pumping upstairs and trying to avoid the climb down to the kitchen as much as possible, these are fantastic. If you’re exclusively pumping or planning to pump when you go back to work, you need a pack of these pumping wipes to make your life easier!
8. Sound machine
The baby is used to lots of noise in the womb – so a perfectly quiet environment might actually be hard for them to sleep in. This little portable machine also has a light on it, which is handy for diaper changes in the dark. We also have this portable sound maker, so we have one upstairs and one at his napping station downstairs.
9. Windsor Glider and Ottoman
The rocking chair saga finally came to an end when I found this one. I’d bought the gray rocking chair that was in Edison’s room when he was a baby online, and it was always uncomfortable. I’d looked for a new one off and on, and even bought one on Offer Up, but it wasn’t very good either. When we moved to New York, we visited multiple furniture stores, but I didn’t see anything I liked. I stumbled across an article on Baby Center that listed this gray microfiber glider and ottoman as the top rated by other moms in 2017, so I decided to try it.
It’s comfortable without being too bulky and taking up too much space, and I love the glider motion, the ottoman, the side pockets – and the price!
10. Solly Baby Wrap
It lives up to it’s hype! I have the Solly baby wrap in natural and gray stripe, and I love it. It was intimidating at first to figure out how to do the wrap, but now I’ve got it down. When we go places, I’ve worn it doubled up and wrapped around my neck like a scarf. Bennett loves it, and since he only seems to want to sleep when he’s being held, it’s awesome to be able to carry him and have my hands free! I love that Solly is a mom-owned and operated company also.
10 More Ideas:
I asked on Instagram and Facebook for your favorite postpartum items, and got some great suggestions! Here’s what your fellow readers had to say:
- Snacks: Gummy bears, protein bars, cheese sticks are some recommended snacks. I’ve been eating my weight in Larabars! Snacks are also great for occupying a toddler while pumping or breastfeeding.
- Big water bottle: Several people mentioned getting a big water bottle, so you don’t have to remember to refill it as often. I’m using the giant mega cup with straw that the hospital gave me. Alternatively, you could also get a pack of water bottles and recycle them once you’ve finished them off.
- Nipple Shield: Great for helping cracked or sore nipples heal, and I’ve been told, also great for helping babies latch to inverted nipples.
- Tummy support: several moms listed a belly binder or tummy support belt as a must-have, especially if you’re recovering from a c-section.
- Care for down there: Tendher cold packs, puppy pads (for sitting on, or putting on your bed at night), “padcicles,” and granny panties are all great for healing in the nether regions. Be sure to bring home the peri-bottles from the hospital and keep one in each bathroom.
- New pajamas and slippers: I loved this idea! Something new, cute and comfortable is perfect!
- Footie pajamas with snaps for the baby: so you don’t have to take all their clothes off for diaper changes!
- My Breast Friend nursing pillow: Everyone I know who has one of these LOVES it, much more than the Boppy.
- Donut pillow: Alternatively, I sat on a travel neck pillow, the ones you take on airplanes. Sometimes it just hurts to sit down on a normal chair. This will help!
- Good Netflix show: This is also a popular suggestion – use some of the hours of the long nights and 3 am feedings to watch a great show. If you’re like me, it has to be something light and funny, or else I’ll have nightmares. Parks and Rec is my go-to.
Giveaway
Postpartum recovery is hard work, so how about a care package? If you’re a new mom or soon to be new mom, I’d love to send you some of my favorite things! You could win:
- Soothies
- Nipple ointment
- Postpartum bath soak
- Pump wipes
- Snacks and treats
- And some things for baby!
To enter:
- Instagram: Follow me and like the giveaway post on my Instagram. Tag new mom friends or expecting moms in the comments on the post for additional entries.
- Facebook: Like Scribbles From Emily, and like the giveaway post on the page. Once again, tag friends in the comments that you think would also like this giveaway.
You can choose the Instagram option or the Facebook option, or both!
The giveaway will run from today, October 1st – October 5th. I’ll contact the winner on Facebook or Instagram, and you’ll have 24 hours to confirm.
That’s it! The days after birth can be really rough, so I’m looking forward to sending you a care package!
I also want to know – what Netflix show would you binge watch? Let me know in the comments below!
Many of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that I make a small percentage on each item purchased, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend items I truly believe in. Thanks for your support!
