Postpartum Essentials for Recovery after Vaginal Birth
Planning for an upcoming birth and wondering what items to stock up on for your recovery? I’ve got your back.
After birthing 3 kiddos myself, and helping others prepare for and recover from their births, I’ve put together a tried and true list of the most helpful items you may want to grab before your upcoming birth.
Note: Your hospital may provide some of these items, so make sure to ask what they provide because you can usually take it with you!
*Note: As an Amazon associate, I get a small commission if you buy through the links below.
Numbing Spray, Witch Hazel Pads, and Cold Pads
Stitches, hemorrhoids, and swelling, OH MY! Your vagina after birth may be a little… tender. Numbing spray like dermoplast can help numb the area while witch hazel pads ease tenderness from hemorrhoids, and cold packs help ease swelling.
These items may be provided in-hospital, but it may be worth it to check out another brand or stock some at home too.
Depends Underwear and/or Postpartum Panties
Some people really like the mesh panties they give you in the hospital, I did as well until a few clients turned me onto Depends. This made my immediate recovery SO MUCH easier, as I didn’t have to shove the huge pad and the cooling thing in the mesh undies.
Postpartum panties with an insert for a heating or cooling pad can also be helpful for the longer term, as you’ll bleed for around 6-ish weeks. These are reusable, so well worth the higher price- in my opinion.
Hello, World!
No Squat Sitz Bath and Donut Pillow
In addition to a healing vagina, you’re also going to be sitting and feeding A LOT. A donut pillow can be a huge game changer for increasing comfort while sitting, especially if you have back or tailbone pain or you’re healing from a tear.
A sitz bath can help ease discomfort and promote healing after a tear. This no-squat version is also a bit easier and friendlier for your pelvic floor.
Toileting Essentials
Those first bowel movements after baby can be a bit, uh, unsettling. Stool softeners should be given to you in-hospital but I do highly recommend having some at home as well so you don’t have to make an emergency run. A squatty potty can also be super helpful for getting your bowels in a better position to empty, making you less likely to strain. The hospital provides a peri bottle, which is so helpful to soothe with warm water after going to the bathroom after birth, but lots of moms recommend this other brand for its ergonomic features.
Core Support/Recovery Garments
When it comes to supporting your core and promoting healing after birth, I recommend staying away from anything that lists itself as a girdle or waist trainer. These are more likely to use high compression and could place more pressure on a healing pelvic floor. Use something with a gentle compression that supports not just around the core, but underneath from the pelvic floor as well.
After-Ease for After-Birth Contractions
One thing they mention, but you don’t necessarily take in, or remember, until after birth are the cramps. Cramping or contractions happen after birth to help your uterus shrink down to its original size. They happen often during feeds, as oxytocin triggers them, and do actually get worse with subsequent babies. After-ease is a tincture that can help ease these after-birth pains!
For tips and exercises to help you recover your core and pelvic floor while returning to exercise safely after birth, download my free postpartum recovery guide.
Is there anything that you found helpful that I forgot to mention in this list? Let me know in the comments!