There is so much out there, it’s often hard to even know where to start. There are some products that really will make your postpartum much easier, and comfortable. I think it is really easy to get sucked into having things that sound beneficial, but truth be told…won’t get used. I’m a huge fan of comfort. You’ll hear me say this a thousand times, but when you first get home, guard your time with your baby. Ten days in the bed, ten days on the bed, and ten days near the bed. You are just getting to know your baby, and you are also getting to know yourself on this new journey of parenthood. Not a single person has had any regrets about taking this time. Not a single one. Below are some of my favorite must have postpartum items.
Peri Bottle: These will feel like life savers. You can’t have enough of them. Keep one in your diaper bag, each bathroom in your home. With my last baby, I only had the one from the hospital, and I lost it. Let’s just say it was a very uncomfortable 24 hours. These are amazing. You’ll want more than one.
Postpartum Underwear. This company is my favorite. Nyssa. They are woman owned, and take the postpartum time seriously. Their underwear securely holds an ice or heat pack anywhere in the garment. You can not beat this. You will be everyone’s favorite person if you give these as a shower gift. Your other option is to go with an organic maxi pad, and yes organic is important. Most of the pads on the market contain bleach and other chemicals, and you really don’t want that close to such a sensitive healing area. Manufacturers aren’t legally obligated to disclose what are in period products. That’s ridiculous! My favorite organic pad is Rael.
Perineal Cold Packs. These speak for themselves, and are great to have on hand. You will be a little sore, and these work wonderfully.
Nursing Bras and Tank Tops: Kindred Bravely has many different styles to choose from, and their comfort is top notch. I personally loved the tank tops, but their bras are really comfortable. I choose the tank tops as the compression felt super supportive after my third baby. They have several colors, and the fabric is really comfortable. After having three children, I have tried tons on the market, and these are by far my favorite!
Thena Sitz Bath: I have four words for you. DO THE SITZ BATH. You will not regret it. It promotes healing and frankly feels amazing. This brand developed these with stiches in mind. There is a ton of healing that takes place, and these really are soothing. Again, be careful with ingredients. I am a big fan of any that are not full of chemicals and non natural fragrance.
Meal Service. These are a life savor. It’s hard enough to figure out your new normal once you get home, and it is amazing to have food delivered that is healthy and has healing the body top of mind. I love SAKARA and you can use my Code XOHOLLY TO SAVE 20%. They are organic plant rich meals, and taste fantastic. Ready to eat and delivered to your door. If you are local to the Minneapolis area, Hola Postpartum is fantastic. Alexia is a trained chef AND a doula, she will custom curate meals for you.
Barefoot Dreams Cardigans: Everyone needs a cozy sweater, and you will love these. They are like wearing a blanket, and perfect for skin to skin time, and great to throw on over your nursing tank. Little story about these. When my third child was born, these were all I wore, and he became very attached to them. Instead of a blanket, my son drags around one of these sweaters everywhere we go to this day. They do have baby blankets as well, however a sweater in my house ended up doing double duty. I will wear these for the rest of my life. That is how much I love them!
Button Down Pajamas: J crew Pajamas are my go to, pregnant or not. The tops are button down, they have short or long sleeve. Pants or shorts depending on the season, and you can usually find a set on sale. The cotton stretch of these really are dreamy, and I’m a big fan of an elastic/draw string bottom. They are all round comfort, and are cute too.
Nursing Pads: These are organic, and again due to all the chemicals that can be found in them, it’s important to look. You can also purchase re-usable/washable ones as well. Either will work well, you just need to get some. Little story, when my first was born and came home from the NICU, I had to run to the grocery store, and believe it or not, no one suggested these little gems. I was wearing my nursing bra and a t shirt. And guess what, when I reached for something, my arm felt wet. You guessed it, the entire front of my shirt was soaked with breastmilk. Trust me when I say, you’re gonna want some of these.
Most of the things on this list are for you. This time is precious, and hard. You deserve things that will be comfortable, and make things easier. You really do, and as I tell my clients…. I give you permission to take care of yourself. Do things for you. It will make you feel good both on the inside and outside. You deserve it!