POSTPARTUM “STUFF” ~ THE BIG LIST FOR THE FIRST COUPLE WEEKS
The following is a list of items that I have observed to be useful to have on hand for the first few weeks postpartum or have gotten great feedback from other parents on. It is by no means essential to have all these items nor is it totally comprehensive, but I hope as a resource list it will help to guide you in finding what works best for your family. I am happy to discuss this with you by phone! I am constantly updating this list, so if you find another item or brand that you feel is or was particularly helpful to you, please let me know!
NURSING & NEWBORN FEEDING
Breast pump
Breastfeeding pads
Breast Friend breastfeeding pillow
Lanolin - this is what I recommend to use as a CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor)
Calendula nipple salve - MotherLove & Earth Mama Angel Baby (Herbal salves)
Bottles and scrubbing tools
Silverettes (not essential, only great if nipples get very sore/cracked, can be bought quickly on amazon)
Separate rack for drying bottles and pumps
Pumping bra
Button down shirts or breastfeeding friendly clothes
Nursing bra or shirt that offers support, is cotton and not too tight (if absolutely necessary)
BOTTOM CARE
Maternity pads and super organic maxi pads to freeze with witch hazel
Organic Witch Hazel
Peribottle (spray bottle for self-cleaning in the first few days)
Epsom salts for sitz baths
Herbs for sitz baths (I can make for you)
Sitz bath cover for toilet
Disposable underwear or dark colored cotton underwear
Some people like numbing sprays, usually they involve chemicals that I am not a fan of.
I also recommend making your own pads with witch hazel over Tucks which have other ingredients in them
MISC BODY CARE
Heating pad (I prefer old school large water based ones, but electronic are also ok)
Eye mask for daytime sleeping
Possibly ear plugs for you or partner
NSAID’s
Mason jar or water bottle with a lid and straw for easy drinking with baby on body
Chux pads (for protection of blood or for times when you wanna let baby’s bottom air dry)
Humidifier
Very gentle unscented soap for mom and baby
Possibly some essential oils for skin healing for mother/parent (not baby) lavender, helichrysum, carrot seed
Comfy socks or non-slip slippers
BABY CARE
Receiving blankets
Swaddles
Burp cloths
Baby wraps/slings
Baby thermometer
Baby Tylenol (in case of emergency)
Baby nose cleaner
Baby fingernail clippers
Baby bath tub
Super soft baby towels
possibly pacifiers depending on your preference around this subject
DIAPERS & CHANGING
Diapers
Changing wipes
Changing pad (so you don’t always have to relocate to a changing table)
Coco oil (separate jar for baby, possibly sterilized)
Arrowroot powder (for diaper rash presentation or care)
HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS THAT CAN BE USEFUL TO HAVE ON HAND
Echinacea tincture (alcohol based)
Mothwrwort tincture (alcohol based)
Milky Oat or Oat seed tincture (alcohol based)
Vitamin D
Vitamin C
Probiotics 100cfus
Baby vitamin D & baby probiotics (in the event you need to take antibiotics)
Floradix liquid Iron
Homeopathic Arnica tablets
Stool softener (usually they will be given to you at the hospital)
Prenatal vitamins
FOOD/PANTRY ITEMS
Ghee
Bone Broth (have beef and chicken on hand)
Fennel & Fenugreek seeds for sweetwater tea
Raspberry, Nettles & Oatstraw tea
Prunes
Chia seeds
Pippali spice (optional of course)
Blackstrap Molasses for Iron
See Pantry Prep and recommended foods from my website
note: please also make sure to sure to check in with your OBGYN & pediatrician about essential items to have on hand as I am not a medical professional! :)