POSTPARTUM BATHROOM REGIMEN CARE

1. Postpartum Recovery Kit

There are several different kinds of postpartum recovery kits for mama out there but this one was gifted to me by my sister. WOW, what an all-in-one postpartum pack! I will say that I did need to also order extra perineal healing foam (wonderful for vaginal deliveries) & more of the disposable boyshort underwear but this kit really does have your basic postpartum care needs, including cooling ice maxi pads, perineal cooling pad liners, and a peri bottle for rinsing, since wiping is not recommended while you’re still delicate. The previous sentence has the individual items linked for you, in case you’re looking for an item or two but don’t necessarily need the whole pack. The pack, however, I strongly recommend adding to your baby registry. You won’t regret it!

2. Disposable Underwear & Pads

Let me just say, both the disposable underwear & heavy absorbency incontinence pads are pretty! Those first few weeks pp can be rough but if you’re looking for comfort & visual appeal for your undergarments at that time that will also prevent leaks (both from bleeding & urine—hey, it happens!), these were wonderful. Black underwear is universally appealing & I appreciate the subtle design element on them. More than that, they are very comfortable—just be sure to doublecheck the size chart and maybe have a size bigger than you need so it doesn’t squeeze you in an uncomfortable way.

The pads have a scent (didn’t know that when I bought them) but I found them to be quiet pleasant & helped to combat some of the postpartum funk. If you know, you know. However, if you’re looking for unscented postpartum/incontinence pads, the brand does carry those, too!

3. Witch Hazel Pads

These medicated cooling pads really made a world of difference for me and I highly recommend them. It really helped to soothe the soreness & take the edge off of the pain in the areas that needed it.

4. Pain, Burn, & Itch Spray

But this spray right here is the good stuff. This actually brought me the most topical pain relief out of everything and numbed the entire area so I could sit & move comfortably. Highly recommend and if you’re in quite a bit of pain, consider getting the two pack because you’ll probably use it quickly.

If you’re wondering “the order of things” as far as your postpartum bathroom regimen, here’s what I did:

• Put on your postpartum underwear (the pretty ones)
• Inside the underwear, add a cooling liner or postpartum heavy absorption liner (I did the cooling liners during the first week and the absorption liners in the weeks after)
• On top of that, add the perineal cooling liner
• On top of that, add the medicated cooling pads
• On top of that, spray some of that wonderful perineal healing foam
• Directly on your painful areas, spray the pain spray
• Last but not least, put on the disposable boyshort on the outside of your postpartum underwear to secure everything in place and sort of press it all into your delicate areas. Enjoy the sweet relief!

       5. Bathroom Rolling Organizer

This rolling cart is the perfect size to organize everything without being too big & bulky. It’s super slim so it actually fit right between my toilet seat and the wall. As always, measure your bathroom area first but you’ll certainly want these items comfortably accessible to you for when you do need to use the restroom.

POSTPARTUM BODY CARE

6. Nipple Butter

This nipple butter is so soothing & comfortable when applied. Best of all, because it’s got natural, plant-based ingredients, you don’t need to wipe it off before breastfeeding if you choose to do that. I haven’t had any cracking or bleeding so far & hopefully, they stay that way!

7. Body Oil

So this body oil I actually got to use during pregnancy to prevent stretch marks, which I think helped. Granted, I’ve read this can certainly be a genetic thing & dependent how quickly you gain weight during pregnancy. But it smells like lemons, which made me feel all fresh & lovely, and I found it really helped managed itchiness during that time. I found that to be true postpartum as well and also, makes me feel pampered. It’s wonderful to apply right out of a bath or shower and will certainly keep your skin nice & hydrated.

8. Postpartum Support Girdle

This is a 3-in-1 system for the weeks following your postpartum recovery. The back support is amazing (especially while breastfeeding) and I felt super secure wearing this. I had no ab separation post-delivery but there are several reviews that say this product helps with that.

POSTPARTUM MILK MANAGEMENT

9. Milk Collector

When breastfeeding on one side, the other breast will leak. Why miss out on that milk when you can use one of these milk collectors to store it? They come in different sizes for your comfort & collection needs and best of all, they’ve got a little opening that is secure and when unfasted, can be poured mess-free into a milk bag. Absolutely love this product & it really helps avoid engorgement as well if you want to wear them throughout the day & passively collect milk.

10. Breastmilk Bags

These breastmilk bags were included in a free mommy box I received in the mail. They’re definitely heavy duty & not one of them has leaked on me. They have an easy tear-off spout so you can pour milk into a bottle and you can write the baby’s name and date on it so you can keep track, since you’re only supposed to keep chilled breastmilk in the fridge no more than 5 days. If you lay it flat, they store nicely in the freezer if you’re trying to build your milk stash.  

11. Milk Bag Freezer Organizer

On the previous point, you can store them in this nifty milk bag freezer organizer to save space & gain easy access to a bag when you need it. First in, first out—your oldest bag goes to the bottom, while your newer ones get inserted into the top.

12. Nursing Pads

This nursing pad set has been so great at preventing leaks through my bras & tops, especially the overnight ones. You do have to change them frequently but I supposed this is also dependent on how else you’re managing your milk supply (for example, if you’re using a collector like I recommended above or pumping).  The pads are soft on one side (the side that touches you) and silk on the other side (the side that faces your bra and is smooth) and you can throw them in your washer with a bit of vinegar. I also got another set of the overnight nursing pads as well since I was going through them sort of quickly. I do recommend putting them in a mesh washer bags like this one though, just so they don’t get caught in your washer or dryer, since they’re so thin. Better safe than sorry.

13. Nursing Pajamas

There are so many affordable & comfortable options as far as nursing pajamas & I’m really happy with all the ones I purchased or were gifted. This pack of nursing gowns have really nice color options, the fit is perfect, & I think you can even throw a jeaned jacket or cardigan over it with some flip flops or sneakers and actually head out the door! This is your more traditional, comfortable nursing night gown—super cozy & loose. Lastly, this 3-piece set with a nursing top, pants, and shorts is perfect year-round & feels great against the skin. The opening is also very accommodating to nurse your little one.

14. Nursing Tops

Okay, there are two kinds of nursing tops I’ve grown quite fond of: the racerback style & the sleeveless tank style. I’m in a very warm climate so these definitely help to keep me cool but also the colors & prints are adorable. They don’t necessarily even look like nursing tops. I’ve seen several styles that I don’t find as flattering, at least on me. But these look & feel great and prove you don’t need to sacrifice your sense of style and put-togetherness just because you’re nursing. You’re a hot mama now!

15. Nursing Bras

And to coincide with the nursing tops are these fantastically supportive nursing bras– one in the sports bra style (perfectly concealed under the racerback tanks I mentioned above) and this everyday scalloped style bra. The smoothness of those is so elegant, enhanced by the scalloped design. They come in all the neutral colors you’d want, give great lift and support, & the straps and nursing hook feature all seem heavy-duty to me. Even when I stop nursing, I’ll continue wearing these bras because they’re so flattering and smoothing.

>>>BONUS<<<

Okay, this is not an obvious recommendation for postpartum but I do want to share that getting one of these tissue box covers for my nightstand & one for my husband’s has been so helpful. Our little one drools a lot and sometimes spits up after feedings. Having a stable anchor for your tissue box so you’re not fighting to get a tissue out makes the whole thing less stressful (ask me how I know). And, if my hands are full, my hubby can quickly grab some from his side of the bed.

Plus, it has a built in storage tray to hold your jewelry, and other compartments to store other small items. In mine, I have some gas relief drops for baby (smells like oranges!), hand lotion, my earbuds, and a few other odds & ends. The compartments are large enough to also hold remotes for televisions, fans, or other devices and your phone.