Leading up to my delivery date I always wished I had a postpartum care kit all planned out for myself! I googled until I turned blue but didn’t know what I would REALLY need. There are necessities and then there are items that it would be amazing to have but are not 100% necessary. I am going to break down all of that here for you today! I even included a printable checklist that you can use leading up to your delivery to make sure that you have all your ducks in a row! Today, I will be talking about postpartum hair loss, postpartum emotional & physical health, & the items that will make your postpartum life just a bit easier!
Postpartum Care Kit & Printable Checklist
Click the image below to print the checklist or just CLICK HERE!
I will go into depth with each item below the collage but please note that not all of these items are NECESSITIES but rather, just nice to have if you can swing it! With each subsequent delivery I had, I realized how much I DIDN’T NEED. I have reached out to a few of the brands to see if they would offer a coupon code so the code is written next to the items if I have one!
**Edited to add:
Lavie Lactation Massager || a necessity for those stubborn clogged milk ducts! A great tool to prevent mastitis!!
Also link to the basket I use!!
1. NAVY Hair Care Search and Rescue: Biotin and Vitamin Enriched Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner | OPTIONAL | CODE: LYNZY for 30% off | This is the shampoo combo that I always rave about. It contains vitamins & biotin that help a lot with hair regrowth and strengthening! So many of you that have purchased it have sent me some amazing before/after photos! Postpartum hair loss is NO JOKE and you won’t notice it until a few months out but this helps!
2. BelleFit Dual-Closure Girdle | This is no longer a recommendation from me! Instead, I highly recommend starting your breathing core/pelvic floor exercises whenever you feel comfortable (the tight corset is more of a band aid than an actual fix for your core – it’s better to do the work). I use Nancy Anderson’s 12 week ab rehab and will be doing it again this time around! You can use code: LYNZY2020 for 20% off!
3. Majka Lactation Bites | These babies are PRETTY dang delicious and help boost your supply! I have also had an incredible experience with Legendairy Milk! Make sure to reach each item because they all serve slightly different purposes! My favorite was the liquid gold! You can use code: LYNZY for 15% off your order!
4. High Waisted 7/8 Leggings | THE BEST LEGGINGS for pre natal/pregnancy/post partum! Honestly, SO SO SO good. I would go with your NORMAL size since these are so stretchy! On sale for $23!
5. Always Discreet Boutique Incontinence & Postpartum Underwear | Get UNSCENTED | Easy peasy compared to changing pads/underwear constantly! Just get a pack of these!
6. Motherlove – Nipple Cream | I have tried SO many nipple creams and this one is my favorite because of it’s ingredients and the efficacy!
7. Reusable Perineal Cooling Pad for Postpartum & Hemorrhoid Pain Relief | Linking up the Frida mom ones because these are cheaper and work just as well! Frida Mom also has these cooling maxi pads which are pretty dang cool!
- I also recommend this upside down peri bottle!
- OR just buy this whole MOM kit from Frida Baby with everything in it HERE!
8. Nursing Friendly Nightgown | My favorite nightgown linked here but will also link some other favorites and the ones I brought in my hospital bag below!!
Francis & Henry night shirts (THE BEST)
These nursing friendly striped pajamas
9. Stool Softener | Even if you don’t think that you need these, TAKE THEM ANYWAYS. I made that mistake with my second and ended up with the most horrible fissures and thought for certain I would die – PLEASE take your dang stool softeners 😉 I also wrote a postpartum poop post here if you need it 😉
10. Silverette The Original Silver Nursing Cups | These are little miracle workers. If you are nursing for the first time or if you have a history of difficulty nursing with sore nipples, GET THESE and thank me later! I always have a rough start with nursing and these help SO much. I am always in a significant amount of pain in the first few weeks (and avoid the nipple shield like the plague) so these help heal my nipples faster!
11. Oversized Thermal Button-Front Top | This top that I wore years ago still remains one of my favorite tops for nursing! It goes with anything – dress it up or down!
12. Breast Therapy Pack | Cold or Hot Gel Packs for Breastfeeding Relief | These are great for so many different issues related to breastfeeding!
13. Breast Pump | When I have pumped I typically just use the hospital grade pumps at work but for at home use, the Spectra is by far the best option! I would also check with your insurance company because most will cover the cost!
14. Postpartum Underwear | Once I can actually transition into a pair of underwear VS. a diaper (haha) I love the following options below:
15. Pain Relieving Spray | Especially great if you tear during delivery and for hemorrhoids!
16. Nursing Bra | Simple nursing bra! It’s important NOT TO WEAR a bra with a wire until after the 6-8 week mark. Your breasts will fluctuate in the first 6-8 weeks to create a milk supply for your baby and you don’t want to restrict them with a wire!
17. Diaper Bag | My favorite diaper bag (and I have tried a ton)!
18. Acetaminophen Caplets | These are great for any postpartum pain. You can also take motrin as well which helps more with inflammation!
19. Reusable Nursing Pads | These are my favorite because they’re reusable (less waste) and they don’t STICK to your nipple (the worst)!
20. YETI Tumbler | These are the best! I use these every day to make sure I am getting my water intake in!
ITEMS I HAVE ADDED WITH THIS 4th BABY:
Switching out my Yeti this time for this amazing water bottle that has a built in wifi speaker AND changes colors to encourage you to drink more water!
Added these soft shells for nursing after so many of you recommended them. They allow your nipples to air out in between nursing sessions!
Heard great things about this postpartum recovery tea so I am trying it out this time!
EMOTIONAL CARE
1.) Making a list of people you can turn to | This list can be neighbors, friends, family, co-workers, anyone! Let them know before your baby is here that they are on your list and ask if it’s okay to call them if you may need something once baby us here! Make your list and place it on your fridge. If you are feeling sad, need a baby sitter, want to take a shower or just need a second to breathe – call in backup! 🙂
2.) Check in with your pediatrician’s office and see if they have a lactation consultant on staff. Many do and it’s SO convenient because you can see once when you bring your baby in for their post hospital visit! You can also head here to find a lactation consultant near you! You can also get virtual help online! Head here (this is the most affordable one I have found)!
3.) Talk with your OB GYN before delivery on the availability of pelvic floor physical therapists in your area. In my opinion it should be a requirement to see one postpartum but it isn’t yet! Your pelvic floor gets dramatically disrupted during delivery and seeing one is so important! Just remember that it is NOT normal to have pain when you are beyond that 6 week mark and even if you think it’s “normal”, you should see someone about it!
4.) Your hormones will be ALL OVER THE PLACE for weeks to months after birth. This is normal but if you are feeling depressed, having significant thoughts of anxiety over your child’s well being or any other concerning thoughts, PLEASE reach out to your OB GYN/therapist or primary provider. YOU ARE NOT ALONE and it is SO beneficial to seek help. YOU’VE GOT THIS!
PS. It’s important to remember that we all look like this postpartum 😉 so soak it all in and worry about the rest later!
#lynzyandcoletsgetreal
Love this post! I just delivered 2 weeks ago via c-secTion with my second girl and the ae leggings are perfect. The seam is above my incision and they hold in my empty belly! I am going to order some of the other items that i didnt realize i would need.
This is so helpful. Thank you for being real and honest.
Such a Helpful post!! Im expecting my fIrst in October and would obviously looove to win thIs kit, but will Be creating soMething like it if i dont! As always, you keep it real and i love that! Thanks
Xoxo
Thank you! First time mom due oCtober 5th! Loving all the pre birth and now post bitth content! Thank you!
JUst wanted to let you kNow, What a lifesaver you are! Such quality, hoNest, wonderful suggestions for postPartum. Did me Well with my first baby, thank you!
Thank you for incluDing the bit about PP PT with a pelvic floor physical therapist. I wish the u.s. followed the lead of other countries to do this as a regular practice! <3
This post is incredibly helpful. THank you! Your picture is spot on. once i gave BIrth all i could think about was food & Hospital food did not do it for me. Second time round, mY husband was prepared, he had our order reAdy to go.
Great recommendations! Is the shampoo and conditioner safe while breastfeeding?