We are talking about what happens AFTER you have a baby and how to survive. If that doesn't interest you, turn around now! Ok, you've been warned, moving on.
YAY! You're a mama now...Your life now revolves around a tiny human and your needs are 2nd; or maybe 3rd or 4th. But wait! That 4th trimester (the 12 weeks following delivery) should be about mama too. You just grew and sustained a human for 10 months (pregnancy is 10 months folks - 40 weeks = 10 months) and then delivered that human; way to go mama! You deserve a cookie. A big one. And a pat on the back. And a balloon. A big a$$ balloon.
Now, most everyone's attention will be shifted to the new babe, but you should definitely take time for yourself and take care of yourself. The 4th trimester is just as important as any trimester.
Also, if you notice certain feelings after having the baby, know that it's normal. You love your tiny human, but you pray they sleep a bit more so you can sleep. You are tired and frustrated, but it's okay. It's normal. If you start to have feelings about your baby that you can't explain or have a tiny inkling that something isn't right, tell your partner and please contact your doctor. Postpartum depression is a real thing. And there's nothing to be ashamed of. The 4th trimester is about becoming a parent and taking care of that new baby and you!
Okay, PSA over and back to kit!
When we were inching closer and closer to my due date with Henry, I knew it was imperative to make a postpartum kit; so I asked fellow moms and of course, Google. But now, after having been through the experience myself, I have updated my kit a bit. Some things are a definite and other things I just didn't like or ended up not using.
The original postpartum kit (how naive):
I also had aloe and made those amazing postpartum freezer pads that are all over Pinterest. The problem? I hated them! I'm so sorry, but jumbo ass maxi pads plus witch hazel plus aloe and smushed onto your lady bits...not for me. I liked the cold sensation, but cannot stand the way the aloe felt or the way the witch hazel smelled, I still cannot stand to smell it. If I catch a whiff, I may vomit. Fair warning. Not to mention, everywhere you sat left a witch hazel smelling wet spot...I was banished to one seat in our house! But on another note, after having a baby, the sensation of witch hazel is a Godsend. At least for me.
The medications really depend on you. I was prescribed 800mg Ibuprofen and a stool softener. I had also bought the same medicines over the counter prior to delivery because I didn't know what they would give me.
A little word of advice, take your medicines; even if you think you don't them. I was on blood pressure medicine for WEEKS after delivery and stopped taking it because of the side effects and guess what? My BP again started creeping into the high range and my doctor was adamant about me taking them...she even had Tay start to chart my BP just to be safe! And then we had to keep going back to Memphis to report back to her; so glad all that is behind us!
Now to the updated kit:
One of my favorite "new baby" memories with Henry was while taking my soap free bath, he started crying like he was hungry. Instead of interrupting my bath, little man joined in and nursed. In a word: AWESOME.
This time around, I also bought actual maternity pads instead of Always period pads. Let's just say, I don't like the feeling of a wet diaper and these are designed for postpartum use. I also bought some mesh panties this time. With Henry's delivery, I had to beg to get more, my nurse at the time expected me to wear the same panties the WHOLE time I was in the hospital...Um I just had a baby, wearing the same panties for more than a few hours at a time was impossible for me, so instead of begging nurses for extra panties, I bought my own! Last time, I used regular granny panties when I got home, but I got the extreme high rise...like up to my neck panties almost and I hated them; they dug into that postpartum jelly belly like you wouldn't believe and made me a million times more self conscious about my body :( So mesh panties, I am expecting you to be awesome, please do not disappoint!
The perineal cold packs are the bomb.com (yes I still say that)...No lie. Typically, the hospital provides you with them for 24 hours after delivery, but after that, they take away that beautiful cold sensation in favor of just a regular pad. I wanted the cold sensation; especially for the 2.5 hour drive home from the hospital. They are not necessary, but I know that I felt more comfortable wearing something cold; another perk? They help with swelling. Win win all the way around.
Also, if you don't purchase the tub of witch hazel (which you should and POUR over your maternity pads) you can buy the round witch hazel thin pads and can stick them on top of your maternity pad and it's Heaven. For real.Your lady bits will thank you. I promise.
This time around, I'm also preparing for the worst with breastfeeding. Previously, I was under the assumption that breastfeeding is natural and therefore easy...that is bologna, at least for me. They say the first 6 weeks is the hardest. Well, the entire 3 months was the hardest for me.
With Henry, I had to fight for months to keep my supply up and was proud that I made it 3 months. I attribute the lack of supply to the stress of moving, the not knowing what to do with a new baby, the BP medicine, the fact that I became pregnant again pretty quickly! AND the fact that Henry was colicky and cutting out things didn't solve a single thing! Stressful. While breastfeeding Henry, I contacted my OB in Memphis and started taking over the counter supplements and even prescription meds to help...nothing did! So this time around I am prepared and committed to making it work. I am under the impression that "Fed is Best." If I have to supplement, then I have to. My goal is a fed baby.
There's no shame in supplementing with formula and there's no shame in not trying to breastfeed; there is shame in a baby that isn't fed. Argument done.
Fenugreek is supposed to be amazing for increasing your supply. When I previously took it, I didn't notice an increase in my supply, all I noticed was the maple smell. Either way, it's in the kit this time around!
I also found these amazing Strawberry Banana Lactation smoothies that taste AMAZING...yeah, I've already tried one, just to make sure I'll like them :)
And I bought 3 boxes of lactation cookies. Last time, I made my own cookies, but let's be honest; baking is hard; baking at 4 weeks postpartum with a newborn strapped to your chest is even harder so this time I'm taking the easy way out!
And of course, the most important breastfeeding essentials: nursing pads and lanolin. They are lifesavers. Lanolin was my BFF while breastfeeding. And the nursing pads will help your leakage when your grocery shopping and hear another baby start to cry...if you've been there, you know what I'm talking about...if you're about to be there, you'll see what I'm talking about.
Also, another thing you NEED (non negotiable) while on your breastfeeding journey is support. If anyone makes negative comments, "he looks hungry," "are you sure you're producing enough?," "maybe you should stock up on formula 'just in case'" "He's always eating; he's only using you as a pacifier"...YOU DON'T NEED THAT IN YOUR LIFE. Politely, or not so politely, ask them to leave and they can return once they support you. With Henry, Taylor was my biggest supporter and I'm so thankful for him. If you think breastfeeding is weird, you are weird. Simple enough.
And that's it! The updated "I've already had one baby so I'm a pro at this postpartum kit" :)
Hopefully this time, the kit will not require blood pressure meds! A girl can dream.
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