Helpful Products to Have in Your Postpartum Era
Everyone's birth experience looks a little different so sometimes preparing for the unknown can be a little daunting. As a pelvic floor PT, I have treated hundreds of perinatal women with a wide range of experiences.
Here is a comprehensive list (with links!) to help navigate your postpartum era whether you’ve had a vaginal or c-section birth:
This post contains some affiliate links.
Vaginal birth:
Peribottle - to rinse/wash instead of wipe after using the bathroom
Disposable undies - comfortable and easy to use with a pad. Frida has a couple different kinds.
Comfortable high-waisted cotton underwear
Bao Bei Support Bloomers - this is a great brand to check out for perinatal wear. I love the support bloomers and used for a while after my first delivery. I love that they provide support to the pelvic floor and abdominals from the bottom up. Can wear over disposable undies to get more uses out of them. Use code “drannie” for 15% off your first purchase.
Sitz bath - treats swelling and pain in the perineum. Can use immediately postpartum. Use with warm water and Epsom salts.
Squatty Potty - to make your first postpartum poop (and subsequents) a little easier. This should be a household staple IMO. It elevates your feet to allow the pelvic floor to be in more of a relaxed position for more ease and decreased strain.
Stool softeners or Magnesium Citrate supplementation - I like the Calm brand but you can use capsule or powder form. As with any supplements, make sure your doctor is okay with this. Magnesium citrate can be really helpful in managing constipation.
Earth Mama Perineal Spray - for pain relief of perineal tearing, episiotomy, hemorrhoids, etc.
Frida Postpartum Kit - cooling pads liners, instant ice maxi pads. Also includes the peribottle and disposable underwear mentioned above
C-Section birth:
Peribottle - to rinse/wash instead of wipe after using the bathroom. You will still have lochea after a c-section.
Disposable undies - comfortable and easy to use with a pad. Frida has a couple different kinds.
Comfortable high-waisted cotton underwear
Bao Bei Support Bloomers - this is a great brand to check out for perinatal wear. I love the support bloomers and used for a while after my first delivery. I love that they provide support to the pelvic floor and abdominals from the bottom up. Can wear over disposable undies to get more uses out of them. Use code “drannie” for 15% off your first purchase.
Squatty Potty - to make your first postpartum poop (and subsequents) a little easier. This should be a household staple IMO. It elevates your feet to allow the pelvic floor to be in more of a relaxed position for more ease and decreased strain.
Stool softeners or Magnesium Citrate supplementation - I like the Calm brand but you can use capsule or powder form. As with any supplements, make sure your doctor is okay with this. Magnesium citrate can be really helpful in managing constipation.
Large ice pack - I really like this Col-pac one because you can drape it over your abs and onto the scar. Be sure to put in a pillowcase to protect the skin. Use on/off throughout the day especially in the first 1-2 weeks.
Abdominal binder - to use in situations where your pain exceeds your ability to function with very basic daily activities. Wear for the first 1-2 weeks to help manage abdominal discomfort and then ease off. Don’t put on too tight that it restricts your ribcage mobility. They usually have these at the hospital as well if you want to bring it home.
Cupping set - to use when your scar is healed for improving scar tissue mobility. Seek help from a PT if you need guidance on how to use. I have an abdominal and scar mobilization mini course that is a super helpful resource to learn how to do on your own as well.
Silicone scar sheets - to use when the scar is healed to help promote healing, improve color and appearance.
General Postpartum:
Kindred Bravely Nursing and Pumping Bras - these are my favorite hands-down. Better quality than most, comfortable. I went ahead and got the pumping bras since I needed them anyways later on, but if you are not pumping, the nursing bras are great too.
My Breast Friend Pillow - I preferred this over the Boppy because it was more sturdy and provided the support I was looking for!
Silverettes - if breastfeeding, these are great in providing relief to sore and cracked nipples
Comfort for mom postpartum is one of the main goals! If you feel unsupported, then taking care of the baby can feel incredibly difficult. Hopefully, having products that support healing and recovery help this time period feel a bit more manageable!
