A pregnant woman spends a lot of time planning for the arrival of her child. But they don’t think about themselves, their recovery after childbirth, or the transition into parenthood. The term “postpartum period” refers to a fourth trimester that many women are unaware of.
In the first three months following childbirth, a woman is in her fourth trimester. Sleepless nights, learning, and healing are common throughout this period. If you do not know what to anticipate or the postpartum basics you need, it can be tough to adjust during this time.
Tips for easing your newborn into the world:
- Take plenty of time to cuddle your newborn (and use a carrier).
- In the fourth trimester, you should continue to swaddle the baby.
- With the correct lighting and sounds, you can create a calming atmosphere for sleep.
For the first-time mother, here are some 18 postpartum must-haves.
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Snacks that are beneficial to your health
When caring for a baby, it can be difficult to find the time to eat properly, so it’s crucial to keep healthy snacks on hand. Simple snacks like sugar-free smoothies, fresh and dried fruit, cereal bars, and cucumber and carrot sticks are ideal. In the first few days, high-fiber snacks might be particularly beneficial in order to avoid constipation.
In order to maintain a balanced diet, it’s okay to have occasional indulgences such as crisps or chocolate. Just be careful not to depend on them as a go-to source of energy. Even though you won’t get a sugar rush, your energy levels will stay high for a longer time when you eat healthily.
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Shielding nipple
It’s normal for the first few months of breastfeeding to be challenging. Babies who have their mothers’ nipples flat may have a more difficult time latching on. Newborns with tongue-tie or lip issues can also have difficulty latching on.
Breastfeeding can be frustrating for both you and your little one for a variety of reasons. Lactation consultants may recommend a nipple shield in order to assist your infant in learning how to latch properly.
It can also provide relief from dryness and cracking of the nipples. Even if you don’t need it all of the time, having it on hand is a comfort.
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Nipple cream
In addition to a nice nipple cream, you should keep one by your bedside at all times. In the 4th trimester, some women get cracked or blistered nipples. This medication helps avoid it. Regardless of whether or not you’re a mother, it’s a good idea to practice preventative care.
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Breastfeeding kit
Having a complete breastfeeding kit is one way to ease the process. Some of these include nursing pillows, burp cloths, and nipple cream. Put it all in a nursing bag and you’ll be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
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Breast pump
Nursing mothers must have a breast pump in order to breastfeed successfully. Sometimes a break is all you need. Your partner, friend, or family member can feed your baby for you if you have a bottle and breast pump on hand. Use a breast pump bag to carry it and keep it cool at the same time!
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Breastfeeding pillow
Breastfeeding is easier when you have one of these specifically made pillows by your side. As a result, your shoulders and back will be spared the effort of nursing, making it more enjoyable for you.
Before you buy a pillow, do some research and find out what other mothers are saying about the product. In the future, your pillow may come in handy for other purposes, such as supporting your baby while she learns to sit.
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Tops that are easy to move around in
In addition to a suitable nursing bra, you’ll want to stock up on a variety of tanks and tops that you can wear both at home and out in public.
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Nursing bras
Nursing bra shoppers may find it tough to narrow down their options. After the birth, you must, of course, continue breastfeeding. Even if you don’t intend to breastfeed, you’ll still need a supportive bra after childbirth. You can relieve overall discomfort, pain, and hormonal changes with postpartum care.
While shopping for a nursing bra for your child, look for one with extra-wide straps and adequate support. Do some practice with the cups first before investing in a set. Bras that you can open and close with one hand are ideal so that you can keep your other hand free to care for your infant.
Get a few comfortable bras to sleep in, a few more to wear throughout the day, and a hands-free pumping bra, as well.
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Heating pads
If this is not your first child, postpartum recovery can be more difficult. You may suffer from cramping and pain as your uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size. The use of heating pads is one of the many ways you may help with this.
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Breast pads
Even if you’re formula-feeding, you may notice that your breasts leak quite a bit when the milk supply improves. When you think about your baby or hear or see them cry, your milk may begin to flow. Make sure you keep a supply on hand just in case.
For the first 6 weeks, some women need hundreds of pads, while others can get away with only a few. Every woman is unique. Washable and reusable pads are also available.
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Baby clothes
Newborn clothes are organized by age, from 3 months to 6 months and 12 months. However, some brands approach things differently, and their sizing can vary. To ensure you get the right size, look for clothing that includes recommended height or weight measurements.
Some babies don’t need newborn clothes until they’re 3 months old, but it’s impossible to tell in advance, so it’s a good idea to have some on hand. Consider purchasing a few extra pieces of clothing in the next size up, as babies grow so quickly!
Making use of secondhand clothing and accepting handouts is an excellent strategy for ensuring a wide range of sizes is available to you.
As a general rule, consider convenience and comfort. What you want to look for is clothing that is comfortable, roomy, and long-lasting. Invest in high-quality items that can withstand repeated washings. Choking hazards to avoid include clothing with ribbons, tassels, and dangling strings.
Organic baby clothes are more expensive because they do not have harmful chemicals or harsh dyes. If you want to protect your baby’s delicate skin, wash the clothes with a gentle, baby-friendly detergent.
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Swaddle blanket
A swaddle is fantastic for your kid and great for you as well. Babies sleep better in swaddles because they feel like they’re still in your womb, which is why they’re so popular with new moms.
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Baby monitor
You’ll undoubtedly want to keep an eye on your child’s breathing at first, regardless of whether you actually need to. As a parent, it can be reassuring to know that you can get up and go about your day while your child sleeps.
With one of these high-end video monitors, you can tilt and zoom the camera from a distance, check the temperature in the room, and even sing a lullaby to your baby.
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Baby carrier
A baby carrier that is truly comfortable to wear will make it a lot easier to carry your child about. Also, you won’t know which one suits your frame best unless you give it a try.
Make sure you can easily adjust the straps on your hips and shoulders so that the weight is equally distributed to prevent backaches. In addition, having an adjustable carrier allows you to share the load with your loved ones.
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Peri bottle
If you’re suffering from postpartum discomfort, these items are a godsend. To clean your bottom after using the restroom, simply fill the spray bottle with warm water and spritz it on your bottom.
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Post-birth pillow
It’s not just a pregnancy necessity, but a mother’s necessity as well! After giving birth, you’ll spend a lot of time in bed, but you won’t be sleeping. Comfort is essential. In addition to keeping you comfortable, a body cushion is an excellent baby-carrying and nursing accessory. As a bonus, many of them can be wrapped around your waist or positioned in any way that works best for you.
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Water Bottle
Postpartum hydration is essential. And you may already know this after nine months of pregnancy, or you may not have been able to stomach as much water as you would have liked if you suffered from nausea and morning sickness.
If your body has been through the trauma of pregnancy and childbirth, hydration is even more important to help it get back on its feet.
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A nightlight or other form of illumination
For the first 6 months, your newborn should sleep in the same room as you, on a Moses basket or cot. A low-wattage lamp or a mild night-light can help you feed your baby at night without waking them up or scaring them with strong light.
Conclusion
Preparing for your postpartum journey ahead of time is essential because your body will go through a lot during pregnancy and childbirth. The postpartum requirements for your baby, such as a breathable crib mattress, should be taken care of, but don’t forget to take care of yourself as well. Preparation is key to a positive postpartum experience for you and your baby.