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The fourth trimester was the hardest. I did not have a smooth pregnancy. I was put on bedrest at two months. I had a placenta abruption. I had to give myself progesterone and shots. I was throwing up non-stop and we had just adopted a newborn. But ALLLLLL of that still wasn’t as difficult as what followed childbirth…for me anyways.
One of the things that helped my recovery was making a Postpartum box that I kept in our bathroom. It had everything I needed in one spot in the room that I unfortunately spent the most time in after childbirth…the bathroom.
Here are the the things that I kept and used that helped me recover from a vaginal delivery. You can use a basket or cabinet or drawer, whatever you prefer!
This box set comes with three different sizes. I used the largest box. It is the perfect size for all of my postpartum needs and is easily accessible and discrete and I use the other boxed now for other storage. Snap-N-Store Storage Box 3-Piece Set, Small/Medium/Large, Colorful Mums
My hospital used this for my recovery while there. When leaving, They sent me home with an extra can so make sure you ask for extras!!! I used this almost every hour, especially after using the restroom. It is a pain and itch relief spray that works great for all “downtown” areas. Dermoplast Pain & Itch Spray, 2.75 Ounce (Pack of 1) Can
I chose not to nurse or pump (with a 7 month at home I decided that it wasn’t for me), but that didn’t stop my boobs from producing milk, leaking or getting extremely sore. These pads were great to stick on the inside of my bra and then dispose of without having to change clothes. Lansinoh Ultimate Protection Disposable Nursing Pads, 50 count
I took these to the hospital with me as well as used them the first couple of days of coming home. You bleed, A LOT (your doctor will explain what is normal and not normal). These are thick, comfortable, have a high tummy controlling waist band and are disposable. You don’t have to worry about ruining your undergarments and they are actually very comfortable! Your hospital will start you out with their disposable underwear. These are great too and they will send you home with extras if you ask…ASK!!! HASOCARE Disposable Moisture Wicking Briefs (Without pad) for Women 7 Count
I used these closer to the end of my 6 weeks. They are extra long and have great coverage and are thinner than the diaper pads you have to wear for 6 weeks. Always Xtra Protection Daily Feminine Panty Liners for Women, Regular, Unscented, 50 Count – Pack of 6 (300 Total Count)
I tried 5 varieties of pads after giving birth. I don’t normally wear them so it took forever to get used to them and for 6 WEEKS!!!! These were the most comfortable, thinnest with most coverage which you will need! Stayfree Ultra Thin Overnight Pads with Wings, For Women, Reliable Protection and Absorbency of Feminine Moisture, Leaks and Periods, 40 count – Pack of 3
This soap is great to use when cleaning your “downstairs’ regions. It is soothing for itching and burning and is gentle on the skin. Aveeno Moisturizing Bar with Natural Colloidal Oatmeal for Dry Skin, Fragrance Free, 3.5 Oz (2 Pack)
I used Tucks EVERYDAY for 8 weeks after delivering. This is another thing that the hospital used for recovery. They sent me home with extra containers so don’t forget to ask them!! Tucks Md Cool Hemorrhoid Pad, 100 Count
This spray is a great alternative to the Dermoplast. It is cooling and smells pleasant and helps sooth burning and itching. Herbal Perineal Spray by Earth Mama | Safe for Pregnancy and Postpartum, Natural Cooling Spray for After Birth, Benzocaine and Butane-Free 4-Fluid Ounce
I came home with my cleansing bottle from the hospital. It is a MUST for postpartum healing! Medline Cleansing Bottle, 8oz.
Our hospital gave these to us for Madison to change his diapers with and then I started using them in the restroom because they are so thick and soft. Disposable Dry Wipes, 100 Pack – Ultra Soft Non-Moistened Cleansing Cloths for Adults, Incontinence, Baby Care, Makeup Removal – 9.5″ x 13.5″ – Hospital Grade, Durable – by ProHeal They advised me to not wipe which made everything even more uncomfortable, with these I was able to pat dry without irritation.
Ahhh…good ol’ sitz bath. I didn’t do toilet sitz baths…I was told by my doctor that I could do mine in a regular bath (please ask your doctor before checking out what they recommend, all doctors use different advice). Sitz baths are soothing and bring some relief to irritated and sore areas. Sitz Bath Salt – Postpartum Care and Hemorrhoid Treatment – Natural Sitz Bath Soak with Epsom Salt, Dead Sea Salt, Essential Oil for Self Care and Hemmoroid Treatment, 10 ounces by Pure Body Naturals
Postpartum Relief TIP
Place everything you need in your chosen box and keep in your bathroom as close to the toilet as possible (reaching and stretching isn’t you friend after childbirth). The box will discretely hide your personals while still being convenient to you.
Marissa Khosh | MamaRissa.com says
Thank you for these postpartum recommendations! It’s so hard to prepare for this delicate time that you can’t possibly accurately anticipate.
Everyone’s experiences are different, but it is helpful to hear other mamas’ stories to learn how to handle our own situations. I wrote a post on some of the postpartum experiences I had that were totally unexpected because this topic is not discussed much prior to birth (read that post here: https://mamarissa.com/the-after-birth-experiences-no-one-talks-about/).
I am amazed at all you dealt with during your pregnancy. That sounds like a really rough time. But what a unique story you have to tell your children!
onehaleofamom.com says
Thank you so much for your comment! I love listening and reading about other mommas experiences and stories! Thank you for sharing!