Postpartum Prep – 4th Baby Must Haves
Our baby is due in August and we are so excited! Today I’m sharing my postpartum prep – 4th baby must haves!
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We announced our fourth pregnancy in January, and I honestly cannot even believe that we are 6 weeks away from our due date. Where has the time gone?! This postpartum prep – 4th baby must haves list was so good for me to go over. It’s been three years since having my last baby, and I needed a refresher on all things postpartum!
We currently have three boys, ages 7, 5, and 3. I have learned so much through each pregnancy, but there are so many things I wish I had known after having my first. My mother and older sister were very helpful to me, but each person is is different and I experienced things that they did not. It’s important to educate yourself, talk to other mama’s and share your experience so that you don’t feel alone.
I hope that by sharing my postpartum preparation I can be a help to someone out there looking for guidance!
Rest
This is possibly the greatest advice I need to follow after having our fourth. Before we had our oldest, everyone told me to rest – sleep when the baby sleeps. I heard it over and over again. I was stubborn though, and pushed myself to make sure my house was tidy, my laundry was kept up and all the other day to day activities kept on as they should.
This prolonged my healing process so much. I didn’t give my body the time it needed to heal, and I didn’t get the proper rest I needed. I recently listened to a podcast on which the midwife suggested staying in your bed or bedroom for two whole weeks after your baby is born. Two weeks!
That really seems like such a long time, but those weeks of rest are so important. Don’t guilt yourself into all the things that “need” to be done. What you need is rest, and as much rest as possible.
Everyone’s situation is different, and I understand that your partner might not be able to take work off in order to stay home with you. That was the case with our first, in fact those few days in the hospital were all I had with him. My mom and sisters would ask me what I needed, and stubbornly I would say that I was fine, that I could handle it.
Mama – if anyone offers you to help you after having a baby, GLADLY accept it. Let them help you clean, catch you up on laundry, cook for you and take any burdens off of you that will truly allow you to enjoy those sweet moments with your newborn while your body takes the time to heal.
Postpartum Prep – Natural Remedies
Whether you are planning a home birth, hospital birth, or having your baby in a birthing center, all the items below are must-haves after delivering a baby.
Earth Momma Herbal Perineal Spray
A cooling spray feels absolutely amazing on your perineal region after giving birth. I LOVED using it after having all three of my boys! The hospital usually provides you with some, but I love that this brand uses an organic herbal blend and is free of parabens, fragance and butane.
Peri Bottle with warm water.
A peri bottle is without a doubt a must-have item after delivery. It’s painful to wipe after using the restroom, and squirting warm water over your nether regions in order to clear everything away just feels wonderful. Again, if you’re planning a hospital birth than this is something they will provide you with, but I love that this brand has an angled nozzle for easy cleansing.
The mesh underwear that the hospital provides work well and are disposable, but eventually you’ll run out. If you are planning a home birth, purchasing the right undies for postpartum is important!
I personally love using boy short panties that keep large pads from shifting around.
Everyone is different, but most mamas experience some level of bleeding postpartum. I personally bled a lot those first few weeks, so finding good heavy flow pads is must.
These Rael Overnight Pads not only use organic cotton, but they also provide extra protection for heavy bleeding. A few perineal cold packs are nice to have on hand as well for cooling, comfort and relief, and I love that this brand has an adhesive strip to keep it in place.
Epsom Salt Baths
Some doctors recommend waiting three days after delivery before bathing, while others say you should wait up to six weeks. Everyone is different, so I would highly recommend talking to your doctor or midwife before choosing to bathe.
For me personally, epsom salt baths are so relaxing after having a baby. I add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the water which helps to relieve perineal discomfort. Sky Organics Epsom Salt is a great option that truly helps to relax your muscles and soothe postpartum pain.
Nursing Essentials
I have nursed all three of my boys and I plan to nurse our fourth as well. For me, nursing is always very painful in the beginning when your newborn is latching for the first time. A good nipple cream is absolutely essential. I love that this brand is organic and made of great ingredients like bees wax, extra virgin olive and shea butter!
To help with leakage, I highly recommend using nursing pads. You can purchase disposable ones, but I go through them so often, and I love that these reusable cotton pads that can be thrown in the wash as needed. Having a few of these on hand at all times will help protect from leaking, especially while you are sleeping.
Nursing Bras
Nursing bra are definitely a must-have if you plan on breastfeeding. I have several different kinds, some that offer more protection if I am going in public and some that are more comfortable while I am home. I also love using nursing camis under loose fitting t-shirts, they are both convenient and comfortable!
Comfortable Robes and Pajamas
In addition to nursing bras, I recommend having a good nursing robe or wrap and some comfortable pajamas, as well. I recently found both this nursing robe and nursing pajamas at Walmart and I think they are both such pretty and affordable items! Walmart has such a great selection of both maternity and nurse friendly clothing.
Unfortunately I don’t have a pump recommendation, I don’t enjoy pumping so I try to avoid it as much as possible! If I absolutely have to pump, I like to use a hand pump similar to this one. If you have any recommendations, please let me know in the comments!
I realize this postpartum prep list doesn’t necessarily apply to all of my readers, but I truly hope it will be helpful to new moms or future moms that are reading. Can you think of any other must have items that you would add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!
Thank you for sharing this very exciting time in my life with me, our sweet baby will be here soon!
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