Hey there, soon-to-be mamas! Let’s chat about something just as vital as your adorable baby’s coming-home outfit: your post-hospital vag bag. While packing for labor and delivery can be thrilling, prepping for what happens afterward is equally important. After all, while your little one is looking cute in their first outfit, you’ll be dealing with some not-so-glamorous realities of postpartum recovery. So, let’s dive into the five must-haves that will help you navigate the early days after childbirth comfortably.
1. Peri Bottle
Let’s give a round of applause to the FridaBaby Fridet perineal bottle! This isn’t your typical hospital squeezy bottle. Its unique angled design allows you to comfortably clean your lady bits while seated on the toilet—pure genius! If you’ve experienced any tearing or discomfort down there, this bottle will be your best friend. Warm water will cleanse the sensitive areas without the harshness of toilet paper, making those first post-delivery bathroom visits a lot more bearable.
2. Ice Packs
You’ll want to stock up on ice packs, trust me. After the labor and delivery experience, swelling is inevitable, and ice can help reduce that discomfort significantly. Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, ice packs provide relief to your pelvic area and promote healing. Grab some disposable ice packs with cloth covers to soothe your vulva and perineum right when you get home. Just remember to place a thin barrier between the ice and your skin to avoid frostbite—10 to 15 minutes at a time will do wonders.
3. Sitz Baths and Witch Hazel
Let’s talk about a natural remedy: witch hazel. This powerful astringent has been a go-to for soothing inflammation and discomfort, especially for those pesky hemorrhoids that can arise during delivery. Earth Mama Organics offers a fantastic herbal sitz bath kit that can be a lifesaver. You can use it to create padsicles for cooling relief or simply enjoy a soothing soak. Pair that with witch hazel for extra comfort, and you’ll be on the road to recovery before you know it.
4. Absorbent Pads
You might have been a tampon user before, but post-delivery, you’ll need to embrace pads. After childbirth, your body will need to recover from lochia, the postpartum bleeding that follows. Make sure to have a good stock of pads on hand, as you’ll be using them for several weeks. Some new moms even prefer incontinence products for their higher absorbency and convenience. If you want to take it a step further, create your own padsicles by soaking pads in water infused with the Earth Mama Organics Sitz Bath packets, then freezing them for cooling relief.
5. Compression Garments
Compression wear can be incredibly beneficial in the postpartum period. It helps manage swelling and provides support to your abdomen, which may feel weak after delivery. Try SRC Health’s Recovery Shorts for a gentle hug around your core and pelvic area. If you’re looking for something more specific, consider the It’s You Babe PF Press for targeted perineal support. These garments can aid in your recovery and make the transition into motherhood a bit smoother.
So there you have it! These five essentials will help you care for yourself as you recover after bringing that little bundle of joy into the world. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of your baby’s outfits, don’t forget that your body needs some TLC too. For additional tips on preparing for this journey, check out our article on home insemination kits. And for more insights into early pregnancy signs, visit this resource. Lastly, the WHO provides excellent resources on pregnancy.
In summary, packing a vag bag can be just as crucial as preparing for your hospital stay. Equip yourself with these essentials to ensure a smoother and more comfortable recovery.