Your Postpartum Care Package Needs These 7 Essentials
At some point in our motherhood journey, we look back and reflect on what we could’ve done differently.
Maybe there was another way to prepare for our postpartum that would’ve served us better and made the early days so much easier on us.
‘Cause let’s face it, mama: newborn days are not easy. And as much as we prepare our homes for the baby’s arrival, we don’t nearly give ourselves the same amount of attention.
You’ve heard it before: If mama ain’t happy, then nobody’s happy. Your emotional well-being is so important. Never be ashamed to prioritize your needs.
We’ve learned from our journeys that part of mamahood is the connection we build with other moms. It’s like we receive an exclusive invitation that brings our tribe together.
We share our wisdom to help and inspire other mothers who are searching for answers.
So with this sentiment, this blog post is specifically for our beautiful mothers-to-be, who are about to embark on their own unique journey. It’s a collection of the things that we wish we’d known when we became moms and the resources that would have made a world of difference in those early days.
From one mama to another, let’s take a look at why we need to build a postpartum care package and the 7 things we can’t forget to include.
Why Do We Need a New Mom Care Package?
Our hearts are preparing to welcome the newest (and squishiest) member of our family in pregnancy. We scour the internet for all the things we’ll need - swaddles, thermometers, rash cream, nursery decor (oh and the list goes on) listening to recommendations and advice from other mamas.
And naturally, the rest of the preparations fall into place:
Getting the house just right.
Picking out the perfect theme for the baby’s room.
Putting the crib together.
Attending all the appointments.
While we do find ways to catch classes or get as educated as we can on breastfeeding, childbirth, and newborn care, there seems to be a common thread when we enter our postpartum period. One we really don’t talk about until much later...
We’re just left to put the pieces back together after baby arrives.
Hooray, you just brought a life into this world! But then, it really feels like we’re hurried out the door and left alone to take care of a new human while our bodies are still healing from childbirth.
Mama, it’s a lot to deal with. This part of motherhood is like reading a manual with several pages missing.
But hey, we’ve got your back. Because the first few days, weeks, and months can feel so overwhelming and chaotic, we encourage every mama-to-be to prepare a postpartum care kit. No, it’s not a luxury...it’s a necessity.
Because unless you take care of yourself in a holistic way, you’ll be doing yourself and your newborn a big disservice. We want you to feel as strong and settled as possible when you enter motherhood. A postpartum plan and survival kit can help make that happen.
Here’s what you’ll want to include in your postpartum kit that marries both the physical and emotional pieces of your recovery.
Postpartum Recovery Care Kit
You’ve probably seen a million lists with everything you need for either a vaginal or a C-section birth and this one’s no different. Our insight? The key is strategic placement of these items in your home for easy access. For either method of birth, movement will be painful and tough temporarily.
Tending to your body is an important part of your self-care. Let’s run down the list of must-haves again and make sure you’ve got what you need:
Pain Relievers
Heating Pad
Nipple Cream
Squirt bottle
Stool Softener
Pads
Vitamins
Water bottle
Hair ties
Dry Shampoo/Conditioner
Face wipes
Remember, you’ll still be learning how to navigate the intricacies of newborn life. Make your recovery as manageable as possible during this time by putting together a kit for yourself. Don’t forget the easy-to-eat snacks, phone chargers by your feeding/pumping station, and a big ol’ water bottle to make things easier too. Allow your home to help you flourish.
A Resource Checklist
Now to the stuff that tends to get overlooked... Our emotions will be all over the place once the baby arrives. Totally normal. Totally okay. Totally scary - we get it.
We’ll be feeling so in love, and we’ll be feeling:
Sad.
Anxious.
Even angry
These are powerful feelings, which are a normal part of the human (and postpartum!) experience. We want to emphasize, though, that if any one of these intense feelings is left unchecked, it could lead to a diagnosable postnatal mood disorder. While there’s nothing “wrong” or “bad” with a diagnosis like Postpartum Anxiety or Postpartum Depression, preparation and early intervention can help prevent that extra stress in early motherhood for you. THAT is our mission.
Resources are available in many different forms to help with the preparation and early intervention.
Here are some things you can research in your area or online as you build your safety net:
New mom support groups in your area
Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding support groups
Baby and Me Classes in your area
Bookmark Postpartum Support International for postpartum resources
Request to join Postpartum FB groups
Follow realistic motherhood social media
Research Postpartum Doulas
Have your OBGYN, Primary Care Physician, or midwife contact information
Remember, this is for you. Keep this visible and accessible.
Make a Postpartum Plan
Mama, I use the word “plan”, but life with a baby never goes as planned. It’s hard to accept that the plans we create -- the ones we work so hard to customize and perfect -- won’t always be our reality.
Instead, let these plans act more like guidelines, and even as a way to reveal aspects of your postpartum that you care most about. Basically, it can be another method to support your own research and education about the 4th trimester.
It’s also a great way for you and your partner to get on the same page.
Start thinking about what you’ll want to have in place as a support system once the baby arrives.
Who would you call to come help if needed?
What is your rule about visitors?
Do you have all the information on your maternity leave? What actions do you need to take with your employer?
How long will your partner be on leave?
If you have older children or pets, what do their care arrangements look like?
How should household chores be handled?
What is your meal plan?
How can you and your partner establish breaks?
How can you and your partner check in with each other to make sure we’re doing okay?
What exercises can you manage with a new baby?
If you’re planning to breastfeed, what are your options for lactation support if you’re having trouble?
No matter how you put this together, make sure you think through these questions. Answer honestly and with as much detail as you can.
Most importantly, try to stay flexible and realistic.
Will your days turn out exactly as you’ve outlined? Probably not.
But you’re giving yourself another resource to turn to when you start to feel overwhelmed. It’ll help ground you. And if this whole process is already too overwhelming, you can check out our already curated Postpartum Care Plan here!
Your Favorites
The thing is, waking up multiple times in the middle of the night to feed or rock the baby back to sleep is not only exhausting, but it’s also very lonely. For some of us, it can feel like we’re the only ones awake while everyone else is getting much-desired rest.
Everyone’s experience is so different, but it’s such a good idea to rely on the things that bring you comfort when you start to feel this way.
Get your audible account ready. Fire up that e-reader. Download those streaming apps. Create a relaxing playlist.
You can do all these things while feeding your baby.
It’s okay to get your mind off things. Allow yourself a small way to find some joy.
Meals
I really did underestimate how important ready-to-go meals would be in the first couple of months. I thought my partner and I would have the time to make meals for ourselves as we’ve always done.
I was SO wrong. Don’t make my mistake. There just isn’t enough time, and you need support.
Look into meal trains -- here’s an example
Collect your favorite takeout menus
Make a grocery list filled with your go-to’s and have it ready
Write down your favorite recipes just in case someone can make these for you
Prepare a list of people you think can help bring food
Prep frozen dinners
You’ll be so glad you did this.
Comfy Clothes
Oh, beautiful mama. Wear that bun with pride. Rock that oversized t-shirt. Leggings never felt so good.
Yes, your fashion sensibilities will change. You’ll favor comfort and practicality over being fashionable. Make sure you have clothes that make you feel light and allow you to move around freely like:
High-waisted panties/mesh underwear
Robes/comfy clothes
Nursing bras
Belly band (these can get pricey, but you can find a good one online after some shopping around)
Don’t worry -- you will return to what you love. But for now, let’s take care of your body.
Preventative Care
Many mothers-to-be don’t know that there are resources available for emotional well-being and postpartum support that begin in pregnancy.
Pregnancy is not always blissful. It can be a whirlwind of emotions that make us question our readiness for childbirth and motherhood.
A safe space does exist so that expectant mothers can enter this delicate period with the ability to thrive.
There are classes available online that you should include as part of your postpartum care package. They focus on preparing you for this transition into motherhood by giving you a platform to voice your most vulnerable thoughts. You’ll develop healthy coping mechanisms so that you can approach challenging situations with an open mind.
Look into classes or care packages from service providers in your area.
We here at Bloome offer a preventative service for our mothers in the third trimester. It’s insurance-based so that you can give these sessions your full attention. And we meet you right where you are. No need to get gussied up for us, mama. We’re here for you.
This is a way to feel less afraid and more confident and capable than you were before.
No matter where or how you decide to get extra help, it’s one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself.
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The mental health landscape is changing. And we are your leading advocates for this change.
There is a delicate transition from pregnancy to postpartum. We must look after our emotional health just as we would for our physical health. Should you accept to take this journey of recovery with us, our mission is to give you a place to heal without worrying about anything other than taking that next step forward.
But above everything else, we’re here as a resource for you during postpartum -- to normalize your feelings and give you community and guidance.
Sign up below, mama. You matter, too.