Everyone will have different needs for their postpartum care. I had a medically necessary c-section and a repeat one after and these are a few of the things that really helped me out those first few weeks and beyond.
- High Waist Underwear/Adult Diapers – Nothing fancy. I bought these things to bleed all over, I wanted cheap and comfortable. High waist was essential for me though because of my incision. You really don’t want any waist bands rubbing against it, the thought of it still makes me cringe. The diapers were also incredibly convenient and surprisingly comfortable for those first few weeks of heavier bleeding.
- High Waist Pants – I know most people suggest high waist AND loose fitting pants but my leggings felt really nice around my very vulnerable and squishy feeling stomach. The light compression from them was so much more tolerable for me than the belly band that the hospital provided. I never ended up even wearing that because I hated the way it pushed on my insides.
- Peri Bottle – This one surprised me actually. I had myself convinced that I wouldn’t need certain things because I was having a c-section but I’m so glad the hospital provided them. There was so much blood for just toilet paper and wipes alone. You’re also surprisingly sore down there too so the warm water in the peri bottle was really soothing.
- Ice Packs – Speaking of soothing… I didn’t consider needing ice packs either considering most postpartum ones were advertised for vaginal births, silly me. Day 2 in my hospital room, even with the ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and whatever other concoction of pain meds they were giving me, my incision felt like it was on fire. I had the laid across my incision all day for like 2 weeks straight after I had my first specifically.
- Nursing Bras – If you’re breastfeeding or pumping these are fantastic. I didn’t buy these at first because I wasn’t sure I’d use them. I hated the nursing tops but the bras were incredibly convenient. These are identical to the ones I bought that are no longer sold. I’ve literally been wearing them since I bought them after my second was born a little over 2 years ago and they are still holding up strong.
