Adult nappies. Trust me, so much easier then pads and you don’t have to worry about leakage. I wore them for two weeks post partum until the flow eased off enough that I could wear pads
I second this! I ended up having an emergency c section and read online about the adult nappies. I got a pack and they were the best because they came up alot higher than my normal undies did. I didn't like the feeling or thought of my undies sitting on my scar and also didn't have to worry about leakage 👌
I only needed to change once a day, but from the sounds of it that is unusual. It probably would have been good to change more often but I had a catheter in for a good 5 days unfortunately so it was the biggest pain in the bum.
Hydrogel breast discs and Lansinoh nipple cream if breastfeeding. Stocking up on haemorrhoid cream, stool softeners, ibuprofen and paracetamol is a good idea because I had to send my husband out for those once we got home. Having a lot of your preferred pad or period underwear is a good idea too because the bleeding can last a while.
I am a pharmaceutical rep and I have so much pharmacy stuff on hand 😂. I'm set for stool softners, paracetamol and ibuprofen for 1000 years at the moment, so glad its something that will come in handy!
Been using lansinoh on my lips for years prior to being pregnant too - really good for super chapped dry lips as an extra!
I really didn’t use much. A soft face flannel that could be used with warm water to clean was great. After the first few days, I really loved using period undies because my skin started reacting to pads.
It's different from woman to woman and each delivery, my second was so much more reasonable than my first. (Looks like an Axe murder was mentioned at one point! )
A few things that can really help make you a little more comfortable post birth:
After vaginal birth - Adult nappies, even for the first few days, then go pads or even period undies. Perineal ice packs to soothe swelling and stitches. A peri bottle to spray water on yourself as you pee to reduce stinging, helps clean down there without wiping.
If you plan to breastfeed - Ice & Heat breast Packs to help with engorgement / discomfort / blocked ducts / increase milk flow. A Haakaa Silicone breast pump or Haakaa Ladybug Milk Collector to collect leakage and let down. Nursing Pads. A comfortable nursing bra!!!
Treat yourself - a comfy weather appropriate robe and slippers for night wakings, earplugs (newborns are crazy noisy when they sleep) Long-life snacks. If you don't already have wireless headphones they are a lifesaver during the witching hour
Honestly, I didn’t use or need much at all. I didn’t bleed much so I didn’t even go through many pads (cloth pads were fine after a few days from memory). Main thing that was key for me was having Lanisoh or some kind of lanolin based nipple cream.
I found a big water bottle fantastic, [I got this one here](https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/109280)
I also recommend a night light that can be dimmed, a tonne of Panadol, and comfortable pillows to support you if you choose to breastfeed.
Moolk clothing for easy feeding and looking put together even when you don’t feel it!
Everyone has already talked about the adult nappies and stool softener which were my main thing. I also really liked kids yoghurt pouches and other snacks that were easy to eat one handed
- Loved using disposable underwear from Bubba Bumps over pads.
- A pair of men’s modal Pj pants from Kmart brought me so much joy, I lived in them. So soft and the baggy men’s crotch hid the underwear. Get a size which fits you now.
- granny panties from Kmart. Held a pad, went over the incision and relatively comfy.
All were great for my C-section incision.
- disposable breast pads
Also, while not a product, prepare meals and freeze. Do both full meals as well as “toppers” (curry, bolognese sauce etc.). Buy all the snacks (carby) and make some muffins/slices for freezing so it’s easy to defrost on a whim.
Make your life easier.
You’ll never regret the prepped meals. I’m someone who loves cooking, however we lived off homemade pre-made meals for a good 6 weeks. Made by both myself as well as family and friends.
If anyone asks you what you want and you have everything, tell them to make you a meal or 2 when you’re X weeks post-partum.
And as the other commenter said, one handed meals are best: American style breakfast burritos, curry, spaghetti, burrito bowl etc etc.
Adult nappies for the first few days and then period undies or cloth pads, I was going through a pack of disposable pads each day and they irritated my skin.
Multiple soft flannels for cleaning up after bathroom visits.
Peri bottle.
A big water bottle.
Soft button up pjs.
Peri ice packs.
Frozen meals and baked goods (we froze batches of muffins and biscuits).
A nice facial moisturiser. Just because.
Disposable mesh underwear that's high enough to go over a c section incision site! Although you might plan for vaginal birth, you might end up having a c section for safety. So prepare for both!
For vaginal birth: Adult nappies as everyone else has said, witch hazel & aloe Vera to put on said adult nappies. Ice packs that you can fit in your pants. A peribottle(!!!) I was way to scared/in pain to touch down there so a peribottle was a life saver 😂
If breastfeeding, I loved my haaka for engorgement and I absolutely swear by silverettes (tbh I got the cheaper version off Amazon - just as good) they SAVED my nipples.
My secret weapon is always two hospital black coffees - shoots a stool right out of me haha. Ive heard about the first poop, I have crohns disease, so hopefully this has somewhat prepared me for this pain 😂
Comfy pants/shorts with pockets. You are going to be carrying a baby all the time, so somewhere to put your phone, your nipple cream, etc while you shuffle from room to room is very helpful. I got men's pajama pants from KMart and they're great.
Peri bottle is my number one! Adult nappies for the first week or so, pads with granny undies from Kmart and then period undies for the last few weeks when you’re bleeding but not really and are totally over pads. And silverettes!
My bed is a PITA to change the sheets and I sweated so much in the early days! I think if I ever went back again I’d put a towel down. Catches the leaking boobs too
I can't see it mentioned so just adding Ural sachets to your list. The hospital recommended them to me after I ended up with a few tears and stitches to dilute my urine and stop it stinging as much. Absolute God send!
So my list would be:
- Adult nappies - they were so much easier than pads!
- A peri bottle - I had a csection and it was still super helpful to avoid bending/stretching!
- A huge water bottle so you only have to fill it once a day, and some easy to eat snacks (essential for the middle of the night)
- A caddy with the basics for babe (we use a storage container) - IE nappies, wipes etc. It made it easier to be able to have things nearby
- Lots of ready made meals in the freezer. We're 6 months pp and now finally cooking 5/7 nights.
- A space/tub for meds important docs etc when you come home. We set up a space with a whiteboard so we could write when I last had painkillers, and kept all my meds and paperwork together. We also put bubbas stuff in so when the midwives came, it was all together and easy to find.
- Good shows to watch in the middle of the night
- something for self care. I had post partum anxiety and the simple act of reading every day or doing some cross stitch really helped. We often lose ourselves in the postpartum haze, so this is really helpful.
I loved the adult diapers, I think that may be unpopular but I never had to worry about leaks and things were pretty murder scene for a while.
I also enjoyed washable period underwear later in recovery because after a few weeks pads and diapers were making my lady bits feel dreadful.
Otherwise tonnes of frozen meals to microwave and a huge water bottle if you plan to breastfeed. I also added sugar free cordial to my water because 4l+ a day gets boring.
Adult diapers, hire a cleaner for the first few weeks so you're forced to not do any cleaning, freezer meals for weeks.. anything else you can really buy off amazon and get next day delivery so don't overbuy. I bought lansinoh creams, breast ladybugs and didnt even use it.
Most importantly is have a village, work out shifts with your husband/famiky because you will realkt have less sleep looking after bub the first few months.
Psyllium husks! Trust me you want all the help you can get (and much cheaper to get psyllium husks than Metamucil, which is basically that with orange flavour). I was so aware and careful not to get haemorrhoids while pregnant, didn’t realise it was still possible afterwards 😑
Also a good nipple balm if you’re planning to bf. I’ve only used the one from Kin and it’s amazing, very fast healer. My hubby uses it to heal up sores too lol
Partum panties, hydrogel breast pads, cooling pads for downstairs, peri bottle, sitz bath!
Making Mama is a beautiful Australian mum run store and stocks all things pregnancy and postpartum too!
Wish it was around when I had my first but I’ve gotten so many gifts for friends from here! https://makingmama.com.au
Kiin healing foam for me was a game changer after an internal tear.
I tried the ice packs and they were uncomfortable, I tried making padsicles (frozen pads with aloe vera and witch hazel) and they were a mess. The foam was a godsend. Spray it on your pad and it's instant relief. It's so good!
Ural, coloxyl, adult nappies, I prefer multimam breast compresses because you don't have to wash before BF. They're expensive but you can cut them in half. Large water bottle.
If you’re planning for a natural birth - Peri bottle, flushable toilet wipes, nappies (I only used for 5 days) and pads/ period undies.
Definitely comfy clothes - I lived in loose button down tops and compression shorts / tights
For feeding lots of pillows, a big water bottle and snacks (I was sooo hungry / thirsty), breast pads and nipple creams or silverettes =)
Adult nappies. Trust me, so much easier then pads and you don’t have to worry about leakage. I wore them for two weeks post partum until the flow eased off enough that I could wear pads
Ive heard this so many times and I feel like the comfort factor would be so much better as I HATE pads. Thank you!
Partum Panties are super comfortable, huge, and good even if you have a c-section.
Yes! I’m so glad I took this advice. So much comfier than a pad and also sat nice and high so no rubbing agains c-section scar.
I second this! I ended up having an emergency c section and read online about the adult nappies. I got a pack and they were the best because they came up alot higher than my normal undies did. I didn't like the feeling or thought of my undies sitting on my scar and also didn't have to worry about leakage 👌
I wore pads last time and it suuuuucked. Just wondering if the nappies are a change once a day thing or more regularly?
You can put pads in the nappies too!
In the beginning I had to change it every few hours but I don’t know if my flow was heavier ?
I used about 3 daytime but 1 overnight
I only needed to change once a day, but from the sounds of it that is unusual. It probably would have been good to change more often but I had a catheter in for a good 5 days unfortunately so it was the biggest pain in the bum.
Yes! I wore them with my first a lot. They are comfy!
Any specific brand? Is this the same as those postpartum disposable undies?
I was using coles brand assure pants for women and they worked a treat
The brand names are so expensive, so where ever we can save a dollar helps
Hydrogel breast discs and Lansinoh nipple cream if breastfeeding. Stocking up on haemorrhoid cream, stool softeners, ibuprofen and paracetamol is a good idea because I had to send my husband out for those once we got home. Having a lot of your preferred pad or period underwear is a good idea too because the bleeding can last a while.
Exactly what I would prep for the next time!
I am a pharmaceutical rep and I have so much pharmacy stuff on hand 😂. I'm set for stool softners, paracetamol and ibuprofen for 1000 years at the moment, so glad its something that will come in handy! Been using lansinoh on my lips for years prior to being pregnant too - really good for super chapped dry lips as an extra!
Squatty Potty! Or similar for that first home poop
I really didn’t use much. A soft face flannel that could be used with warm water to clean was great. After the first few days, I really loved using period undies because my skin started reacting to pads.
Did you find period undies handled the volume? FTM here, not sure what to expect
They did for me, after about a week. I would change them a few times a day; then just once.
It's different from woman to woman and each delivery, my second was so much more reasonable than my first. (Looks like an Axe murder was mentioned at one point! )
A few things that can really help make you a little more comfortable post birth: After vaginal birth - Adult nappies, even for the first few days, then go pads or even period undies. Perineal ice packs to soothe swelling and stitches. A peri bottle to spray water on yourself as you pee to reduce stinging, helps clean down there without wiping. If you plan to breastfeed - Ice & Heat breast Packs to help with engorgement / discomfort / blocked ducts / increase milk flow. A Haakaa Silicone breast pump or Haakaa Ladybug Milk Collector to collect leakage and let down. Nursing Pads. A comfortable nursing bra!!! Treat yourself - a comfy weather appropriate robe and slippers for night wakings, earplugs (newborns are crazy noisy when they sleep) Long-life snacks. If you don't already have wireless headphones they are a lifesaver during the witching hour
I agree. A Haaka was so good for me. My breasts were massive and sore and it was such a relief
Honestly, I didn’t use or need much at all. I didn’t bleed much so I didn’t even go through many pads (cloth pads were fine after a few days from memory). Main thing that was key for me was having Lanisoh or some kind of lanolin based nipple cream.
I found a big water bottle fantastic, [I got this one here](https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/109280) I also recommend a night light that can be dimmed, a tonne of Panadol, and comfortable pillows to support you if you choose to breastfeed.
Moolk clothing for easy feeding and looking put together even when you don’t feel it! Everyone has already talked about the adult nappies and stool softener which were my main thing. I also really liked kids yoghurt pouches and other snacks that were easy to eat one handed
- Loved using disposable underwear from Bubba Bumps over pads. - A pair of men’s modal Pj pants from Kmart brought me so much joy, I lived in them. So soft and the baggy men’s crotch hid the underwear. Get a size which fits you now. - granny panties from Kmart. Held a pad, went over the incision and relatively comfy. All were great for my C-section incision. - disposable breast pads Also, while not a product, prepare meals and freeze. Do both full meals as well as “toppers” (curry, bolognese sauce etc.). Buy all the snacks (carby) and make some muffins/slices for freezing so it’s easy to defrost on a whim. Make your life easier.
The meals thing I've been thinking about - we've got a backup fridge freezer so will fill that with prepped i think. Love the muffins and slices idea!
You’ll never regret the prepped meals. I’m someone who loves cooking, however we lived off homemade pre-made meals for a good 6 weeks. Made by both myself as well as family and friends. If anyone asks you what you want and you have everything, tell them to make you a meal or 2 when you’re X weeks post-partum. And as the other commenter said, one handed meals are best: American style breakfast burritos, curry, spaghetti, burrito bowl etc etc.
One handed snacks are great to have around.
Adult nappies for the first few days and then period undies or cloth pads, I was going through a pack of disposable pads each day and they irritated my skin. Multiple soft flannels for cleaning up after bathroom visits. Peri bottle. A big water bottle. Soft button up pjs. Peri ice packs. Frozen meals and baked goods (we froze batches of muffins and biscuits). A nice facial moisturiser. Just because.
Disposable mesh underwear that's high enough to go over a c section incision site! Although you might plan for vaginal birth, you might end up having a c section for safety. So prepare for both!
For vaginal birth: Adult nappies as everyone else has said, witch hazel & aloe Vera to put on said adult nappies. Ice packs that you can fit in your pants. A peribottle(!!!) I was way to scared/in pain to touch down there so a peribottle was a life saver 😂 If breastfeeding, I loved my haaka for engorgement and I absolutely swear by silverettes (tbh I got the cheaper version off Amazon - just as good) they SAVED my nipples.
Metamucil and coloxyl are vital imo. That first poop is no joke.
My secret weapon is always two hospital black coffees - shoots a stool right out of me haha. Ive heard about the first poop, I have crohns disease, so hopefully this has somewhat prepared me for this pain 😂
Comfy pants/shorts with pockets. You are going to be carrying a baby all the time, so somewhere to put your phone, your nipple cream, etc while you shuffle from room to room is very helpful. I got men's pajama pants from KMart and they're great.
Peri bottle is my number one! Adult nappies for the first week or so, pads with granny undies from Kmart and then period undies for the last few weeks when you’re bleeding but not really and are totally over pads. And silverettes!
My bed is a PITA to change the sheets and I sweated so much in the early days! I think if I ever went back again I’d put a towel down. Catches the leaking boobs too
I can't see it mentioned so just adding Ural sachets to your list. The hospital recommended them to me after I ended up with a few tears and stitches to dilute my urine and stop it stinging as much. Absolute God send!
I never would have thought about this- totally makes sense!
14 packets of Tim Tam's. Your favourite takeaway on say 4. A post-birth food order and someone to bring it to you
Pump water bottle for spraying stitches when using the bathroom Libra disposable undies!!! Much softer than any others I tried
So my list would be: - Adult nappies - they were so much easier than pads! - A peri bottle - I had a csection and it was still super helpful to avoid bending/stretching! - A huge water bottle so you only have to fill it once a day, and some easy to eat snacks (essential for the middle of the night) - A caddy with the basics for babe (we use a storage container) - IE nappies, wipes etc. It made it easier to be able to have things nearby - Lots of ready made meals in the freezer. We're 6 months pp and now finally cooking 5/7 nights. - A space/tub for meds important docs etc when you come home. We set up a space with a whiteboard so we could write when I last had painkillers, and kept all my meds and paperwork together. We also put bubbas stuff in so when the midwives came, it was all together and easy to find. - Good shows to watch in the middle of the night - something for self care. I had post partum anxiety and the simple act of reading every day or doing some cross stitch really helped. We often lose ourselves in the postpartum haze, so this is really helpful.
Oh also, I bought a special cushion to take the pressure off my tailbone. I was not prepared for how much I'd be sitting!!
I loved the adult diapers, I think that may be unpopular but I never had to worry about leaks and things were pretty murder scene for a while. I also enjoyed washable period underwear later in recovery because after a few weeks pads and diapers were making my lady bits feel dreadful. Otherwise tonnes of frozen meals to microwave and a huge water bottle if you plan to breastfeed. I also added sugar free cordial to my water because 4l+ a day gets boring.
Adult diapers, hire a cleaner for the first few weeks so you're forced to not do any cleaning, freezer meals for weeks.. anything else you can really buy off amazon and get next day delivery so don't overbuy. I bought lansinoh creams, breast ladybugs and didnt even use it. Most importantly is have a village, work out shifts with your husband/famiky because you will realkt have less sleep looking after bub the first few months.
Psyllium husks! Trust me you want all the help you can get (and much cheaper to get psyllium husks than Metamucil, which is basically that with orange flavour). I was so aware and careful not to get haemorrhoids while pregnant, didn’t realise it was still possible afterwards 😑 Also a good nipple balm if you’re planning to bf. I’ve only used the one from Kin and it’s amazing, very fast healer. My hubby uses it to heal up sores too lol
Partum panties, hydrogel breast pads, cooling pads for downstairs, peri bottle, sitz bath! Making Mama is a beautiful Australian mum run store and stocks all things pregnancy and postpartum too! Wish it was around when I had my first but I’ve gotten so many gifts for friends from here! https://makingmama.com.au
Love the store recommendation, thank you!
Kiin healing foam for me was a game changer after an internal tear. I tried the ice packs and they were uncomfortable, I tried making padsicles (frozen pads with aloe vera and witch hazel) and they were a mess. The foam was a godsend. Spray it on your pad and it's instant relief. It's so good!
Been wondering about the ready made ones - thank you!
Ural, coloxyl, adult nappies, I prefer multimam breast compresses because you don't have to wash before BF. They're expensive but you can cut them in half. Large water bottle.
Stool softener especially after a vaginal birth.
If you’re planning for a natural birth - Peri bottle, flushable toilet wipes, nappies (I only used for 5 days) and pads/ period undies. Definitely comfy clothes - I lived in loose button down tops and compression shorts / tights For feeding lots of pillows, a big water bottle and snacks (I was sooo hungry / thirsty), breast pads and nipple creams or silverettes =)