Along with the cute onesies for your little bundle of joy, there are a few things you will be grateful that you packed in your hospital bag:
1. Maxi Pads
Women can expect to bleed for several weeks after childbirth (even if you have a C-section). Have an ample supply of maxi pads at home and at the hospital.
2. A Sitz Bath
It's common for first-time moms to tear their perineum (the area between the vulva and the anus) during a vaginal birth. Ouch! To relieve the pain, Roman recommends filling a sitz bath or basin with warm water. Then, you simply rest your bottom in it — how soothing!
Doctors sometimes prescribe medications or other additives to put in a sitz bath. An example is povidone-iodine, which has antibacterial properties. Adding table salt, vinegar, or baking soda to the water can create a soothing solution. You also may take a sitz bath using only warm water.
3. Lidocaine Spray
Lidocaine spray, found over-the-counter at the chemist, can also help relieve pain associated with tearing or hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be quite a shock, especially if you have been pushing for a long time. If your hemorrhoids are extremely painful to the extent that you have trouble even sitting down, you may have to be evaluated by your doctor.
4. A Squirt Bottle
Squirt bottles are brilliant. After a vaginal birth, hemorrhoids may make it difficult or uncomfortable to wipe after emptying your bladder or having a bowel movement. Filling a squirt bottle with some simple tap water can help you feel cleaner after you use the bathroom.
5. An Ice Pack
This household staple also helps to relieve pain around the perineum.
6. Witch Hazel Pads
Another simple chemist product, witch hazel pads can also help relieve pain associated with tearing and hemorrhoids.
7. Cold compresses and warm washcloths
Cold compresses and warm washcloths, combined with gentle massage, might help with breast and nipple pain.
Cracks and sores in the breast or nipple should actually be evaluated by your physician, because they could indicate yeast or a bacterial infection. However, some women experience very little breast pain at all, so save your money on creams etc. until you're sure you need them! If you are going to buy anything in advance, we love Hydrogel Breast Pads which you can put in the fridge if you like the feeling of something cool on your sore nipples.
Have you got any of your own tips for post-partum care that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you!
1. Maxi Pads
Women can expect to bleed for several weeks after childbirth (even if you have a C-section). Have an ample supply of maxi pads at home and at the hospital.
2. A Sitz Bath
It's common for first-time moms to tear their perineum (the area between the vulva and the anus) during a vaginal birth. Ouch! To relieve the pain, Roman recommends filling a sitz bath or basin with warm water. Then, you simply rest your bottom in it — how soothing!
Doctors sometimes prescribe medications or other additives to put in a sitz bath. An example is povidone-iodine, which has antibacterial properties. Adding table salt, vinegar, or baking soda to the water can create a soothing solution. You also may take a sitz bath using only warm water.
3. Lidocaine Spray
Lidocaine spray, found over-the-counter at the chemist, can also help relieve pain associated with tearing or hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be quite a shock, especially if you have been pushing for a long time. If your hemorrhoids are extremely painful to the extent that you have trouble even sitting down, you may have to be evaluated by your doctor.
4. A Squirt Bottle
Squirt bottles are brilliant. After a vaginal birth, hemorrhoids may make it difficult or uncomfortable to wipe after emptying your bladder or having a bowel movement. Filling a squirt bottle with some simple tap water can help you feel cleaner after you use the bathroom.
5. An Ice Pack
This household staple also helps to relieve pain around the perineum.
6. Witch Hazel Pads
Another simple chemist product, witch hazel pads can also help relieve pain associated with tearing and hemorrhoids.
7. Cold compresses and warm washcloths
Cold compresses and warm washcloths, combined with gentle massage, might help with breast and nipple pain.
Cracks and sores in the breast or nipple should actually be evaluated by your physician, because they could indicate yeast or a bacterial infection. However, some women experience very little breast pain at all, so save your money on creams etc. until you're sure you need them! If you are going to buy anything in advance, we love Hydrogel Breast Pads which you can put in the fridge if you like the feeling of something cool on your sore nipples.
Have you got any of your own tips for post-partum care that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you!
