First Week Survival Package
You've got the essentials for baby (swaddling blankets, diapers, and layette), but what about you? Here are items you'll want to have on hand.
Here are a few things you should have nearby in the first week with your little bundle of joy:
1. Water Jug: You'll be breastfeeding around the clock. Get comfy and remember that staying hydrated is key, but you probably won't have the energy to go to the kitchen for a drink. Park your jug by your side.
2. Extra Pillows: Make yourself comfy with body pillows, doughnut pillows (which can ease pressure on a sore tailbone), or regular pillows to prop and cushion as needed.
3. Handy Snacks: You will need them to keep your energy up.
4. Sanitary Pads: After birth you can expect blood flow from the uterus for several weeks.
5. Sitz Bath: Find this mini, shallow bath for your perineal area and rear at drugstores. Soaking for 15 minutes or so relieves the pain of stitches or hemorrhoids.
6. Witch Hazel: This astringent decreases swelling and pain in the perineum and alleviates hemorrhoids. Add it to your sitz bath or line your sanitary napkin with it. For cool relief, put witch-hazel-soaked pads in the fridge.
7. Peri-Bottle: If sitz baths don't appeal to you, fill this handheld squirt bottle with water to gently clean the perineal area.
8. Nipple Cream: A must for sore and cracked nipples.
9. Nipple Pads - available at your chemist.
You've got the essentials for baby (swaddling blankets, diapers, and layette), but what about you? Here are items you'll want to have on hand.
Here are a few things you should have nearby in the first week with your little bundle of joy:
1. Water Jug: You'll be breastfeeding around the clock. Get comfy and remember that staying hydrated is key, but you probably won't have the energy to go to the kitchen for a drink. Park your jug by your side.
2. Extra Pillows: Make yourself comfy with body pillows, doughnut pillows (which can ease pressure on a sore tailbone), or regular pillows to prop and cushion as needed.
3. Handy Snacks: You will need them to keep your energy up.
4. Sanitary Pads: After birth you can expect blood flow from the uterus for several weeks.
5. Sitz Bath: Find this mini, shallow bath for your perineal area and rear at drugstores. Soaking for 15 minutes or so relieves the pain of stitches or hemorrhoids.
6. Witch Hazel: This astringent decreases swelling and pain in the perineum and alleviates hemorrhoids. Add it to your sitz bath or line your sanitary napkin with it. For cool relief, put witch-hazel-soaked pads in the fridge.
7. Peri-Bottle: If sitz baths don't appeal to you, fill this handheld squirt bottle with water to gently clean the perineal area.
8. Nipple Cream: A must for sore and cracked nipples.
9. Nipple Pads - available at your chemist.
