Ice is also your friend. “Ice packs that can be used on the perineum may help reduce swelling associated with vaginal birth,” says Dr. Purdy. “It also helps with the burning sensation associated with C-section scars.”
“Most people will continue to bleed for four to six weeks after giving birth, so you should always have extra postpartum pads (basically large maxi pads) on hand,” says Dr. Purdy. “During this time of year, some women prefer to use disposable underwear because they are more stretchy and comfortable.” (Adult diapers are a convenient option and can be used more easily) “Many patients say this doesn’t rub against their C-section scar like regular underwear,” she says.
What to look for in a postpartum kit
When shopping, whether for a gift or for yourself, “you need to consider things like whether you gave birth vaginally or by caesarean section, whether there were lacerations and how severe they were, and whether you’re breastfeeding.” ” says Dr. Harper. If you are planning a caesarean section, you may want to use a specialized kit for that purpose.
That being said, there is still a lot of overlap. “Maxi pads, mesh underwear, and even peribottles remain important because women who have a C-section will still have vaginal bleeding,” she says. Additionally, moms who gave birth vaginally may want to use a belly band for extra support during the first few days after giving birth.
If you’re breastfeeding, you might want to look for a kit that includes nipple cream and other breastfeeding essentials. Nipple creams are “very helpful in preventing and treating sore or cracked nipples when applied after breastfeeding or pumping,” says Dr. Purdy. “Additionally, breast pads can help collect any milk that may leak.”
Do I need a postpartum kit?
it depends! If you plan to give birth in a hospital, many hospitals now offer peribottles, mesh underwear, and maxi pads. During this time, you can pack it in your bag and take it home. (There are also things you can DIY before giving birth, such as ice maxi pads.)
However, if you’re looking for something a little more luxurious or nifty, a postpartum kit might be right for you. (After all, luxury postpartum retreats do exist in the United States and are fairly common in Asian countries like South Korea.) Either way, new moms shouldn’t neglect their own health. “We often have very high expectations for ourselves, even though all we have to do is eat, sleep, and worry about caring for ourselves and our infants. That happens a lot,” Dr. Harper recalls. “If a postpartum kit can help women with their self-care routines, that’s great.”
meet an expert
- lindsay harperMD, Board Certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist, CEO and Co-Founder of Rosy
- Jill PurdyMD, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and medical director of Pediatric Medical Group in Atlanta, Georgia.
