postpartum care and wardrobe

There is so much hype surrounding labor and preparing for baby’s arrival that many moms don’t even consider how they’re going to feel when they get home.

It’s not uncommon to feel like time is both standing still and moving too quickly. The fourth trimester is an important time that shouldn’t be rushed. For our baby, for ourselves, and for our families, we’re better off to prepare. While the magical and exhausting days after birth bliss pass quickly, we need to be aware of our body’s healing.

“I don’t have time to shower!” is something every new mom feels in the first few weeks (okay, months). Today I’m sharing what I’ve used to feel a little more put together without taking much time. Also, the fourth trimester attire is real and necessary.  Mandatory soft sweats, stretchy jammies, and soft sleeping/sports bras make a tremendous difference in our mood and comfort during the several weeks of postpartum.

Here’s a list with links to all of my favorite items for postpartum wardrobe and care:

Cleansing Face Wipes – I love these! They are perfect to keep in the nightstand for washing my face at the 3am feeding, if I haven’t gotten to it earlier. These are quick, no getting out of bed, no waiting for the water to run warm at the sink, no lathering, etc. : )

Dry Shampoo – always smells good and when you spray the roots, you actually get lots of volume. It’s a multipurpose product that helps you feel fresh and combats flat, day-old (or two or three) hair.

Perineal Spray – it provides healing and relief without the chemicals. The application is just a simple and light spray.

Feminine Pads – the length of time you may use these varies tremendously between 10 days or so to 6 or more weeks. I like the long and thin for most comfort and extra coverage at night.

Depends/Always Discreet Underwear – what the hospital provides is usually not tight or secure. It’s mesh and itchy and never stays in place. I brought these to the hospital and was so happy I did! I wore them until the package was empty which was just right. They are very comfortable, you feel very dry with no leaks, and they have a little built-in support for feeling covered and all tucked in.

Breast Cream – this is a must. I always use it consistantly for the first couple of weeks. I’m so afraid of getting chapped or worse. This balm gives very thick protection.

Nursing Pads – disposable is quick and you may not need them for very long. I like to wear them especially during the weeks I apply the breast cream since it can stain or leave a greasy residue on clothing.

Witch Hazel Pads – these are my secret weapon. I have used them for all of my postpartums (eight), and it feels very cooling and clean. I use them until the package is gone. First, I wear them over the pad, later, I use them to wipe and feel like the healing is coming along.

Underwear – just a couple of these help smooth out the middle-section so fabrics don’t cling in all the wrong places ; )

High-waisted Leggings – they cover the tummy when nursing for more comfort. These have a gentle compression that secures the post-baby belly and feels supportive on my back.

Seamless, Soft Sports Bra – I always wear one through labor and delivery and really for the first few weeks. It doesn’t tug or dig anywhere and you still feel supported. Later, when I wore regular nursing bras, I still wore these to bed for the comfort for sleep and ease of nursing.

Sweatshirt – soft and cozy adds a little comfort when you’re extremely tired. This works great when you’re too sleepy to change into pajamas.

Protein Drink – helped me get to the next meal if we were going to be out or if i was nursing/pumping and couldn’t get a bit to eat until a little later.

Concealer – this one is thick and a very little bit goes a long way. I’m still using it over a year later.

Audio Bible – listened everyday and brought so much joy to my soul. I would switch up the versions (a different reader with each one). I purposed to listen during my morning feeding/pumping session. It was very comforting and I looked forward to it.

Tylenol – when you’re not a first-time mom, afterbirth pains may be intense. I have sometimes taken it just to not think about it. Afterbirth pains should taper off within the first week.

Nursing/lounging Clothes – you may have taken some to the hospital, but if not, having a couple sets at home is very practical. You’re comfortable and discreet for visitors, but can slip into bed for a quick nap midday, too. It’s a wonderful feeling to change into clean clothes when there are so many messes around : )

Probiotics – I mentioned similar ones in a previous post regarding postpartum preparation. It was helpful to take them through the postpartum weeks to keep the digestive system regular. It may boost the immune system, so I take it in hopes to compensate for lack of sleep lowering my immune system.

Water Bottle – staying hydrated is so important! It will affect your milk supply. I like this kind because I can sip it while driving without having to tilt the bottle. It also doesn’t require two hands to unscrew when nursing.

Extra Set of Bedsheets – if baby’s diaper leaking and spitting up the whole feeding doesn’t convince you, then mom’s night sweats and midnight snacking in bed will. You’ll need another set of sheets for a 3:15am bed change. Choose natural fibers like cotton or linen.

 with love, Damaris

preparing for postpartum

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After eight deliveries, I feel comfortable to talk about my personal postpartum experience. With each baby’s arrival, I learned how to prepare for the ups and downs of postpartum, which has been very appropriately nicknamed the fourth trimester. Even though I’m not wiser nor a medical professional, I know my postpartum self pretty well – and it isn’t six weeks.  Feeling stronger, feeling rested, coming out of the mental fog, having stamina and focus, all these take longer that six weeks to recover. 

We all have ‘glitter marks’ (I read this somewhere, and I love it!) in different places.  Some carry extra weight, other’s skin is forever changed, a few have soft in different places.  Many of our glitter marks disappear and some stay with us forever. 

But not all the changes are physical, our minds will cope differently which is the one part of postpartum that you can’t physically see or compare.  We find ourselves exhausted with the joy that is the fourth trimester as we become acquainted with our shifting hormones. You can be happy beyond measure and cry tears of sadness or fear at the same time. 

Motherhood changes us physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Some of these changes are permanent, but most are only temporary.  The unsettled feeling, discouragement, freak out moments can be so normal and often feel that they’ll become permanent.

We want these early newborn days and weeks to be a celebration of the sacredness of life, so having a chance to understand and prepare will help the transition that is postpartum. I’m compiling a list of my postpartum essentials, but today I’d like to share a few things I’ve learned about the postpartum journey:

it gets better. With the passing weeks, you will feel stronger and have more stamina.

it’s very brave to ask for help. Remembering that so many women understand and care makes it tremendously better.

slow down. Have time to bond with the baby, time to talk, and cry.  A good friend, mom, or husband will allow you to have a good sob and release those hormones.

eat, drink, and sleep well, or as best you can.  Nutritious food is very important to balance our hormones. It will be difficult to find time and mental focus to invest into menu planning and healthy pantry items, so it’s best to prepare before the birth.  I freeze wholesome meals before baby comes, stock the pantry, make simple breakfasts menu (more like a list that Dad or grandma can follow), and lunch ideas based on what we keep stocked and what the children like. 

get in the sun.  I have made it part of my recovery routine to be outside everyday (usually a short 15 minute stroll).

probiotics. Gut health is closely associated to mental health. Link.

prenatal with DHA fish oils. Continue to take it daily. Getting enough iron, vitamin D, B vitamins, and proteins will help recovery.

activities for the siblings. I always buy a few craft kits from Hobby Lobby of Michael’s. Many years ago, my sister-in-law mailed us a new Cat in the Hat DVD soon after having a baby, and it was so hepful for the siblings. Having the littles sitting at the table with a craft or on the couch while you nurse is priceless peace of mind. A container with new puzzles, coloring books, crayons, stickers, etc. is also handy.

routine. I try to have a couple things that I do everyday that make me feel normal.  Notice I said a couple :). Little daily anchors, if you will.  Mine are to have a cup of coffee in the morning, take a shower (even if it’s mid-day), sit down with the family at dinnertime, pray with the littles and kiss them in their beds.  These few and little things are big deals in postpartum and can help make you feel sane.

What other advice would you give an expecting mama?

 with love, Damaris