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Becoming a new mom is hard (both the first time, and each time after that!) Physically and emotionally it can be draining and when you add lack of sleep and physical discomfort from labor, those first days and weeks home from the hospital can be especially tough. With that I mind, it is also a special time, bringing home a new member of your family and getting in all those sweet newborn snuggles. Here are some simple postpartum prep ideas that will make life easier for you those first days home so you can focus on the most important things: your baby and your recovery.
1. Meal Prep/Plan
With my first, I made some easy home cooked meals that I froze before hand and picked up some simple frozen and dried food options (like personal pizzas and pasta sides) to keep in the house. While this may not sound like the healthiest of options, your focus should be on healing, which requires you to eat a balanced diet. Also, if you are breastfeeding you will be HUNGRY and need to eat to build up your supply. I will say however that making only 2-3 meal options in bulk to freeze, even when spaced out over 2 months, got pretty boring…
With my second, we opted not to prep and freeze any meals. Instead, we chose items from Wild Fork which came already frozen but gave us more variety and balance in our diet. They have items like seasoned fish and chicken that you can cook from frozen and require little planning or prep.
Some other ideas for simple and filling foods to stock up on:
- Oatmeal (filling and great for milk production)
- Pasta Sides/Mac N Cheese
- Simple frozen lunch foods
- High protein snacks – nuts/protein bars
2. Postpartum Bathroom Basket
This is quick and simple to set up, but doing it prior to coming home from the hospital will mean you’re set up right from the start and is one less thing to do afterwards. I made one for each of my 2 bathrooms so I didn’t have to go back and forth.
- Pads
- Peribottles – 1 only water, 1 half water/half witch hazel
- Tucks Pads (cooling comfort if you have any tearing)
- Nipple cream
- Nipple Pads – I didn’t actually keep this in the basket but definitely good to have
3. Pad-sicles
Yes, this is what it sounds like! And while it may sound weird, if you are delivering vaginally they are extremely soothing. They are also very easy to make! My husband forgot I made these with my first and was confused when he opened the freezer and asked “why do you have tampons next to our chicken?!” to which I just pointed at my large pregnant belly and clarified they were NOT tampons. Any way, here is what you will need:
- Pads
- Witch Hazel
- Aloe
- Coconut Oil
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Open up the pad, pour on some witch hazel. Add aloe and coconut oil. Top off with a couple drops of lavender oil (this is really optional and more for the smell). Last, close back in the packaging and pop in the freezer.
To use these, I typically liked to pull this out of the freezer before taking a shower to let it thaw slightly and then would use them at night. It really helps to soothe a sore perineum area.
4. Breast Pumping basket
If you are planning to breastfeed I definitely recommend setting this up prior to going to the hospital. If all goes as planned you may not need this for a few weeks, but if you have a hard time with latching or other issues (like engorgement) that a pump would help with, it is nice to have set this up and looked at the parts and how they connect before you get home. Keep in mind that if you need one in the hospital, they will provide it to you but it will likely work differently than what you have at home. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check with your insurance company to see the process to get you free breast pump. The process and options will vary by provider. With that said, this is what I would include in your pumping basket:
- Breast pump
- Pump parts (including extra pieces)
- Small extension cord
- Hands free pumping bras – Clip on Style and A full style
- Nursing cover
5. Baby’s ‘Areas’
I left this a little vague on purpose because everyone’s home set up is different so what you choose to put the baby in throughout the day will vary but I’m referring to the baby’s bassinet, swing, bouncer, pack-n-play, rocker, tummy time mat, boppy pillow, etc. Wherever you plan to put the baby down for a bit to safely get some things done or play with your baby, set it up before you leave for the hospital. Right now, you’re getting some sleep and are much better equipped to read directions and set up whatever it may be than you will be after delivering a baby, having minimal sleep and potentially a crying baby in the background so just get this out of the way!
Hopefully this checklist will help you get some things set up before welcoming your baby to the world and make coming home with your new addition a little smoother. Still need to pack your hospital bag? Check out our hospital packing checklist!
What did you prep (or are planning to prep) before welcoming your baby home?
