During those precious 9 months of pregnancy, expecting parents and family members tend to spend so much time and money planning and preparing to welcome the newborn baby. However, they often forget that the expecting mom requires equal care, love and attention after childbirth for proper recovery and good health of both the mother and the child.
Motherhood is an amazingly fulfilling experience and unlike the common knowledge of pregnancy consisting of three trimesters, there is an extremely significant fourth trimester that many women don’t know about, called the “postpartum period.” This fourth trimester is usually categorized as the first three months after giving birth and is a period involving a lot of healing, learning, and many sleepless, stressful nights. Moreover, with today’s fast-forward lifestyle, where couples are sometimes forced to live away from their families or near and dear ones due to work commitments, it can be highly challenging to adjust to the new changes in their lifestyle during this period if you don’t know what to expect or have the necessary postpartum essentials pre-arranged.
Also Read: Postnatal Care: Why Is It Important For A New Mom’s Recovery
So, let all your queries and quest regarding postpartum products end right here. We here at Netmeds.com, are always there to guide you and make this pregnancy journey a beautiful one.
Foray through this 2-minute read to find a curated list of products that might help you out and ease this blissful journey of motherhood.
Best Postpartum Essentials To Purchase
Nursing Pads
If you plan to breastfeed, there is always a fair chance of leaking breast milk now and then, sometimes even at the sound of your crying baby or something too emotional in the early days. Well, investing in some nursing pads can seriously help save you a few changes of clothes throughout the day and even from a big embarrassment out in public. From disposable, reusable, silicone pads, and hydrogel pads to homemade pads, there are several options available nowadays to choose from.
Also Read: Nursing Pads: Prevent Milk Leakage With This Incredible Breast-Feeding Accessory
Breast Pump
Indeed, breastfeeding is quite a blissful experience that is beneficial for the mom and baby and helps create an intimate bond between them. But if you are a working mom, have a few outdoor chores to tend to, or have excessive breast milk that needs expressing, then trust us, a Breast pump is a boon! While there are numerous benefits of this device, the biggest one being the ability to feed your little one breast milk even if you are not available or in case your baby has a problem latching onto your nipples. So, if the above scenario looks similar to you, feel free to get a breast pump according to your needs.
Nipple Cream
Have you noticed that whenever you take a long shower or do any activity in the water, the skin of your fingers gets wrinkled? Now imagine the impact when your little one constantly sucks at your nipples (which have even thinner skin)? The answer is sore, cracked skin on your nipples that are painful to bear. While breastfeeding might continue for a long time, so remedy this problem and heal your cracked nipples, do keep a tube of nipple cream always handy.
Also Read: Post Pregnancy Issues And Steps To Handle Them Easily
Maternity Pads/Panties
Regardless of whether you have a vaginal birth or have opted for a C-section, you are most likely to experience some vaginal bleeding and discharge during the first one or two weeks right after delivery known as lochia. And this heavy flow of blood calls for extra support, something that your regular or even overnight menstrual pads are incapable of. So, have a full set of heavy-duty maternity pads or panties that have extra leak protection to help ease any stress while you’re busy taking care of the baby.
Postpartum Support Belt or Girdle
There is no denying that the wonderful journey of pregnancy sure has a lasting effect on your tummy, back and lower abdominal muscles, what with the shooting pain coming from carrying your baby for 9 months and the epidural being given right before delivery. But studies have shown that a postpartum support belt or girdle can provide the necessary support to the abdominal muscles after delivery and also prevent the tummy muscles from loosening. These belts made of stretchable and breathable materials not only help with posture and minimize discomfort but also aid in the recovery of abdominal muscles. Choose an adjustable postpartum support belt with the appropriate size to get the optimal level of compression.
Also Read: Prenatal Yogasanas: 5 Effective Yoga Postures To Make Birthing Hassle-free
Perineal Care Products
After delivery, it is common for the new mom to face perineal discomfort. Something as simple as going to the loo seems like a difficult task during the initial days. But worry not, the twenty-first century has an answer to all your needs. From perineal numbing sprays for your normal delivery incision, a healing salve for your C-sec incision, soothing pads, and perineal cold packs to peri bottles to alleviate burning sensation and discomfort while passing out urine, there is a horde of perineal products to provide relief during the postpartum recovery period.
Haemorrhoid Cream
Be it normal or C-sec delivery, many women experience pain while passing stool. To ease the throbbing pain around your anal region, it is best to purchase a haemorrhoid cream and stock it in your restroom.
C-shaped Donut Pillow
Be it a normal or C-sec delivery, some women even face challenges to sit down while recovering from delivery. To alleviate the pressure from the sensitive areas, you can get a C-shaped pillow to sit on while breastfeeding your baby or even just relaxing.
Postpartum Skin And Haircare
Unlike some people who literally glow both during and after pregnancy, some unlucky ones face the harsh impact of pregnancy on their skin and hair in the form of pimples, breakouts, dry skin, dark patches, intense hair fall, premature greying, and whatnot! Well, while there are numerous issues to worry about post-delivery, don't let skin and hair woes get added to the list. Try investing in postpartum skincare products like stretch mark creams, mild baby-friendly moisturisers, gentle cleansers, under-eye creams, suitable serums, hair oils, shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks with natural ingredients to avoid side effects. These products not only help hydrate and nourish your skin and hair but also evidently address specific concerns related to pregnancy.
Self-Care and Relaxation Products
For a new mom, apart from skin and hair care necessities, even mental well-being is equally important. In most instances, a post-partum period is characterized by long sleepless nights, constant crying, and a huge topsy-turvy of different hormones and emotions. To help ease this journey, try taking small breaks in your routine while the baby is asleep. There is nothing that TLC (Time, Love and Care) can’t heal, but this time, some added products might help promote relaxation and well-being. Consider investing in some aromatherapy diffusers, essential oils, bath salts, or herbal teas to help create a soothing environment where you can effortlessly take time for yourself and recharge.