Ice is also your friend. “Ice packs that can be used on the perineal area may help decrease swelling related to vaginal delivery,” says Dr. Purdie. “They can also help with any burning feeling that may be associated with the C-section scar.”
You should definitely have extra postpartum pads (which are basically large maxi pads) on hand, “as most people will continue to bleed for four to six weeks post-delivery,” says Dr. Purdie. “Some women also prefer to use disposable underwear, as they may be more stretchy and comfortable during this time.” (Adult diapers are also a convenient option, and they can be easier to use. “Many patients have told me that these do not rub against their C-section scar like most regular underwear does,” she says.)
What to look for in a postpartum kit
When you’re shopping, either for a gift or for yourself, “things to consider include whether the delivery was vaginal or a C-section, whether there was any tearing — and what degree the tear may have been — and whether she is breastfeeding,” says Dr. Harper. If you plan to get a C-section, you might want to go with a dedicated kit for that purpose.
That said, there’s still a lot of overlap. “Women who have a C-section will still have vaginal bleeding, so maxi pads and mesh underwear and even a peri bottle will remain important,” she says. Plus, moms who give birth vaginally might want to use a belly band to get extra support the first few days after giving birth.
If you’re breastfeeding you might want to look for a kit with nipple creams and other breastfeeding essentials. Nipple cream “is very helpful to apply post-breastfeeding or pumping to help prevent or treat sore and cracked nipples,” says Dr. Purdie. “In addition, breastfeeding pads are useful for collecting any milk that might leak.”
Is a postpartum kit necessary?
It depends! If you plan to deliver in a hospital, many now offer peri bottles, mesh underwear, and maxi pads. During this time, you can stuff your bag with them and take them home. (For certain things, like iced maxi pads, you can DIY your own before giving birth.)
However, if you’re looking for something a little more luxurious or thoughtful, a postpartum kit might be the way to go. (After all, fancy postpartum retreats in the U.S. exist and are fairly common in Asian countries like South Korea.) Whatever the case, new mamas shouldn’t overlook their own well-being. “We often have really high expectations of ourselves, when what we need to do is worry about eating, sleeping, and caring for ourselves and our infants,” reminds Dr. Harper. “If postpartum kits can help women with their self-care routine, that’s wonderful.”
Meet the experts
- Lyndsey Harper, MD, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and CEO and co-founder of Rosy
- Jill Purdie, MD, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group in Atlanta, Georgia