The ultimate postpartum checklist for your recovery after giving birth. Including everything you need to do, what you should avoid, and a complete list of postpartum essentials.
Why Is Postpartum Care So Important?
Becoming a mom can be overwhelming, you have a newborn to take care of, there is so much to do, and you won’t exactly be feeling your best. Postpartum care is vital to your recovery and will ensure you can take care of baby and enjoy this precious time.
Your body goes through a lot of changes after you give birth and it will take you a while to recover. While you are healing it is important to take care of yourself for a speedy recovery.
This postpartum checklist will tell you everything you should be doing as well as a few things to avoid. There is also a complete list of supplies to stock up to help make your six weeks postpartum go as smoothly as possible.
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Your Postpartum Checklist
What You Should Do Postpartum
1. Shower every day to keep everything clean down below.
2. When sitting for long periods sit on a pillow for comfort. A donut pillow or inflatable cushion will be perfect for this.
3. Be careful when you are moving. Go slowly, no rushing around or overstretching.
4. Go for a lie down regularly. This not only gives you a much needed rest but also takes the the pressure off your sore bits. Keeping a good posture will also relieve the pressure.
5. Change your postpartum pads every four hours. However if your bleeding is heavy you may need to change them more often. If there are any sudden changes in your bleeding like with the amount or color call your doctor right away.
6. Don’t go too long without passing urine. Use a peri bottle to pour warm water over your perineum to ease pain.
7. Bowel movements can be difficult after giving birth. Try leaning forward on the toilet to make thing a bit easier. Drinking plenty of fluids, eating high fibre foods, and taking a stool softener can also help move things along.
8. Don’t forget to do your pelvic floor exercises, but try not to overdo it in the first few weeks. Drawing in your pelvic floor when you sit down and stand up will also help.
9. Use an ice pack on your perineum to help take away the sting.
10 Ask for help if you need. I get that a lot of postpartum issues can be kind of personal but don’t be too embarrassed to mention any problems with your doctor or midwife.
What You Should Avoid
1. Do not do any heavy lifting, make any sudden movements, or any high impact exercise until your body has recovered.
2. Don’t use tampons until after your postnatal check, and avoid swimming until your bleeding has stopped.
3. Avoid sex until you have seen your doctor for your postnatal check.
4. Try not to strain when having a bowel movement as this is using the same muscles that are worn out from childbirth.
5. Wearing tight clothes down below can increase your risk of an infection and can be extremely painful and uncomfortable.
6. Avoid googling any problems you may have. This is a surefire way to send you into a blind panic. Always see your doctor if you are worried about anything.
7 Don’t be afraid to admit that you are overwhelmed. Postpartum can be a roller coaster of emotions so don’t be embarrassed if its all got a bit too much. Do not keep it to yourself, talk to your healthcare provider, especially if you are feeling anxious or very low in mood.
8. Do not stop taking your prenatal vitamins. Your postpartum body needs to heal and is in desperate need of all the nutrients and good stuff in your prenatals.
Postpartum Care Kit
- A comfortable, well fitting nursing bra
- Breast Pads
- Breast Pump
- Cream for cracked and sore nipples
- Cold/hot compress for painful breasts
- Loose comfortable clothing
- Postpartum Pads and Underwear
- Peri Bottle
- Witch Hazel Pads
- Perineal Healing Spray
- A Donut Pillow
- Sitz Bath and Preparations
- Painkillers
- Stool Softeners
Refer to this postpartum checklist after your baby is born to help with your recovery.
Related Postpartum Recovery Posts
Postpartum Migraines. How To Get Relief
Postpartum Fatigue. How You Can Beat It
Everything You Need To Know About Your Postpartum Body
