When you’re preparing to give birth, most moms-to-be focus on what they’ll need for their little one—diapers, burp cloths, bottles, nursing pillows — the list goes on! But have you considered what you’ll need to take care of your own body after delivery…especially if you’re planning for a vaginal birth?
While every woman’s vaginal delivery experience is different, there are some items that can make your early days postpartum a bit more comfortable as you heal from delivery. Here’s our go-to list for what to have on hand to take care of yourself and your pelvic area after a vaginal birth.
- Ice packs: A soft ice pack can do wonders for a sore perineum area. Your care team will likely send you home with a few, but it can be good to have extras on hand depending on how long your recovery takes. Studies show that ice can reduce pain and help with swelling. There are several ice packs available in stores that are made specifically for postpartum, but a regular ice pack wrapped in a sanitary pad will do as well.
- Peri bottle: This squeeze bottle is a must-have for helping you urinate and keep clean after a vaginal delivery, especially if you have any tearing or stitches. To use a peri bottle, fill it with warm water and squeeze the bottle to squirt water directly onto your vaginal area while you urinate. The bottle helps dilute the urine which can sting any healing areas. Continue the water stream after you’re done urinating to gently clean yourself, then gently pat yourself dry with toilet paper.
- Witch hazel pads: This botanical treatment is a go-to for healing as it’s a natural astringent. Witch hazel pads, sometimes known as “tucks,” can help relieve burning and itching for both achy vaginal repairs and hemorrhoids. Witch hazel can be purchased then applied to cotton pads, or purchased as pads already containing witch hazel. Line your maxi pad or ice pack with witch hazel pads and wear against your pelvic area for relief.
- Numbing spray: Topical numbing sprays are another popular option that can help relieve the pain and discomfort of a vaginal delivery or tear. Most contain lidocaine and can be used about four times within a 24-hour period. Spray directly onto your vaginal area or onto your maxi pad for relief. It’s important to check with your care team at the hospital to ensure it is ok to use numbing sprays, depending on your condition following delivery.
- Stool softener: This one might seem confusing. But if you experience constipation, dehydration, hemorrhoids, or tearing after giving birth, stool softener can be a lifesaver. Using a stool softener can help prevent straining and discomfort when you have your first few bowel movements postpartum. Stool softeners can be especially helpful if you’re given iron supplements due to blood loss during delivery, as iron can increase constipation.
- Maxi pads/adult diapers: Following any kind of birth, you’ll experience bleeding for several weeks afterwards as your uterus contracts and empties. Because of this, it’s important to have plenty of large pads on-hand for the first few weeks postpartum, as well as some smaller pads or panty liners as the bleeding subsides. Some women prefer to use adult diapers rather than pads after delivery. Grab a few different items and see what works best for you. It’s important to remember that tampons are never safe to use following a vaginal delivery, so as not to introduce any bacteria into your healing uterus.
- Hemorrhoid cream: Hemorrhoids are very common during late pregnancy, and can appear or worsen after the strain of pushing to deliver your baby. Having some hemorrhoid cream on hand can help with discomfort until they improve—typically within a few weeks.
While your hospital will likely provide some of these items after delivery, it can’t hurt to have some backups on hand at home. We hope this list helps you feel well-prepared to take care of yourself following childbirth.