Postpartum Essentials

Third baby means you kind of have the postpartum part down pretty well. Especially after three very similar birth experiences, I’ve been able to hone in what I need and what I don’t. And again with the idea that you don’t need much – really.

The first week or so after baby is full of snuggles and milk and diapers and sleep. As it should be! And with that in mind, the things I’m using to take care of myself postpartum have as much to do with comfort as they do practicality.

First and foremost, I highly suggest a lounger. Or two or three, if you’re me. I have them literally everywhere. Bed, moses basket, changing table, couch. I love having a lounger everywhere. It constantly provides me a place to lay baby, safely, and most of the time out of reach of the other kids. The lounger is truly a postpartum life saver for me, making it easy to pick baby up, keep baby close, keep baby safe, and immediately start practicing independent sleep.

Second, food. Ya’ll. Home Chef is where it’s at. I’m ordering six meals a week right now, and using at least one a day. Many days I’ll cook one early in the day and I’ll get two meals out of it for myself, and cook another for the family dinner. I’m eating constantly (breastfeeding and recovery), so this makes it so easy to get real food, not snacks or take out, into my body and give me the fuel I need.

And then of course, the body things we need. Pads and clothes and all things that make us comfortable. I feel very fortunate that I don’t need much – all my births have been fairly easy on my body that way. This time around, there was no tearing or stitches (I only had stitches with Joey), and 10 days postpartum and I’ve basically stopped bleeding.

But nonetheless, those first few days/weeks are tough on our body. There’s lots of fluids… really. A few things worth noting are period underwear, lacti-cups and my absolute fave, the at home bidet.