Postpartum Recovery Kit: Must-Haves for a Vaginal Birth

As your uterus sheds the blood and mucus it needed while you were pregnant, you’ll experience vaginal bleeding (known as lochia) that’s similar to a long and heavy period. While it will change in heaviness and color, you can expect to bleed for about four to six weeks after delivery. During this time, you’ll need to exclusively use some sort of pad, since tampons should be avoided during this time.

The hospital should provide you with a decent supply of super-absorbent maxi pads, but once your stockpile is used up, you’ll need something else. At this stage, many women prefer Depends to pads, since you’ll probably find them (overall) a bit more attractive, plus they don’t bunch and shift the same way pads can. Still, they’re highly absorbent, affording you at least a couple hours between changes.

Size: 18 pads

Heavy postpartum bleeding may ruin your favorite pair of underwear, so underwear you’re not too attached to will be your best friend for the first few days after birth. This stretchy, breathable pair will keep you comfortable and keep your pads in place. And though they’re more expensive than the typical pair of undies, they’re a huge step up from the mesh variety the hospital provides. The belly-hugging design includes a built-in pocket to hold an ice or heat pack where you’ll need it most — between the legs and over the lower abdomen — after a vaginal birth. They’re also jet black, so you don’t have to worry too much about staining.

Material: 85 percent recycled polyester, 15 percent spandex

Sizes offered: XXS through 3X

A postpartum perineal hygiene routine is essential for relieving discomfort, especially if you have an episiotomy or tearing during a vaginal birth. Your doctor will recommend rinsing your perineum with warm water during and after urination. Frida Mom’s peri bottle has an angled neck to make it even easier to spray hard-to-reach areas — the key feature that makes it a cult-favorite. It holds 10 ounces of water and comes with a waterproof storage bag that can be used for travel, too.

Capacity: 10 ounces

Many hospitals provide Tucks medicated cooling pads — and for good reason. The highly cooling and soothing witch hazel-soaked circles work wonders on irritated areas. You can place one or two atop your pad for up to 15 minutes up to six times a day for instant soothing. Alternatively, you can use one of these medicated pads to dab the area after going to the bathroom. Either way, you’ll feel immediate and lasting relief from burning and itching. And since each box comes with 100, you'll have plenty on hand.

Size: 100 pads

If you’re exceptionally sore down there after a vaginal delivery, you’ll want something soft to sit on — and sometimes a couch or a bed simply isn’t soft enough. An orthopedic donut pillow can help keep your rear lifted, taking the pressure off that swollen and painful area, but these items can be pricey — especially if you don’t plan to use them for longer than a few days to a week or so. A Boppy pillow is a great alternative, since it’s so versatile. Use it to relieve the pains associated with your own aching body, to help you breastfeed more comfortably and to prop baby up.

Applying a cooling pad to your perineum for the first couple of days following a vaginal delivery helps to reduce discomfort. While homemade padsicles will do the job, they require precious time to make, plus take up some of your freezer space. That’s why so many moms appreciate these disposable Medline Perineal Cold Packs, which don’t need to be frozen: Simply crack the pack for instant cold therapy and insert it into your underwear. Some reviewers also report that they’re absorbent for postpartum bleeding protection, too.

Dimensions: 4.5 x 14.25 inches (each pad)

Size: 24 pads

Talk to your doctor about using a numbing agent in a spray, cream, ointment or pad to relieve postpartum perineal pain. Dermoplast’s spray contains benzocaine, aloe, lanolin and menthol to soothe and moisturize damaged skin. Bonus: It has uses well beyond delivery, relieving the discomfort of all types of scrapes, cuts, burns and insect bites. (As mentioned, you’ll just want to make sure your practitioner gives you the green light first.)

Size: 2.75 ounces

Between constipation-causing pain medications and simply feeling nervous to go to the bathroom after delivery, it’s normal to be stopped up post-delivery. Many moms also experience hemorrhoids carried over from pregnancy or from pushing during delivery, adding to the discomfort with bowel movements.

To battle postpartum constipation and get your system back on track, fill up on fiber, drink plenty of water and take short, leisurely walks. With your doctor’s approval, you may want to try a mild laxative. Miralax, which is sold as a powder, is a popular option among new moms — especially because the flavorless powder can be added to whatever drink you’re already imbibing without altering the taste. The cap acts as a built-in measuring tool for the powder, which makes it super easy to prepare.

Size: 8.3 ounces per bottle (14 doses)

The last uterine contractions unfortunately don’t end once baby arrives. Abdominal cramps, known as afterpains, can come on strongly the second and third days after giving birth, and can last seven to 10 days after delivery as your uterus contracts. You may also experience perineal discomfort and pain from your vaginal delivery, particularly if you had stitches. The good news: It’s safe to pop ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) again after pregnancy and even while breastfeeding (as long as your doctor hasn’t advised you otherwise — remember, it’s always best to ask your practitioner before starting any new medication).

Size: 200 capsules

After a vaginal birth, there’s no question that your downstairs area will be sensitive — even if you’re not facing issues like a tear or hemorrhoids. Many postpartum mothers swear by bidets, since it eliminates the need to apply lots of toilet paper to the area. The Tushy Classic 3.0 is well-loved by moms (and people in general), because it’s incredibly easy to install and has adjustable pressure to suit your needs. As a nice bonus, it comes in a wide range of colors, so you can choose something to match your bathroom seamlessly — a great alternative to a professionally-installed bidet. And while you might think this would be difficult to install, Tushy says it takes less than nine minutes for a standard toilet.

Professional installation required: No

If you're looking for a comprehensive kit that features many of the items listed above (or are looking to give something particularly useful to a new mom in your life), opt for the Bodily Postpartum Recovery Basics Bundle. This pack includes mesh underwear, maxi pads and stool softener to help you through your recovery. Simply throw it in your hospital bag (or have it waiting for you at home!) and you're good to go.