Postpartum Recovery Guidance Booklet
Why do I need this? There's so much to know!
How do I use it? Reference this booklet for explanations on why and how to use various products (including other products not included in your bundle); evidence-based cheat sheets with tips and advice on common issues and questions; and words of wisdom and support from other parents. All content has been reviewed by an OBGYN to ensure it is medically accurate based on the latest research.
Period underwear (adult diapers)
Why do I need this? For the first few days of heavy flow. Regardless of how you delivered, bleeding is heavy the first few days after birth as your body eliminates blood, uterine tissue, and mucus through vaginal discharge called lochia. Many moms prefer adult diapers for the early days since they are more leak-proof and absorbent than even the largest pads.
How do I use it? Use for the first couple days when bleeding is heaviest, or when you are sleeping to avoid unwanted leaks. Layer with witch hazel pads for anti-inflammatory relief, if desired
Why this brand? Your bundle includes diapers from Rael, a company founded by three South Korean women who upon moving to the US were shocked by the lack of quality feminine care. These best-selling adult diapers are a world of difference from Depends: they are soft, comfortable, and made with organic Texas cotton and chlorine-free natural pulp, protecting your intimate areas from irritating chemicals.
Disposable undies
Why do I need this? To hold your large maxi pad in place. Many moms use disposable undies instead of "real" undies in the early days because leaks and stains are inevitable. Some moms use these from the beginning while others start with adult diapers and then switch to these when bleeding eases slightly. Still others prefer using disposable undies + pads during the day and diapers at night (not that there's really any clear line between day and night at first). Go with whatever you end up preferring!
How do I use it? Wear with maxi pads. These undies are sturdier than the hospital kind, but still meant to be disposed after use.
Why this brand? Many moms prefer these Fridamom boyshort postpartum undies over the fishnet-like see-through kind from the hospital because they feel more comfortable (soft, breathable, super stretchy) and secure (keep pads in place in place and provide support for your belly).
Overnight maxi pads
Why do I need this? To use with the disposable undies. Women typically bleed for 2-6 weeks after delivery, with bleeding quite heavy at first. Extra long, heavy flow pads catch leaks more effectively than smaller pads, especially when you are laying down resting or sleeping.
How do I use it? Use with your disposable underwear, or "real" undies that you don't mind getting stained. Layer with witch hazel pads for anti-inflammatory relief.
Why this brand? Like the adult diapers described above, these maxi pads are from Rael. These XL overnight organic cotton pads offer wide coverage with an extended backs, preventing leaks and stains from heavy postpartum flows when you're sleeping or laying down.
Stool softener
Why do I need this? To ease your early bowel movements. Postpartum constipation is common because of fluctuating hormones, medicines from labor, dehydration, iron in prenatal supplements, and weakened pelvic muscles. Your first bowel movements can also be painful because of perineal tearing, or if you've had a C-section, because you've just had a major abdominal surgery. Doctors often recommend taking a stool softener to make early bowel movements easier, especially if bleeding during delivery causes postpartum anemia because this requires taking extra iron, which in turn can worsen constipation.
How do I use it? Use as directed by your doctor; usually the recommended dose is 100mg (one capsule) twice a day. Stool softeners are safe to use when breastfeeding.
Why this brand? "Geri Care" is not a very sexy brand, but it's an Amazon best-seller for good reason: it does the job, and it does it well. These 100mg softgel capsules of docusate sodium have the same contents as Colace, another stool softener brand you may have heard of.
Peri bottle
Why do I need this? For painless cleaning down there. Peri bottles help you clean your perineal area after you use the toilet whether you had a vaginal delivery (wiping can be painful and irritate stitches), a C-section (to avoid bending over), or have hemorrhoids (makes it painful to wipe).
How do I use it? Fill with warm water, squirt to gently clean perineal area, then blot the area with toilet paper to dry
Why this brand? In the past few years it seems everyone has discovered the superiority of upside-down peri bottles to the squirt kind they give you at the hospital. The reality is, there is not a significant difference among any of these upside-down bottles, so we sourced directly to save you any brand markup here.
Cold therapy pack
Why do I need this? For reducing perineal pain. Applying a cold pack to your perineal or incision area can help reduce pain after delivery, especially during the first 24-48 hours. Note that applying cold packs reduces blood circulation to the treated area which can slow the healing process, so prioritize using ice packs for pain relief in the early days but then try to reduce their usage.
How do I use it? Put your gel pack in the freezer for 30 minutes to 4 hours before using, so that it freezes while maintaining some flexibility. Apply to the perineal or incision area for 10-20 minutes at a time. Reapply up to every hour as needed for the first few days, then try to apply less and less frequently as time goes on to ensure speedy healing.
Why this brand? There is not a specific stand-out brand of perineal ice packs, so we've sourced directly. Your bundle includes two reusable gel packs that you can freeze before use, along with four reusable washable sleeves.
Witch hazel pads
Why do I need this? For soothing irritated areas and to use as an alternative to toilet paper. Witch hazel, a natural topical remedy from the witch hazel plant, has been used as a postpartum and hemorrhoid remedy for ages due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties.
How do I use it? Many moms like to line maxi pads with witch hazel pads to ease perineal swelling. You can also use them to blot or wipe after bowel movements as a gentler option to toilet paper. Store in the refrigerator for extra cooling relief and use in combination with numbing spray and perineal balm to stay on top of pain management.
Why this brand? Tucks are the most popular & highly rated witch hazel pads and are a classic for good reason. Don't expect magic (their effect does wear off, like with everything else), but they do soothe and cool the perineal area well, especially if you store them in the fridge. They also are the perfect size for lining your maxi pad with a couple of them.
Pain relieving spray
Why do I need this? For numbing the burn and itch. Most women experience some degree of tearing during childbirth, which can hurt. While stitches take care of closing up the tears, they unfortunately don't help with the pain and they can get uncomfortably itchy. A pain relieving spray can help temporarily numb pain and itchiness from pushing during delivery, post-delivery stitches, and hemorrhoids.
How do I use it? Shake the can, hold it several inches from the affected area, and spray. Use up to 3-4 times per day.
Why this brand? Like Tucks pads above, Dermoplast is a ride-or-die postpartum pain relief essential for most mamas, and is commonly used in hospitals. It's a topical anesthetic spray containing benzocaine for numbing pain relief and menthol for a cooling sensation to soothe the tender area.
Perineal balm
Why do I need this? For cooling comfort and speedier healing. A good balm offers relief for soreness and itchiness from delivery, stitches, and hemorrhoids. It also provides a protective barrier that can help heal tearing more quickly.
How do I use it? Apply with a clean finger on your clean, dry perineal area 2-3 times a day. Store in the refrigerator for extra cooling relief
Why this brand? Moms that use this balm by Earth Mama Organics swear by it, saying it's incredibly soothing after delivery. It is made with organic herbs and oils (witch hazel, lavender, peppermint) that are gentle but effective, and contains no petroleum, artificial fragrance, or preservatives. Earth Mama, founded by a nurse and mom, is a popular line of mom and baby care products that combines the wisdom of plant medicine with evidence-based research.
Donut pillow
Why do I need this? For comfort when sitting. A donut pillow can be a lifesaver for the days or weeks after birth when sitting anywhere but the toilet is a real pain, especially if you had significant tearing or have hemorrhoids.
How do I use it? Inflate and use wherever is helpful such as in the car, couch, office, or wherever sitting is uncomfortable.
Why this brand? This Dr. Fredericks inflatable donut pillow is a trusted go-to for many moms. It's sturdy, has a discrete gray flannel cover that's washable, comes with a pump for easy inflation by hand, and is nice and large (your bundle has the larger 18" size, which most moms like over the 15" one).
Large canvas tote
Why do I need this? We've included this as a gift for you! We made it nice and big, with an interior pocket and button clasp so that it fits a lot but also looks neat and organized.
How do I use it? Bring it with you to the hospital and use it to stash as many goodies as you can. Different hospitals have slightly different items on hand for you to take, but definitely stash all the extra diapers & baby wipes you can, along with baby blankets and swaddles, breastfeeding freebies, and anything else your hospital has that you can take home with you.