I tried to research and prepare the best I could, before I gave birth, for Postpartum care. It’s like nesting but for yourself vs for your baby.
And to be real with ya, you won’t know exactly what you need in your individual experience until you actually give birth.
So many factors dictate what you’ll actually need AND it partially comes down to preference. But… I want to share what has helped me so far and what continues to help me anyway!
This post is coming from my personal experience, so I will be discussing Cesarean Birth recovery only, not Vaginal Birth recovery.
They aren’t extremely different, some of these items overlap, but there are things specifically needed for each kind of recovery.
C-Section After Care
1. Pads / Panty Liners
If you’re getting cared for at the hospital you will receive this post-delivery. They won’t last you much longer after the hospital visit, so this is something you can expect to stock up on!
Depending on your Lochia flow and preference for comfortability, this is an item you can really get selective with.
The hospital provides large pads, but you don’t really need that size if Lochia isn’t heavy or excessive and/or you don’t feel comfortable with that size—I’m personally using liners out of preference and flow.
2. Depends / Mesh Undies
I only used these the first few days because they didn't mesh well with me. (Cue drums). The way most of these fit was uncomfortable on my C-section incision.
They were helpful at the moment though so they get an honorable mention. I preferred the Mesh Undies over the Depends because of their stretchiness, but I will say the Depends lasted longer and were more durable than the Mesh Undies (I went with the Frida Mom).
The hospital provides these as well, but those things are worthless… go ahead and invest in more durable ones!
I switched to regular undies within the first few days because my Lochia wasn't very heavy. So this section really depends on your personal experience.
3. Peri-Bottle
The hospital will provide this as well, but there are different types of Peri-bottles out there. Depending on your toilet situation, some will be more helpful than others.
By this I mean, if you have plenty of space, go for the angled peri-bottle (Frida Mom has one, or you can go Generic w/ another brand - up to preference…).
I actually prefer the hospital Peri-bottle, it isn’t angled, but it’s easier for me to use. The only downside is you have to fill it up more frequently because they provide small bottles.
4. Witch Hazel Pads
These are great for any kind of discomfort like burning, itching, or irritation—they are especially useful for hemorrhoids, which most of us experience postpartum.
Witch hazel also naturally draws water out of tissues, causing them to shrink or constrict. This is great for—you guessed it—lochia.
5. Perineal Ice/Heat Packs
I originally got these thinking my birth would go how I planned—naturally and vaginally—but that didn’t go how I expected (life is always throwing curveballs)!
These ice packs ended up being super convenient for my C-section incision after everything was said and done because they are about the length of the incision, just slightly longer—plus, they are also reusable, unlike the crack-activated, instant ones you can buy at your local convenience store.
They can also be heated up to add heat to the area. Both are beneficial during the healing process.
The hospital does provide an ice pack, but I personally didn't like the one provided. When the ice would melt, water would seep out of the sides so the ones I had on hand were nice and way more convenient.
6. C-Section Silicone Scar Tape
This comes super in handy when showering and helps bridge the cesarean scar together. This can also help prevent a “shelf” from forming above the scar that many C-section patients adopt during recovery.
That’s really it.
7. C-Section Scar Cream
Just like any other cream, this isn’t a miracle worker. I just use it personally to aid in the healing process and to moisturize the area before massaging around the scar.
I know it doesn’t make the scar go away, though my surgeon did a really excellent job and I can barely tell I was cut open. It’s still fresh so I’ll give it time to completely heal before making any definite observations.
8. Belly Binder
This is another item the hospital will provide for you. It has been a massive help to me.
I didn't trust wearing it before because so many different sources say “binders/belly bands are harmful to organs and can cause deeper issues postpartum”, but so far it has helped bind and bring my diastasis back together throughout my recovery.
It’s also great for bridging everything together when coughing, laughing, sneezing, or anything that causes any kind of pressure to the abdominals.
FIN
I’m sure I left a thing or two out, but these are my top-used items.
They have helped and continue to help me through this recovery process, maybe they can help you too!
And if you’ve been there, done that - feel free to share what did or didn’t work for you in the comments. 😇
As always,
#WAGMI
Your friend,
- BowTiedHeifer
Disclaimer
I am not a licensed personal trainer or pre/postnatal specialist—these are simply my personal experiences and things I have witnessed to work for many others. This is not legal, medical or financial advice. Please speak to a professional before starting any new programs, applying any new diet plans, or supplement protocols.