What can I buy for myself to make life easier postpartum?

[Orangegreen]

We are excitedly buying things for baby but I also want to create a ‘bottom drawer’ type thing for myself, full of things I will appreciate in the postpartum period when we are trying to save pennies.

So far I’m thinking: Waterstones voucher, some cash for a takeaway, fluffy socks… what else would be good?

Costa card

A travel mug do you can actually have a hot drink.

If you're planning to breastfeed, Lansinoh.
Chocolate!
Snacks.
A lap tray. I found this sooo useful, DH would set it up on the sofa next to me whilst I spent hours breastfeeding and contact napping and he'd lay everything I'd need on it - snacks, drinks, book, tv remote, tissues!
A steady supply of good books.
Lots of tissues.
Loads of massive maternity pads, the huge Lil Lets ones were my faves for the first week or two.
Breast pads, washable ones are good if you're planning to breastfeed.
Sleep bras - I still use my ancient Emma Jane ones.
Nursing bras if planning to breastfeed.
Button down PJs/nighties are good or nursing ones, if planning to breastfeed, so you don't get as cold as you would if just lifting up tops in the middle of the night. Likewise dressing gown.
This Works sleep spray.
Ear plugs for if it's your partner's turn to do a night feed if you bottle feed at all.
Ready meals.
Breastfeeding cushion if planning to breastfeed.

Thank you! I’m adding lots to my Amazon basket!

Giant glass/water bottle with a straw

A night nanny.

Cardigan/hoodie with pockets

Big comfy knickers and loads of comfy leggings and baggy t shirts that feel nice to wear and will hide your, excuse me, but hide your very jelly belly 🙈. Makes you feel less self conscious so you can get on with whatever else you're doing. Also books or games on your phone so you can pass the time when maybe sat feeding or sat with a sleeping baby on the sofa. Also a baby sling is a godsend so you can carry them round and you have two hands free for doing stuff

I came on to say exactly this! You might even get to finish a cuppa while it’s hot!

Tmi, but for me essential for the first few weeks post partum... I had a sitz bath type bowl that fitted on the toilet and every couple of hours / after using the toilet I'd fill it with warm water and some drops of lavender essential oil, and just gently sit / wash in it for a minute or so. Really helped me to feel fresh and comfortable at a time when you're likely to be bleeding. And post partum bleeding has a particular scent that isn't always pleasant! But this made me feel more confident and helped a lot with the healing. Sometimes I added epsom salts but this can dissolve stitches so I used this after the first couple of weeks.

A Kindle. I prefer paper books but it was really handy when I was breast feeding.

Kindle
cooks frozen meals
perfume and lipstick to feel pretty and human 😂 seriously though, I loved having perfume to make myself feel better
some clothes you like