what do mums need after birth?

[justtheoddquestion]

Hi, I can find lots of articles/advice on what to get for your new baby (and what to put in your hospital bag) but what will I need ie for me? Sanitary towels, breastfeeding bras, nipple cream, all those kind of things...? And some tips on how to make me feel a little bit human and a teeny bit sane (if that's possible with a newborn). Obviously, I'm a first time mum and I don't really know what happens to my body after birth. Timeframes would be appreciate too. Thanks xx

Lanisoh nipple cream.
Comfy pads, pjs and big knickers.
Some kind of indigestion remedy such as rennies etc. You may have to go a long time without food in labour and stomach acid can build up to uncomfortable levels. You might not feel like eating or still be a bit sick for a few hours after too.

Flip flops for your poor swollen feet and to get around and for the shower room. A light weight dressing gown it's much easier to cover yourself up if you wanted to. Some shorts as it gets very hot. A nice body wash that's sensitive. Loads of food!! Get some stuff downloaded on your phone or iPad to watch as if your like me I couldn't sleep much and the baby needs tending too so often it's easier to stay awake sometimes xx

@justtheoddquestion
Have a look at this book
www.amazon.co.uk/Preparing-give-birth-first-time-ebook/dp/B0713Q795Y?tag=mumsnetforum-21

Lots more maternity pads than you think you need. I used the Natracare ones which were lovely and soft. Had to keep buying them!

Snacks. Lots and lots of snacks. And a water bottle to keep with you at all times. If breastfeeding you will be constantly hungry and thirsty!

If you don’t already have one, a dressing gown with big pockets.

Comfy clothes with boob access. I think I lived in PJs and leggings (my maternity ones) with nursing vests for a while.

I also had an episiotomy and bought myself one of those inflatable donut cushions to sit on. It was invaluable but obviously you’d only need it if you have an episiotomy or bad tear. But do get plenty of ibuprofen and paracetamol in as you might need them whether you have stitches or a c-section.

A supportive partner who waits on you hand and foot afterwards and does lots of nappy changes is the best thing of all though

PS Amazon Prime membership! How could I forget! Bought my cushion with it so it arrived the next day. And loads of stuff for baby.

Aside from everything else mentioned- I'd recommend buying a couple of nighttime nursing bras- the soft ones that you pull to the side. Mothercare have them and jojo maman.

I hadn't really thought about the fact I would need to wear a bra to bed due to leaking milk everywhere so spent the first few nights in an uncomfortable nursing bra.

All of the above with the addition of dry shampoo. If you have IV tubes, catheters etc that make it difficult to shower, it made me feel more human.

Does anyone have a link for a good donut cushion?

You guys are amazing! Thank you so much. Lots of helpful advice. It's all quite overwhelming - 12wks to go! xx

In bag:
Phone charger. Battery pack one if hospital is fussy, most say they are but aren't really!
Change of clothes
Snacks - much more humanising to have something you fancy when you fancy it than a soft custard cream when the tea trolley appears. Also travel mug with lid so can have hot brew while holding baby!
Pants/pads/washbag as above but also proper babywipes. They say to use water and cottonwood for baby which is fine, but hospitals are hot hot hot and a baby wipe of face neck and armpits freshens you up and makes it more bearable!
I didn't feel me again until I got home. Day 1 both times but travel light anyway, you can bring more stuff in if you're in longer

Billions of maternity pads, although my maternity unit did supply them while in hospital.

Probably also breast pads, although I bought a shedload and then never leaked a drop!

For when you are at home, a travel mug is great for having hot drinks that stay warm and don't drip on baby's head.

Flapjack is a great snack, it has slow and quick release energy, it's filling and oats are good for milk supply if you bf.

As previously mentioned but just to add sudocrem for your sore bits. It's soothing and stops any rashes from pads and the stinging when you wee. That was the worst for me.
And a bump support/massive tubigrip for your deflated bump. It's heavy and uncomfortable straight after. Wish I'd known both these things first time round!

Hi these two products have been a amazing following the birth of my baby boy 3 days ago.

I second the squeezy bottle and the peeing in the shower. I had an episiotomy and this was essential. That and difene. I also sat on a travel pillow for a while!

The nicest thing someone did for me after I had my first, was my next door neighbour, who was retired. She came round as we arrived home with baby, bearing sandwiches and cake, made us a brew and took my dirty washing away with her.
Next morning she returned the washing all done and ironed, together with bacon butties. She did all my washing and ironing for the first month! Lots of spoiling off her. If she was popping to the shops she'd call for baby and take her for an hour. She was very unintrusive though. She was like a mum, and made what was quite a traumatic time so much more bearable.
Now my DD is about to have her first baby and I hope to do the same for her.

YY to everything already stated.

To add:

I found the little cans of pre-mixed gin and tonic really helpful.

After being up all night nursing infant DC, I was able to pass them to DH in the morning with a bottle of expressed milk and then climb into a lovely hot soothing bath with a cold alcoholic beverage, before heading to bed.

And also those anal suppositories that help your poo glide out without having to push I was really worried I'd birth my intestines if I tried to poo after giving birth. The suppositories really helped.