I’ve got a lot of really helpful essentials in this postpartum and c section recovery kit. I know it’s a long list, so don’t feel like you need every single item! However, this is what I’ve been using (some things I’ve used all three c-sections) so I am sharing every little thing!
You’ll obviously want to take whatever pain killers you were prescribed by your doctor. Please don’t try to be a hero and go without them. It’s not worth it. I was prescribed Norco and Motrin. While I didn’t feel like I needed the Norco, I have made sure to stay 100% on top of taking my Motrin (600mg) and have felt much more comfortable overall. In my previous c-sections, I had over the counter ibuprofen on hand to take once my pain killer prescription ran out. I rarely had to use it, but pain management is important!
They gave me some while I was in the hospital and it really helps things move along. I continued taking them for a few days at home, and then started taking dandelion root (more on that below).
These are my favorite out of the bunch! You pull them on like undies and they go all the way up to your bra line. I wear them over a pair of high waisted cotton panties. The best thing about this girdle is that the crotch has hook and eye fasteners so you do not have to take the girdle off to use the restroom. If you get one compression garment from this list, make it this one. Make sure to reference the size chart and read reviews to get accurate sizing. It can get a tad uncomfortable to wear all day, but I try to have this on for the majority of the time.
These shorts have great compression, and will be fantastic to wear under dresses. I have a wedding to attend next month so I bought these with that in mind. The fabric is really stretchy with a little bit of boning in the sides. No hook and eye closures, so you have to pull these completely down to use the restroom. These run extremely small so make sure to read reviews and the size chart. I had to size up quite a bit.
I grabbed these at Kohl’s a few days before delivery and I’m glad I did! (Note: they got up past my belly button, unlike the photo on the product’s website.) I have found the best use for them is to wear them to bed. I need a bit of a break from the compression girdle, but these panties still provide support to the incision and abdominal muscles. They’re very comfortable for bed, especially since I’m up and down a few times during the night feeding Logan.
I do think there’s something to be said for the traditional hospital abdominal binder. It provides great compression and support, but I hate having to always readjust it. I find that I will be using this more once my incision feels more healed.
Before I say anything else, please ask your doctor before taking supplements and do your research. One of my Instagram followers suggested dandelion root for swelling and after some pretty thorough research I ordered these capsules off of Amazon. They are “generally recognized as safe” by the FDA, and is also a galactagogue (helps increase milk production). There is no reason to believe that these will harm a breastfed infant. Anyway, dandelion root is a natural diuretic, and these really helped me reduce my swelling in a few days. Last two times it took at least a week to go down. These should be taken in moderation and are for short-term use. (One thing to note: I would not take stool softeners in conjunction with these.)
Drinking water is essential to help reduce swelling, but sometimes it’s hard to drink a ton. Putting in an electrolyte powder like this helps the water not only taste yummy, but increase your hydration. We’ve been using this electrolyte powder for a long time (it helps my migraines!), and it has been especially helpful post c-section. When taking dandelion root, you have to increase your water consumption.
If the swelling is unbearable and painful, a pair of compression socks will help a lot. I swore by them after breaking my foot, and they also help a lot with postpartum swelling.
I splurged and bought this for myself as a “push present.” I’m so glad I did, because it’s literally the best robe I’ve ever owned. So comfy, cozy, and luxurious. I wore this in the hospital and also around the house.
I’m all about pampering myself postpartum – it just makes me feel good. (Remember, I’m a beauty blogger and makeup/beauty/pampering really helps me shift my mood.) I’m not exactly sitting down to get full glam, but a luxurious cardigan makes me feel good! This one is perfect for lounging around the house.
I wanted a pull-on nursing bra (didn’t want hook and eye closures on the back), and this is exactly what I was looking for. It’s very comfy and also supportive.
I need a light support sleep bra for nursing, and these have been perfect. I don’t want to fiddle with any snap closures, so the pull down style has been perfect for me.
I wore this maxi dress home from the hospital. The v-neck makes it easy for nursing, and it is a very stretchy and forgiving dress. Great to have on hand for those first few postpartum weeks where nothing fits and you still have to leave the house for doctor appointments.
An absolute must to have on hand. I wear a high waisted cotton panty underneath my compression girdle. I make sure to buy these a few sizes up (the more “granny panty” they are, the better) to have room for pads. Postpartum life is so fun, isn’t it?
There are so many nursing pillows on the market, but I’m a fan of the boppy. I used it for my girls and am used to it, so I stuck with it for this baby. This is particularly helpful in the hospital when you are in the most pain, so do not forget to pack it with your hospital bag!
Every boppy needs a cover, and this is the one I’ve been using.
A staple for breastfeeding and sore nipples, but also a fabulous lip balm! I feel weird about my baby nursing with lanolin, so I typically wipe it off before I let Logan nurse. I like having this stuff within arm’s reach at all times.
Disposable nursing pads are so itchy and uncomfortable. These are way better and I love that they’re washable.
This little contraption is great for collecting let down. While nursing, you place this on the other breast that isn’t nursing and it collects any extra let down and you can save and freeze it. Genius!