Article Summary:
- Provide support for new moms by assembling a care package with essential items to aid in their recovery after giving birth.
- You might include maternity pads, ice compresses, ibuprofen, a water bottle, Epsom salt and nursing pads.
- Beyond the care package, offer practical assistance so new moms can focus on recovery and bonding with their baby.
After giving birth, new moms are often consumed with the care, feeding and snuggling of their newest little ones. What can you do? Help them focus on their own recovery and well-being by putting together a postpartum care kit with all of the postpartum essentials that they need. Here are some items you can include in a post-pregnancy care package:
1. Maternity Pads
It’s common for new moms to have vaginal bleeding for up to six weeks after giving birth.1 You can add maternity pads to your postpartum essentials care package to help manage any post-birth bleeding. New moms shouldn’t use tampons immediately after giving birth, it is recommended to wait until after your 6 week postpartum visit.1 New mom’s should consult with their doctor if they are noticing heavy bleeding or passing large blood clots.
2. Ice Compresses
It’s common for new moms to experience soreness and swollen breasts after giving birth.1,2 Include disposable ice compresses in your postpartum care package to help her stay comfortable while recovering. New moms should follow their doctor’s orders on the use of cold therapy.
3. Ibuprofen
Many women experience cramps or afterpains after giving birth.1 You can include a bottle of ibuprofen in your postpartum care kit to help your loved one manage their pain.1 Moms should check with their doctor before taking any new medication.
4. Water Bottle
It’s crucial for new moms to drink plenty of water, especially if they are breastfeeding.1 Drinking lots of water can also help new moms with constipation, which is a common problem after giving birth.1 Consider adding a water bottle to your postpartum care package to help a new mom reach their daily water intake. Make this gift even more exciting by choosing a personalized water bottle, whether it’s mom’s name or an encouraging or funny quote.
5. Epsom Salt
New moms can take an Epsom salt bath in shallow water to help soothe and heal their perineum, which is often sore after giving birth vaginally.3 You can add Epsom salt to your postpartum essentials care package to help the new mom in your life heal.
6. Nursing Pads
New moms’ breasts may leak breastmilk. Add nursing pads to your postpartum care kit to help keep those leaks at bay. New moms can place this postpartum essential in their bra to absorb the milk and stay just a little drier.4 You can find nursing pads that are disposal or reusable, and they even come in fun shapes and patterns. For example, you can include heart-shaped nursing pads in your postpartum care package to brighten mom’s day.
Once you’ve gathered these postpartum essentials, it’s time to put your gift together! You can arrange your mom-care items in a fun storage basket or a tote you think they’ll love.
Other Ways to Support a Postpartum Mom
Aside from creating a postpartum healing kit, there are other ways you can support a new mom. For example, you can bring meals or snacks to her home so she can focus on taking care of her baby and herself. You can offer to help with childcare or household chores like laundry, loading the dishwasher or taking out the trash. This is especially helpful for women who have had a C-section since they aren’t supposed to lift anything heavier than their baby.2 Stepping in to help with chores, childcare or meals can help your loved one bond with their baby and get the rest they need during this exciting but sometimes taxing time.
Supporting your loved one with a postpartum care package is a great way to show how much you care. Learn more about the fourth trimester and how you can take care of mom.
- https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/pregnancy-parenting/labour-and-birth/during-labour/postpartum-first-6-weeks-after-childbirth
- https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/pregnancy-parenting/parenting-babies-0-12-months/breastfeeding/breast-engorgement
- https://www.healthyparentshealthychildren.ca/im-pregnant/postpartum/caring-for-yourself
- https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/child-infant-health/postpartum-health-guide.html