Last Updated on 03/01/2021 by Mama Must Have
When you’re pregnant and preparing for the arrival of your new baby you are often busy focusing on baby’s needs but it’s important to remember yourself and the things that you will need to make you postpartum journey easier. The postpartum world for a first time mama can be very difficult especially because you don’t know what to expect or how to deal with the healing process. Here are 10 must have items for first time mamas that can help make that transition better for you.
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If you have a vaginal delivery, your vagina is going to need all the help it can get during the healing process. Ice packs do wonders in helping ease the discomfort. Consider 
getting a reusable hot/cold pack – Newgo Reusable Perineal Pack for Postpartum & Hemorrhoid Pain Relief. This set comes with sleeves that you can wash and reuse. You can also easily clean the pack itself. This also double as a heating pad for your engorged breasts that may need to be warmed to get the milk flowing. Fear not there are two sets of sleeves and you can have a specific set for the breasts and another for down south. These are also great because you can use them for menstrual cramps or whatever else you would need a hot or cold pack for.
Suiek Nursing tank tops – If you plan on breastfeeding or pumping you will find that nursing tanks will
come in very handy. They will simplify the job and keep you from feeling like you have to undress every 2-3 hours. If you prefer nursing bras the Hofish bras are great and affordable!
ChongErfei 2 in 1 Postpartum Recovery Belly Wrap – Pregnancy obviously comes with a lot of physical changes. You might be interested in having some type of support to help your stomach and support your pelvis. A belly wrap can help support your 
abdominal and help your uterus to contract down to its normal size. put things back in place. Mama just remember you just grew a tiny human being. Show yourself some grace. It took months to grow the baby and it is absolutely okay if it takes months to “get your body back”. In the meantime, you’ll realize that you need the pelvic support when you put this on.
Maternity Leggings – A nice pair of maternity leggings should be on every pregnant woman’s list. They will bring you comfort on the days when you need a break from your regular clothes.
Sitz Bath – A full on bath will have to wait but at least your nether regions can enjoy a soaking. A sitz bath will help you even though it may feel uncomfortable. Add in some Wish Garden Herbs and to help speed up the healing process.
Wish Garden Herbs- Afterbirth Sitzbath – This is probably something that you had not considered or thought 
about. If you’re planning on a vaginal birth, these herbs would come in very handy during the healing process. This is just an additional item to help speed up the healing process. Earth Mama also has great sitz bath herbs.
Dimmable Lamp – a dimmable lamp is something to consider buying for those middle of the night feedings where you need a 
little light to keep you awake but you don’t want bright lighting. Dim lighting will also be good with the baby so that it doesn’t fully wake them up. This can also help not mess up their circadian rhythm that you are trying to help them adjust to.
Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra – If you have any intention of pumping breastmilk for your baby then a hands free pumping bra is a must. You need a bra that will support your pumping part without feeling like its not supporting everything. This bra is very sturdy an the back connects by velcro which allows this bra to be adjustable and a good fit for women of any size. This is also a great feature to have as your body goes through various changes post birth. The bra includes an additional zip panel. It is compatible with Medela, Evenflo, Philips AVENT, Lansinoh, Bellababy, and Spectra Baby bottle parts.
Breast pumps – First off, check if you qualify for a free (or discounted) breast pump with your insurance through Aeroflow.
There is such a wide variety of breast pumps that it’s hard to know which one to go with. Spectra breast pumps are some of the most highly rated and moms rave about them. The Spectra S1 Plus is a popular one because it is a hospital grade pump and does a great job expressing the breastmilk. It comes with a rechargeable battery which moms appreciate because that means they don’t need to be tied down to the power cord.
If you’re looking for something more portable, consider the Medela Pump in Style with Maxflow. Moms love its size, its portability and its ability to get more milk out in comparison to other portable pumps.
If you’re not interested in getting an electric pump, then look into a manual pump. Manual pumps are also a lot more affordable. The Medela Harmony Pump is a convenient pump that works well to provide the necessary relief for busy moms. This takes away the hassle of having to go through the set up and clean up process of an electric pump. It can also be convenient for moms who breastfeed one side at a time and need to provide relief to the other side to avoid being engorged or getting clogged ducts. Just be remember you’ll need to do all the work with this pump.
The Haaka is also an awesome option to use while you breastfeed. You don’t have to do any work on this one. Just suction it to your breast while you nurse and your let down will take care of the rest.
Earth Mama Nipple Butter – As a first time mom, there are many things you are unaware of. The pain of breastfeeding is one such pain and you
will need something to bring relief to the cracked and bleeding nipples that need to be able to handle the next feeding or pumping session. Earth Mama Nipple Butter can provide the soothing relief that you need and you can rest easy knowing that it won’t harm the baby in any way. While you’re at it, consider getting Earth Mama Perenial Spray or Balm. The perenial spray/balm will provide relief after a vaginal birth.
Take it one day at a time mama. The “fourth trimester” will have its challenges but one look at your baby’s cute little face will make it worth it. Remember, through the ups and downs and the pain you may experience, it won’t last forever.
Give yourself time to adjust and time to heal. Remember, it’s okay if you don’t accomplish anything besides feeding your baby especially that first month. As you take it one day at a time and one nap at a time, you will get through it!
Be sure to check out this article on some books to read during your pregnancy!