Postpartum (Mama’s Diaper) Caddy Must Haves
I am still over here prepping for baby 2, and it is safe to say I am still in nesting mode. My house is NEVER clean enough or organized enough. God bless Jared (my husband) . Now, I am 37 weeks pregnant! Excuse me…where did the time go?! Baby 2 could be here any minute. Josie arrived between the 38th and 39th weeks of my pregnancy, 10 days early, so who knows when the next one will decide it’s time to make an appearance! I am in a bit of a panic prepping for this baby's arrival because I know that once the baby is here, nothing will get done until after Christmas…newborns, they are no joke! A necessity to have once the baby is here is a postpartum caddy (TMI - really it’s a diaper caddy for mom). Everyone’s experiences are different, but in my experience, the recovery and keeping a newborn happy and alive phase is WAY more challenging than actually birthing said newborn. You literally created a life for nine-ten months and then you are just sent home with a newborn with no instructions; good luck! Not to mention, your body just went through this hugely traumatic (however wonderful) experience and you need to recover too. Being prepared makes sure that you are not only taking care of your baby, but yourself also. You are important too mama!
Below are my absolute MUST HAVES for my postpartum recovery for a second time mama:
Caddy: This can be a basket you already have laying around the house. I am using one that was housing a gift that I got from a baby shower for Josie. The Dollar Tree has a bunch of bins that would work too! Whatever works for you and your home. Mine does not have compartments; it is just one large space.
Diapers: I have used and loved the always discreet underwear (diapers). I’ve heard that the small and medium sizes are weirdly small, so if you are that size you might need to get a larger size. I would error on the side of too big if you are not sure what size to get. You typically are adding different recovery items to the diapers - more space is better and comfortable.
*frida mom* Instant Ice Maxi Pads: There are not many things that I think you need to buy from frida mom, but these pads are a DREAM. You simply pop or crack the pad in half to initiate the ice pack and then it sticks to your underwear (or diaper) depending on your step in the recovery process, and you have a two in one ice pack and pad. These are crucial for the first few days at home when you are still incredibly sore.
Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads: You absolutely need cooling pads in your postpartum caddy. These were the final touch on top of my pad and it was the perfect cooling sensation. I bought the Tucks brand, but I think that any medicated cooling pad would work perfectly fine!
Pads (Various Sizes): Similarly to your period, you have days that your flow is heavier and days where your flow is lighter. You will need pads of various sizes as you recover.
Stool Softener: I was not prepared for this when I had my daughter Josie, so I made my mom bring me some. The first time going to the bathroom after giving birth is terrifying! But, taking a stool softener eases some of the fear and burden. The hospital gave me these after giving birth, and I was so grateful!
Ibuprofen: Giving birth hurts…pick your favorite pain reliever and take it around the clock!
*frida mom* upside down peri bottle: This is the second item that I think is worth it to purchase from the frida mom brand. Obviously the other peri bottles work, but this one is much easier to maneuver. TIP use warm water! Cold water is shocking and hot water is painful. Trust me the temperature matters. I’ve made the mistake on both extremes.
Dermoplast Pain, Burn, & Itch spray: This was an item that I anticipated using more. My recovery was pretty quick, so the burning relief ended soon after I arrived home. Also, with the ice packs and medicated cooling pads, I felt like I was covered pretty well in the cooling department. That being said, I am wanting to have this on hand should I need immediate relief.
Hemorrhoidal Cream: This is a new addition to my caddy for baby 2. I didn’t get hemorrhoids with Josie during pregnancy or in the newly postpartum phase. However, I have gotten hemorrhoids since. I know, I am so lucky. All jokes aside, those suckers suck! I will be happy to have this product on hand should I need it.
These items are things that I absolutely used and loved when I was recovering with Josie (besides #10). I am certain that if you have these items, your postpartum recovery will be significantly more manageable, and dare I say pleasant. I hope this blog post helped you create your own postpartum caddy!
If you are a new mom let me know on Instagram what item(s) you are most excited for, and if you have had a baby, what item could you not have lived without in the postpartum recovery phase?
If you liked this blog and/or like video content check out my NEW* youtube channel. I’d love to have you stop by!
**A video about my postpartum caddy is linked HERE! (https://youtu.be/uenSXkmzeTc)
**Check out my most recent video HERE! (https://youtu.be/9KySJFCMJ2U)
-Jamison-