I’ve officially been a mom for 5 weeks - hooray! I have listed my “must haves” for breastfeeding and c-section recovery. By no means do I think everyone needs all of these items, but this is everything that I could think of that I used in the past 5 weeks! My c-section was unexpected so if you do have additional recovery items waiting for you at home, I suggest waiting to open them until after birth. I was able to return several unopened items to Target that I had purchased/been gifted that I thought I would use after giving birth vaginally.
BREASTFEEDING MUST HAVES:
For reference, I exclusively breastfeed and have not pumped since giving birth (yet). I did practice using my Motif Luna with battery pump that I got for free with my insurance through Aeroflow (with my Midwifes permission) at 38 weeks for about five minutes which I highly recommend doing if you’re allowed because the sucking sensation is bizarre and uncomfortable at first. I also started using my pump again for short periods of time (10-20 minutes) to try and induce labor around 39 weeks and again at 40 weeks. The sensation became more normal feeling by 40 weeks and made me feel more comfortable putting her to the breast for the first time after birth. Always consult with your own OB/Midwife before doing these things.
Nursing Pads (washable and disposable) : I use these for daytime because they are soft, I use these for overnight (not as soft but hold a lot more), and I have these disposable ones as backup but I prefer to use washable.
Nipple Butter : This Earth Mama (at Target or Amazon) was my everything until I got a nipple shield. I used this in the hospital and at home.
Button Down Nightshirt : I personally did not like ANYTHING over my c-section incision for several weeks so I wore button down nightshirts (here, here, and here) in a size large or a robe when visitors came to see the baby.
Breast Care : During the first few weeks my nipples and boobs hurt (and this was even after seeing MULTIPLE lactation consultants who said we had a fantastic latch) so I recommend having these things on hand to help as much as possible. Give your boobs some TLC because they are working hard and are experiencing a constant sensation that they have never felt before. I used Medela breast soothing pads, Frida Mom Lactation Massager, a fillable ice pack (a fillable one doesn’t melt all over you and you don’t have to wait for it to freeze), and 3 days after Quinn was born my lactation consultant recommended these nipple shields and they saved my entire breastfeeding experience (without these I may have quit or just been absolutely miserable).
Haakaa : The Haakaa is great for using on the side you’re not nursing on. You will be shocked by how much leakage you can save and put in the freezer that would otherwise be totally wasted.
Breastmilk Storage Bags : These storage bags come with an organizer so you can keep them tidy in your freezer.
Burp Cloths : I actually don’t use these to burp her because she doesn’t spit up (at least she doesn’t right now) but I reach for these muslin burp clothes over all of my others every single day by my bed and on the couch to clean the milk off the nipples shield, clean her face, and to clean up any dripping or leaking from my boobs.
Nursing Tanks to wear under clothes to easily feed using the “two shirt method.” I have 3 different brands and I like them all - Leaxy tank comes with my favorite breast pads and is a small company that gives back to Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association, I also have this pack from Amazon, and this cami from Target.
Nursing Bras : I LOVE these for sleeping, this one is my favorite wireless, soft, and most normal looking/pretty bra, this one from Lively is also nice and neutral, and this pack is just your boring but comfortable nursing bras that serve their purpose but aren’t the cutest.
Nursing Pillow : I have the Boppy with a waterproof cover and these regular covers that fit over it for easy washing. I also have the MyBreastFriend which is more comfortable but I only just started using it after my c-section incision started feeling better and I only use it during the day because the Boppy is easier to slip on and use in the middle of the night.
C-section POSTPARTUM MUST HAVES:
Adult diapers : I used both the Walgreens ones and some from Target - loved them both! I used these when I got home and skipped the giant pads and mesh undies I wore in the hospital. I did roll them down because I didn’t like anything on my c-section incision for a few weeks.
Pads : When the blood gets lighter I switched to Always Thin Pads
Belly Bandit : A Belly Bandit was recommended to me from my doctor as I was laying on the table getting a c-section - haha! I ordered this one and they so kindly gave me a 10% off code for you guys - MAELUTZZ10
Flushable wipes or a peri bottle - you want to feel as fresh as possible with all of that blood. I used the hospital provided peri bottle in the hospital and switched to flushable wipes at home.
I hope this list helps some of you! Remember we all experience birth differently, experience breastfeeding differently, and heal differently. These items are what I used, but trust me I have even more than this that I didn’t end up using. However, when you’re in pain you’ll be happy to have a selection to choose from when it’s 3am and you just need SOMETHING to make you feel better. My biggest tip is buy what you think you might use and don’t open it until you need it. This way you can return whatever you don’t use. Good luck!!
Image by Jason Holland