Post-Partum Recovery Tips

 

Did you know that May is National Pregnancy Awareness Month? It is! If you are a loyal reader of my blog, then you know of all of the trials I went through, trying to conceive our third child.

When I did find out I was pregnant again and knew it was going to ‘stick‘, I was so excited, scared, happy, tearful, and just plain in awe! Man, that was a good day!!!

When I was preparing for labor I prepared about 1-2 months in advance, that way I knew I would be prepared and could then just wait for the baby to make his/her appearance!

One of the ways to prepare for labor and delivery is with a nice bag filled with things you can use in the hospital. Dr. Elizabeth Chabner Thompson is a medical expert who is devoted to new moms’ ease into the labor and post-natal periods. She came up with an awesome hospital duffle bag, the Mommy/Delivery BFFL Bag, that she specifically designed to provide comfort, convenience, and care for women preparing for childbirth, and a great gift for moms-to-be!

I received one of these hospital bags to check out and I was so impressed by all of the wonderful goodies nestled inside this bag. It has everything a mama needs, to keep her comfy and cozy (well as cozy and comfy as any laboring mom can really be, lol) during delivery!

First of all, the duffle bag is absolutely adorable. You can reuse it time and time again, after the hospital. I love the bright stripes on it and fun colors. Inside the bag, is necessities that any mama would appreciate in the hospital. This is definitely the ultimate hospital bag! It is chock full of all the essentials for C-section or traditional birth.

The bag is made of lightweight, stain-resistant pack cloth and has metal feet to keep the bag off the hospital floor (genius!!!), and is roomy enough room for clothing and other essential personal items.

What Is Inside???

*specially designed axillapilla® pillow for recovery and nursing support

* a collapsible water bottle; perineal ice packs

* soft, washable nursing pads

*wound/incision care pack, toiletries, amusements

* KIND healthy snack bar (SO delicious!!!!)

*Expandable folder for important papers from the hospital

*flip-flops

*Each bag is accompanied by a handwritten notecard

and more!

The only thing I would have added to this already fabulous bag? Would be a small robe or cute nightgown and when the person ordered they could choose a size. Otherwise, this is truly the perfect hospital bag for any mama to be!!!! Love it!

 The Mommy/Delivery BFFL Bag retails for $120.00. 15% of the net profit from your purchase will be donated to the Harvard School of Public Health Women’s and Health Initiative!

Here are some Post-Partum Recovery Tips by Dr. Elizabeth Chabner Thompson:

*Do Your Kegels

Strengthening your pelvic floor by doing Kegel exercises is a must. It helps maintain urinary continence and the functioning of your back end.

*Avoid the Stairs

If you live in a multi-story home and must walk downstairs, try going carefully down them backward to reduce stress on your incision or sore areas. (Not sure if I would walk anywhere backward, but to each their own!)

*Go Nuts for Nuts

After giving birth it’s important to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to help the body heal. Not only are nuts a great source of protein & fiber, they are also rich in zinc and selenium which help to boost your mood and prevent postpartum depression. Dr. Elizabeth recommends carrying diaper-bag compatible KIND bars, made primarily of whole nuts, whenever on the go as an easy way to get these essential nutrients.

*Return to Romance

When you’re ready for sex, and you’ve held off for the recommended six weeks, go for it. Just don’t forget the Astroglide or other personal lubricant, because after childbirth and while breastfeeding, you’re low in estrogen, causing a thinning of your cervical mucous, which can lead to dryness and discomfort.

Were you prepared when your little one made his/her entrance into this world? What sorts of things did you bring with you to the hospital?