Postpartum Recovery Essentials for a Vaginal & Cesarean Delivery

I never in my life thought I would have a c-section delivery, but after our hemolytic anemia scare, I had no other choice! My immune system was attacking my baby, and taking him on the spot was the safest route. I find that most women, aside from the few who schedule, tend to arrive to cesarean delivery unexpectedly. As someone who has experienced both (two vaginal and one c-section), I’ve learned that plans can change fast. That being said, I wanted to share all of my postpartum recovery essentials to ensure you’re prepared for all contingencies!

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Things to Consider Before Going to the Hospital

I am, within reason, the worlds worst planner. I tend to procrastinate and don’t typically plan ahead for most things. As my mother puts it, I like to “fly by the seat of my pants”. However, I’ve learned the hard way that being a little on the prepared side is always best, and will make life so much easier postpartum!

These are a few postpartum tips to consider prior to delivery day:

Plan Ahead Meal Prep

Preparing a freezer full of meals and snacks is a good idea for making sure you don’t have to cook for a while. Not only just to care for the new baby, but for yourself as well. After my c-section, I walked hunched over for a week walking before standing tall feeling comfortable again. Whether c-section or vaginal, you’ll be sore and it’s best to make ready!

When I was pregnant with my son, I was so tired somedays I barely got off the couch! It turned out that was anemic and had to receive a few iron infusions to get some energy back.

Anemic or not, pregnancy alone comes with a lot of fatigue and extra pressure on your legs. If it’s too hard being up for long, consider reaching out for help! Friends and family are always looking for ways to help you. It might seem like a lot of prep work, but it will truly be a help later on.

Prepare Your Bathroom for Postpartum

Depending on your situation, how long you’re in the hospital will vary. Even if you have to stay longer than expected, it will still be nice to come home to items ready to use. There are some standard items that you will need for both deliveries, and some items you may not know you need until last minute. If you have an emergency c-section, for example. Anything you need afterward you can always order to be delivered before arriving home!

I recommend starting with the givens and going from there. You still bleed vaginally, even with a c-section, so having lots of pads and disposable underwear on hand is a must! Consider this basket a “diy postpartum kit”. It doesn’t have to be an entire tower of supplies, just a small basket of quick-to-grab items is helpful.

I noted above that I keep nipple pads and breast care items in my bathroom basket. I don’t cover that side of postpartum in this guide. However, if you’re planning on breastfeeding, I recommend reading the guide I wrote below to ensure you’re set for postpartum overall!

Read more: The Complete Guide to Breastfeeding for First Time Moms

I also recommend creating another basket full of snacks and bottled water next to where you’ll be most. That way, you don’t have to get up to get things more than needed while you’re recovering!

Pack Your Labor & Delivery Bag

If you haven’t begun yet, start packing your labor and delivery bag and have it on standby! You never know at what point you might go into labor. We induced at 33 weeks, which I was NOT expecting. Knowing I had the basics ready to go helped us get to the hospital faster and allowed me to focus on the next step ahead.

Postpartum Essentials for a Vaginal Delivery

As far as postpartum items go, it’s hard to know what to bring versus not to bring, especially as a first time mom. The best place to start is with what the hospital provides and go from there:

Most of the items I have listed are provided by the hospital, but keep in mind it’s not their place to provide free, high-quality items. However, you do typically end up with a lot of stuff (like pads) going home! Items given will also vary depending on the hospital. In summary, you’ll be covered, but it all depends on how comfortable you want to be!

One thing I do recommend bringing, however, is your own disposable underwear. Frida makes the BEST postpartum underwear and it will make you feel far more secure!

Postpartum Essentials for A “C-Section” Delivery

The biggest thing that helped me post c-section is a belly band! It helps to stabilize your core to relieve back and belly pain, as well as prevents chaffing on your incision. We ended up staying a month in the hospital with our son, and I was given one post c-section, but if you’re on the petite side like me you may want to purchase your own. I kept pulling mine down and made it work, but it wasn’t ideal.

What postpartum recovery essentials do you find most helpful?