Disposable Underwear
Early postpartum days can be messy. The last thing a new mama should be thinking about is laundry and dealing with stained underwear, so buying some disposable underwear is highly recommended.
You need underwear that is nice and big as well as soft and stretchy. It also needs to be able to handle the massive pads and possibly ice packs which will be needed in those early days, so it’s a good idea to opt for underwear especially made for postpartum.
Some come with a pad inbuilt (a bit like the toddler nappies) but others are just large, soft and stretchy, made especially to be disposable and to accommodate the necessary postpartum extras like the pads and ice packs.
Bra Extenders
From around week 12 of your pregnancy, your ribcage will start to expand to accommodate your growing bump. It’s so important to make sure you have a correctly fitted bra during your pregnancy and postpartum time. Bra extenders are an excellent way of helping during those in-between periods to give you room to breathe when you need it.
Breast Pads
Breast pads come in reusable (washable) or disposable forms. Once your milk comes in (about 2-5 days after baby is born), you will find that if often leaks from the nipples .It can also drip after baby is fed. Breast pads will absorb the milk and help you to avoid those unsightly wet patches on your t-shirt. 😊
Nipple Cream
Breastfeeding is a wonderful, natural way to feed your baby, but for some women it can be painful in the first week or so (I described it to my husband as like someone using a cheese grater on there!).
A good nipple cream will help to heal and keep the area moisturised so that you can continue to feed your little one. If you are having trouble with pain or feeding, make sure you seek help from your health nurse. So many women struggle and there’s so much help and advice out there – you don’t need to struggle alone.
Lactation boosters
The key to boosting milk production is by including galactagogues, or milk-stimulating foods, in your diet. There are a variety of lactation cookie and drink products out there, including Ninja Mama Lactation Tea Bags, especially made to help milking mamas boost their milk supply in a convenient way. You can also find a whole range of recipes for cookies, smoothies and the like if you prefer to prepare your own.
Foods considered to be galactagogues include:
- Brewers yeast
- Fenugreek
- Whole grains, especially oatmeal
- Dark, leafy greens (alfalfa, kale, spinach, broccoli)
- Fennel
- Garlic
Essential Oil Blends with Clary Sage
Clary Sage is known for its calming and balancing properties. It is known to increase levels of the hormone oxytocin – which can stimulate uterine muscles to contract. It’s also known to increase the production of prostaglandins that increase contractions further.
Witch Hazel Pad Liners
Witch Hazel treatment is a go-to for healing as it’s a natural astringent. Witch hazel pads can help relieve burning and itching for both achy vaginal repairs and haemorrhoids. These can be especially effective when placed on a perineal ice pack, giving both healing and cooling effects at the same time.
Visit the Ninja Mama website to find out more and to browse their range of products. You can also connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
