Postpartum Survival Kit

Being only a few weeks PP, I wanted to catalog what I've found helpful while it's all still fresh in my mind.  Most of these items are likely things you already have!

I'll break the list down into 3 categories:  Hospital/Recovery, Breastfeeding, Basics

Hospital/Recovery

These items are those things you'll want both in your hospital bag as well as stocked for use at home.  While most hospitals provide some of these items, the quality is frustratingly low and you don't want to be struggling with ripped mesh panties while you're juggling utter exhaustion, blinding pain, and ah yes... an hours-old newborn.

• Always Boutique Disposable Underwear: If you get nothing else, get these. The mesh panties they give you in the hospital are exactly that... mesh panties.  They expect you to stuff those panties with an oversized maxi-pad that cannot adhere to the mesh panties properly.  There's no guarantee the mesh panties will be sized correctly (because they tend to be "one size fits most").  These disposable panties remove the frustration.  They have built-in pads, can be selected in an appropriate size, and can be easily removed to change into fresh ones.  They're comfortable and can also be worn under normal clothes once you leave the hospital.  I bought two packs, but only ended up needing one.  My PP bleeding was heavy enough to warrant these for about a week, at which point I swapped to my regular maxi-pads.  These disposables discreetly and comfortably wicked away VERY heavy bleeding and large clots.  Get these (or something similar).  You'll be glad you did.
• Comfy PJ Bottoms:  These are the exact pants I purchased not only for use in the 3rd trimester, but for use in the hospital and throughout postpartum recovery.  They are soft, stretchy, lightweight, and ULTRA COMFY.  I'd had a gown for my last birth, but realized quickly that pants are significantly more comfortable overall.  Hospitals can get cold, and who wants to bother with shaving postpartum?  Get the pants.  If you already have a pair, awesome.  I only ended up needing one pair in the hospital, but I purchased two pairs so I could rotate at home.
• Comfortable Bras:  I'm normally a 38DDD, so I *ABHOR* bras without good support.  I also abhor bras that don't have a foam cup.  However, as a postpartum nursing mom, I can't be dealing with wires or molded cups.  I found these super cheap Hanes bras to be TOTAL lifesavers, and since they're so cheap, I was able to purchase four of them (because honey, you're gonna leak, regardless of if you breastfeed or not).  These are super stretchy and the 2X size fits my gargantuan breasts even while they're engorged.  They also stretch to support a breast pump or milk collection device (but more on that in the breastfeeding section).  Your boobs (and sanity) will thank you.  Even if you don't plan to nurse, a comfortable bra like this will help tremendously as your milk dries up.
• Comfortable Robe:  So I have a couple robes, but this one is far and away my favorite.  It's lightweight but warm, the ties are attached so they don't get tangled or lost, it's cute, and it quickly covers me when necessary.  As a newly postpartum mom, I'm topless 99.9% of the time, so having the robe on hand to close over myself is useful.
• Nursing Pillow:  Even if you have zero plans to nurse, having this style pillow is a lifesaver for your back, neck and arms.  Even when I'm not nursing my kids, I like using this as extra support while holding them, and God knows I've used it as a makeshift neck pillow while waiting for them to fall asleep on more than one occasion.
• Slippers or slipper socks:  The ones they give you in the hospital suck, and you will want SOMETHING to wear on your feet as you move about the hospital room.  When you get home, you'll want the same.  I suggest anything with grips since hospital floors are slick and you'll likely be wobbly from pain/medication.

Breastfeeding

• Comfortable bras and a comfy robe.  They deserve to be noted twice.  Get them.
• Lansinoh Gel Pads:  I went through 6 sets (12 pads) in the first two weeks as my nipples adjusted to my champion nurser.  I cannot recommend these bad boys enough.  Be warned, however, that they do NOT protect you against leakage; they're strictly for soothing and protecting your nipples (which will absolutely be screaming bloody murder).  
  • Side note:  If you're new to breastfeeding, give your body 2 weeks to adjust to what I call "fire nips."  I'd like to smack all the "professionals" who swear that the "perfect latch" should cause no pain, but that's utter bull.  Nipples are sensitive and just aren't used to being chowed down on 24/7.  I've nursed three children (oldest for 3 years, middle for 3.5 years and God only knows how long with my newest) and I can confidently tell you that YES, it's going to hurt as your body adjusts.  I'm grateful that I was warned of that pain, because if I'd only heard that "Pain means you're doing it wrong," I would've given up.  Don't give up.  Keep trying and recognize that your nipples need time to adjust.  These pads will help.
• Haakaa Milk Collectors:  These suckers are AWESOME!!!  I have both the ladybug style (linked) and the handheld version.  The ladybug style is superior and truly hands-free.  So far, each time I nurse, I'm able to collect at least an ounce (sometimes two!) from the breast he's not nursing from.  By the end of the day, I can fill a 5oz bottle just from the Haakaa collections!
  • Side note: Because this breastmilk is collected during leaking, it's all foremilk.  For new breastfeeding moms, there's a difference between foremilk and hindmilk.  Foremilk is basically a thirst quencher for babies whereas hindmilk is higher in fat content and nutrients.  I label my Haakaa collection bottles differently than I do my pumped bottles for this purpose.  If I were to try feeding my son just the Haakaa milk, he'd be fussy because he didn't get much of a meal.  Instead, I use Haakaa milk to either top off expressed bottles or as "snacks" between nursings if he seems hungrier than usual.
• Extra Covers for Nursing Pillow:  Again, it's no secret that I prefer the Boppy style nursing pillow.  I've had the same one since my oldest was born 12 years ago (and it's still like-new).  However, whatever style pillow you prefer, get extra covers because leaking, spit up and blow-outs are now your reality.  If you'd rather not spring for slipcovers, just have some extra towels/blankets on hand.  Those work, too!
• Bigger Flanges for Breast Pump:  Pumps come with flanges that fit the median breast, but if the pump is causing you pain, it's possible the flange provided is either too big or too small.  In my case, they were woefully inadequate and I needed to size up.  Letting all you first timers out there know that other sizes do exist and you're not stuck with what comes standard.
  • Breast Pumps are available through insurance providers and I highly recommend getting one.  I have two (one from my last pregnancy and now one from this one).  I plan to keep one at home and bring one to work when I go back.  I can do a whole post on breastfeeding basics, but rest assured that even if you're nursing around the clock (like I am) having a pump to express and build up supply is super useful, especially if you want to go back to work but still provide breastmilk.

Basics
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• Journal: If you're someone who, like me, likes to jot things down to either help you process things or remember tidbits of information to re-savor later, have a journal (and pen) on hand.
• Hydration: I'm always dehydrated because I hate drinking.  I've always been like that and no, I have no idea why.  Regardless, have yourself a trusty canteen/tumbler/cup with you at all times.  You will need it, because your body is churning through any and all liquids with lightning speed.  Also, hydration aids in healing.  Luckily for me, I was gifted a really cool double walled tumbler with a straw that I love.  It's made staying hydrated much easier.
• Easy, Healthy Snacks: After you leave the hospital, snacks are your best friend. You'll want quick, easy, one-handed, and healthy.  When putting together PP gifts for friends, I tend to include the following:
  • Milk Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans (delicious and good for a quick boost of energy)
  • KIND Bars, LaraBars, and PROBars (for either meals on the go or meals when the idea of cooking anything actually makes you contemplate seppuku)
  • Fruit Leather (healthy, sweet, fast and fun)
• Sleep Mask:  You WILL be napping during the day and will be grateful to block out the sun. The linked ones come in a two pack (for both mom AND dad!)
• Body Wipes:  For when exhaustion takes hold and you just can't physically drag yourself to the shower, these will help.
• Wisps:  Throw these into your diaper bag/purse because I can promise you there WILL be mornings you forget to brush your teeth.

I have personally used these items and have frequently put together postpartum baskets for new parents that include them.  This is not an exhaustive list, nor does it include things like Tucks Wipes, a belly band or peri-bottles (because the hospitals provide those for you). 

We're often so preoccupied with making sure we have everything for the new baby that we neglect to make sure we've got things for ourselves.  Take a little time to focus on you so that you can better focus on baby.

That's why this list focuses on things that the postpartum MOTHER needs most, and are often overlooked.  I hope it helps new moms (and dads looking for things to support moms).  Speaking of dads, I'll be dedicating my next entry to you, because you are frankly the most important part of her postpartum survival kit!  <3  But more on that soon.

Anyhow, if there are things YOU have found personally helpful, please drop a link in the comments.  Would love to learn from other moms what worked for them!