After delivery "must-haves"

So, I have several friends who are expecting their first babies and those that are considering getting pregnant. Therefore, I thought I would give my two cents about things that are "must-haves" to have on hand for the few weeks after delivery. Here we go, in no particular order...

1) Lansinoh- Lanolin Breast Cream

You can find this for $9.99 at Target. It is very helpful to prevent dry, cracked nipples from breastfeeding. It also helps relieve the initial discomfort/soreness from breastfeeding and I found it to be a necessity.

2) Lansinoh- Disposable Nursing PadsI also purchase these at Target- a package of 60 is about $7.50 I believe. These obviously are a must if you are breastfeeding to prevent leakage onto your bras and shirts. They have a sticky peel off and you place them inside of your nursing bras and throw them away when they become wet. On average, I typically go through two pairs a day. I've already bought two boxes and I have a feeling it's something I will be investing more money in - for the next few months anyways.

3) Maxi-pads- your choice

So, here you've gone 10 months without any bleeding or need for feminine hygiene products of any kind. Well, the next 3 to 4 weeks you will get your fill. After delivery your body releases lochia, which is the leftover blood/mucous from the pregnancy. It is very heavy for the first 3-4 days, especially while you are in the hospital, and so they will provide "diaper-like" pads for you there. (Sounds lovely right??!) By the time I returned home I was able to wear Always (heavy protection) with Wings and didn't have any problems. By week 2-3 thin 'light' pads were fine, and week 4 just pantyliners did the trick, but every woman is different. Just know that you should have some of these on hand if you don't want to make a trip to the store after baby arrives. (Or send your poor hubby out for these!!) Also, know that tampons are a no-no for the first 6 wks post-pardom period if you were a 100% tampon user like me...

4) Dermoplast- antibacterial/antiseptic spray

If you have a vaginal delivery and especially if you have a tear or episiotomy it is likely that the hospital might provide this for you. However, if they don't then it is a DEFINITE "must-have". I was lucky not to experience any hemorrhoids, but many women do so this is also good for pain associated with those. I found that I only had to take OTC Tylenol the first two days and no other pain medication because this stuff did the trick. You just spray it on the "affected area" and it reduces/eliminates pain from delivery/episiotomy healing. The hospital provided an antiseptic spray for pain relief, but they also have one that is both pain relief and anti-bacterial which I purchased later to ensure the stitches didn't get an infection of any kind.

5) Lansinoh- Double Electric Breast Pump

If you are a Mom who will be returning to work or just want to have the ability to pump occasionally so you can enjoy a date night away or something, this pump is a good investment. I know the Medela pumps are also nice but they are closer to $300-$400. This one you can find at Walmart or Target for $150 or even Amazon for about $120 (where we purchased). It was recommended to me by my lactation consultant at the hospital as the best buy for your money. I have been very pleased with it so far. I only pump once a day or every other and have had it for 5 weeks, but I don't have any complaints.

I hope this information is helpful to some of you and no, I am not a spokeswoman for Lansinoh, although I just realized it may seem that way from my recommendations. Ha ha.

~Emily