As a new mom, you want nothing but the best for your little one which is why you focus only on your baby’s needs, often ignoring your own. It’s natural to have this reaction but you need to take a step back and realize that you cannot ignore your needs. Pregnancy and childbirth take a huge toll on you – physically, mentally, and emotionally and you need to prioritize your health, for your sake and for the sake of your baby. While it’s fun to shop for your baby’s onesies and outfits, you also need to invest in items that will make your life easier and help you recover quickly.
5 Postpartum Must-Haves for New Moms
1. Comfortable Postpartum Leggings
One of the most common mistakes that new moms make is to try to use their pre-pregnancy clothes within weeks of giving birth. It can be very disheartening and depressing to put on your favorite low-rise jeans only to quickly realize that it creates a “muffin top” effect because it accentuates your tummy. Invest in comfortable but flattering postpartum clothing as this will not only be easier on your body but will also make you feel better about your body. Postpartum leggings are a must-have for every new mom because they are just what you need! The material is soft and stretchy which is easy on your sensitive skin and the high-rise waistband provides support to your stomach and back muscles which were weakened during your pregnancy. They are also very versatile so you can dress them up or down depending on the occasion. Not all leggings are created equal – compare the best postpartum leggings recommended by experts so that you can weigh the pros and cons of each one before making a decision.
2. Supportive Shoes
It’s normal for your feet to swell during pregnancy; in fact, most women can no longer fit into their regular shoes by the third trimester! Additionally, your weight gain during pregnancy puts pressure on your feet which is why your feet ache almost all the time. It can take several weeks for the swelling and pain to go down which can be frustrating because you need to spend a lot of time on your feet caring for your little one. This is why it is crucial to find supportive shoes with good arch support as they provide much needed stability and comfort.
3. High-Waisted Postpartum Underwear
Regular underwear isn’t comfortable during the postpartum period, whether you’ve had a C-section or you’re dealing with postpartum bleeding. High-waisted, stretchy underwear provides both comfort and coverage and can hold postpartum pads securely in place. The high waist is great for either type of delivery – if you had a vaginal delivery, the waistband provides gentle compression for your sore abdominal muscles and if you had a C-section, the waistband sits above your incision line so that it does not irritate the area.
4. Gentle Moisturizer
Most women experience hair and skin changes during their pregnancy. Some women get the “mask of pregnancy” which is the darkening of the skin around the eyes, cheeks, and nose while others experience unusually dry skin. These changes can last for several weeks or even months after your baby is born so you should invest in a gentle moisturizer. Look for a lotion that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Using a moisturizer on a daily basis will also remind you of the importance of self-care and help you feel more comfortable in your own skin – both literally and figuratively!
5. Nursing Pillow
Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding a baby can be very taxing on the muscles of your neck and arms. Feeding sessions for newborns last for about 20 minutes so it’s easy to end up with sore arms and a stiff neck. A nursing pillow helps you position your baby at the right height and angle while taking the pressure off your arms. They also help you maintain a better posture which eliminates the strain on your back. It’s important to be as comfortable as possible while feeding your little one as this improves bonding.