Comfy clothes. Usually the clothes that fit in the second trimester also fit postpartum. If you’re breastfeeding you’ll also want nursing bras and tops.
Breast pads. Even if you don’t plan to breastfeed you’ll want some good quality pads to protect your bras, shirts and nightgowns.
Perineal ice packs. You may be able to bring some home from the hospital, dampen and freeze a maxi-pad or put crushed ice in a bag and wrap it in a washcloth.
A perineal squirt bottle. Fill it with warm water to clean stitches then dab with toilet paper.
Quality unscented toilet paper that won’t leave bits on your stitches.
An adult sippy cup so you can drink one-handed with the baby in your arms.
Petroleum jelly. It’s a lip balm, a moisturizer, a lubricant for baby thermometers. If you can find it in a tube it’s more hygienic.
Lidocaine spray for painful or itchy stitches, incisions or hemorrhoids, ask the hospital to send you home with some.
Witch hazel pads. Also for wiping, or can be used to treat under-eye swelling.
Dark washcloths to use with perineal ice packs or as an alternative to baby wipes.
Breast pump. If you’re going to breastfeed and will be away from the baby for more than a few hours during the first year.
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