labor & delivery // postpartum must haves

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prep work!
Okay, first things first- you have to prepare your body for birth. Our bodies are absolutely amazing, but there are things we can do to help our bodies get ready for the most powerful thing we’ve ever done!

• red raspberry leaf tea
  • Started drinking this daily (sometimes twice a day) at 35 weeks
  • You can buy at Walmart! Not really flavored, so I added honey & my gentle ease drops.
  • “the bottom line: Red raspberry leaf tea is often claimed to help decrease labor time, strengthen the uterus, and improve labor outcomes in people who are pregnant. For most people, it’s generally recommended to drink 1–3 cups (237–710 mL) per day, though intake should be limited during early pregnancy. It’s rich in antioxidants and is believed to offer other anecdotal benefits, including relief from PMS symptoms.” from healthline.
• meadow mountain herbs gentle birth drops
  • got these from the well chiropractic (enterprise, al)
  • start around 35 weeks, following the directions on the bottle. these are for helping your body prepare for birth

• dates
  • Eat dates every day! The number you need to eat depends on the type/soze you buy– check out this blog for more info
    • I did 3-4 a day with peanut butter as a snack after work
  • This helps ripen your cervix and helps contractions be more effective

labor!

• what I wore-
  • zenana bralette (with no padding) from willow jade (enterprise, al) kinda like this one!
  • I had a super cute gown from kindred bravely, but I felt too restricted
• Contraction timer- https://apps.apple.com/app/id382013176
• Portable stroller fan– attach to the side of the bed
• Drink lotsss of water 
• I was super nauseous and eventually threw up, but kept peppermint essential oil under my nose to help with that + energy 
• I kept telling myself “each contraction is bringing me closer to meeting my baby” when I started to get tired and overwhelmed. I also listened to the app ChristianHypnobirthing while pregnant (https://apps.apple.com/app/id1362809276). So many great scriptures to help prep your mind 
• I had made a praise and worship playlist, had oils to diffuse, etc. but when we got to the hospital, I wasn’t really getting a break between contractions so none of that mattered in the moment 
• as soon as you can- start the milk rich & after ease drops. This combo helps with after birth contractions & support your milk supply

postpartum!

• vitamin bomb drink
  • ningxia red
    • think all the vitamins in one 2oz serving of juice
    • check out this amazing clinical trial!
  • wish garden afterease drops
    • got these from the well chiropractic (enterprise, al)
    • these drops help with the afterbirth contractions (totally didn’t know these were a thing, but they totally are). follow the directions on the bottle!
  • wish garden milk rich drops
    • got these from the well chiropractic (enterprise, al)
    • these drops help with your milk supply! follow the directions on the bottle.
  • earthly postpartum balance drops
    • got these from the well chiropractic (enterprise, al)
    • helps with all the postpartum hormones. follow the directions on the bottle!
  • you can add all of this to a juice or water! drink 2x a day.
• Things you’ll need for the bathroom-
  • Frida peri bottle (angled)- you’ll fill this with *warm* water to “wipe”. I also sprayed to help myself start peeing 
  • Tucks wipes (put in fridge or freezer)- line your disposal diaper crotch area (the hospital provided some, but make sure you have some for home)
  • Lots of period panties / disposable diapers (I like the Rael brand best from amazon, get the big pack!) I did not like the hospitals option on thin panties and a ginormous pad, so I was glad I had some disposable diapers!!
  • Miralax or something similar. Trust me on this one.
  • Dermoplast spray— spray down there after using the bathroom (hospital provided this, too) to get some pain relief
• If you’re nursing-
  • Comfy nursing bras 
    • zenana bralette are super easy to just pull up/down
    • target has some good ones. I did padless ones for at home, but got a few with padding in case we ever went anywhere
  • Reusable pads (washable)- got mine from amazon
  • Silver nursing cups– especially for the beginning! these help to soothe sore nips
  • Earthley nursing balm- I put this on after nursing each time and then put the silver nursing cup on top (currently 6 months into breastfeeding and pumping & still use this!!)
  • Lansinoh TheraPearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Packs (amazon or Walmart)
  • Elvie catch- use to catch let down while nursing or whenever 
  • Haakaa- use to promote let down while nursing 
• Other things to pack
  • Boppy pillow- To hold the baby and for you to sit on (in a chair, on the uncomfy bed, in the car on the ride home). I tore and had a few stitches so this saved me!
  • Footless gowns for baby. So much easier to change diapers when you can just pull the bottom up without snaps or zippers
  • Pacis
    • we love ninni co– baby has to learn how to use these, but they’re amazing if you’re breastfeeding
  • Extra long phone chargers
  • Comfy PJs for you- I got some at target with buttons for nursing that are super soft. wore these in the hospital and at home!!
  • Chapstick
  • Ronnie packed shorts, sweats, t shirts 
  • Slippers and socks for both of you
  • Toiletries
  • Your own towels and bath cloths. Makes the first shower after birth better!!
  • Extra blankets for you and him
  • Nurses will bring you anything else you need for mommy & baby. Take advantage of all the diapers and wipes and bathroom stuff they supply & take whatever is in the cart when it’s time to leave! It’s all for you & baby 

hope you find this list helpful! I had text this to so many friends! 💛