Listen up, ladies! (Or rather, let’s focus on your vaginas.) I understand how exhilarating it can be to prepare a hospital bag for labor and delivery—the excitement, the last-minute packing, and all that nesting energy. You may find yourself obsessing over those adorable outfits your baby will wear on their first day home. And don’t forget about your own stylish PJs, cozy robe, and cute slippers!
I remember spending countless hours curating my first hospital bag, consulting with fellow moms and scrolling through social media to ensure I had everything just right. (For my second delivery, let’s just say I grabbed whatever pajamas were on top of the laundry pile and completely forgot a baby outfit. Whoops!)
While the hospital bag deserves all that attention, there’s another important aspect that needs your care post-delivery: your vagina or, if applicable, your C-section recovery area. Enter the “vag bag.” This bag is essential for ensuring you have everything you need to heal and find comfort after delivering that watermelon-sized baby.
You see, while your little one is home and flaunting their adorable outfit, you’ll likely be arriving home feeling exhausted, possibly bleeding, and with swollen bits. Ice packs will be your best friends, and yes, you’ll be facing the reality of your first post-delivery poop. The initial days and weeks after childbirth can be quite challenging for your lady parts.
But don’t worry! I’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the top five must-have items for your vag bag. Read on!
1. Peri Bottle
Let’s take a moment to applaud the FridaBaby Fridet perineal bottle. This innovative tool outshines the hospital’s squeezy bottles. The Fridet features an angled tube designed for use while sitting on the toilet, allowing you to effortlessly squeeze warm water onto your nether regions. This is a game-changer for perineal care. If you’ve experienced tearing, stitches, or just general soreness, this bottle will be your saving grace. It helps wash away any remnants after using the restroom, minimizing discomfort from harsh toilet paper.
2. Ice Packs
You’ll want a lot of ice packs in your vag bag. Here’s the thing: labor and childbirth can leave your tissues feeling traumatized and swollen. Ice can help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and speed up recovery. If you had a C-section, ice will also relieve soreness in your pelvic area. Ensure your vag bag includes a few disposable ice packs with soft covers so you can use them right away. Elevating your legs while applying the ice will enhance the benefits. Just remember not to apply ice directly onto your skin—use a thin layer of protection like a paper towel!
3. Sitz Baths and Witch Hazel
Labor can also lead to hemorrhoids—let’s be real, pushing out a baby can push out other things too. Witch hazel serves as a natural astringent, helping to manage inflammation and discomfort. It works by constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling. Products from Earth Mama Organics can provide relief through their herbal sitz baths and cooling perineal sprays. Use the spray after cleansing with your peri bottle for extra comfort.
4. Pads
I’ve always preferred tampons, but postpartum is a different story. Remember, you can’t use tampons for about six weeks after delivery. You’ll need pads to absorb the lochia—yes, that lovely bleeding that starts right after your baby arrives. Choose pads you find comfortable, as you’ll be using them a lot. You can also make a “padsicle” by soaking a pad in water from the Earth Mama Organics Sitz Bath packets. Place it in the fridge or freezer for a refreshing treat when you need it most.
5. Compression Garments
Compression can be incredibly beneficial after childbirth. It helps with swelling and provides gentle support for your abdomen. Many new moms experience difficulty engaging their core muscles after delivery. Consider investing in SRC Health’s Recovery Shorts for comfort and support. These garments hug your body gently and can help you manage the demands of caring for your newborn.
In conclusion, these five essentials will help you take care of your body post-delivery. Don’t forget to focus on your outfit and your baby’s first homecoming look, but remember that your body needs attention too.
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Summary: Preparing a “vag bag” with essential items is crucial for postpartum care. Key items include a peri bottle, ice packs, sitz baths with witch hazel, pads, and compression garments. These essentials will help you heal and find comfort after childbirth.