An equipment list for mum (not just baby)
When I’m working with mums I like to meet them during pregnancy to plan and prepare for postpartum. Usually my clients have lots of questions about equipment during this time, and I’ve noticed there are certain things missing from the standard equipment list.
A pram and car seat are important, but beyond the basics, what your baby needs most of all is your touch and love.
Most baby equipment lists focus on things for babies, but what about the things a new parent needs?
In this blog post, I’m going to share with you my favourite postpartum outfit - warning, it’s not very fashion-forward! But it’s super comfy, healthy and supportive. I consider these things to be pretty essential on the equipment list of things to buy whilst pregnant.
How to feel comfortable, supported and warm after childbirth
Crossover sleep bra
Maternity bras are tricky things!! Even if you find one you love during pregnancy, your body shape will change after childbirth, and it won’t fit you any more. It can be very frustrating.
Most bras don’t adjust much to fit your changing breasts, which is why I usually suggest a crossover-style sleep bra, especially for the early weeks.
They are soft, comfy and stretchy, so they fit even when your breasts are engorged or wonky! Crossover bras are not very supportive, but they work for the early days of resting at home.
Things to consider when choosing a maternity bra:
Even if you don’t normally wear a bra at night you might like one to hold your breast pads in place during the early weeks/months of breastfeeding so you don’t wake up in a pool of milk.
Whilst your breastmilk supply is established, your breasts can get very hot. You might want to consider cotton bras. Padding can make you feel hot too, but it can also be useful for catching leaking milk.
Your bras will be regularly soaked with breastmilk! You’ll need at least four so you can keep up with washing them.
You can buy these at most retail giants or from many online boutiques and Amazon.
Once your milk supply regulates around 6-8 weeks your breasts should stay (roughly!) the same size, so you can go get fitted for a more structured breastfeeding bra after that if you like.
Reusable breast pads
I know disposable sounds handy but I actually much prefer reusable breast pads. They are more absorbent, more comfy and they don’t make a scrunchy noise when you move!! Keep breast pas next to your bed, in you hand bag and by the nappy change table. It’s worth having a few disposables around for back-up too.
Many small cloth period businesses make cloth breast pads and some of them are locally made by mums. Sixteen pairs will make it easier to keep up with the laundry in those early weeks.
Incontinence pants
Here’s another goodie you never saw coming before you became a mum!! Nappies for mums! Just go to the chemist and grab yourself some incontinence pants to use for the first week or so after childbirth and you’ll save yourself a lot of laundry as the intense postpartum bleeding can soak through underwear and sheets. They are way more comfortable than those surfboard-style pads!!
Since having my own babies the period undies industry has exploded and it’s likely you can now easily find reusable underwear that are suitable for postpartum. Here’s what to look for:
Full coverage at the back so they don’t leak when you are lying down.
Suitable for heavy flow.
Some women prefer a large cut brief style to keep from digging into sensitive areas.
Belly-binding
I use, love and recommend simple tubular bandages to support your belly after childbirth. I’ve written loads about belly binding already so I won’t go into detail here.
You can read more about traditional postpartum belly binding here and find a supplier in our Newborn Mothers Directory.
You can also learn more about postpartum bodywork including belly binding in Postpartum Education and Care Professional Training.
Long sleeve tops
Having long sleeves paired with soft leggings or pj pants makes getting up on a cold night a whole lot easier.
Long sleeves are great for breastfeeding in bed and keeping your upper body warm. Maternity tops are obviously designed for the job, but regular long-sleeve tops are fine, as you can have the bed covers over your torso. And if you are wearing belly binding, then that will keep your tummy warm when you lift up your top to feed.
For safe co-sleeping guidelines read this.
In winter, you can layer regular long-sleeve tops over maternity tanks for more discrete public breastfeeding.
That is one great outfit!! It will keep you warm, comfy, supported and healthy whilst you care for your baby.