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As a first time mother, I had no idea what to expect when I returned from the hospital. I had read all the books on pregnancy, labor and birth, but somehow missed the parts about the recovery time after birth. When I returned home from the hospital I realized that I had forgotten some essential items. Here’s a list of everything that will help may your recovery time a little more comfortable.

• Peri bottle – The hospital should provide you with a peri bottle, so be sure to take it home with you. It may also be helpful to purchase a couple extra to store in each bathroom of your home and one for your purse if you plan on going out with in the first couple weeks.
• Tucks medicated pads – Store some pads in each bathroom of your home and in your purse.
• Mother’s Milk Tea – This helps promote healthy breast milk.
• Ultra thin maxi pads – Be sure to take these to the hospital with you or you’ll be stuck with some very bulky and somewhat uncomfortable pads.
• Pain medication prescriptions
• Breast pump – A baby’s suck helps your milk come in, so if your baby refuses to nurse the first few days pumping every few hours will help your milk come in a little quicker.
• Nursing pads
• Nursing bras – It is recommended that nursing mothers also wear a bra at night for additional support, so purchase two night bras. One to wash and one to wear.
• Lanolin Topical Treatment – Purchase the smallest tube of Lanolin, or grab a couple sample packets. You will only need a very small amount to help cracked or chapped nipples.

When nursing you will experience some period like cramping. This is caused by your uterus contracting back to it’s normal size. If the pain is unbearable ask your doctor about taking a non-prescription pain reliever to alleviate your discomfort. Add that pain reliever to the list above.