The Ultimate Baby Shopping Guide > Post Partum Supply List

Post Partum Supply List

This thoughtful and comprehensive list was compiled by a caring doula. To read more about doulas visit www.dona.org

• 50-100 Overnight Menstrual Pads – unfortunately you will bleed for a good six weeks and heavily at that

• Old comfy underwear
• Witch Hazel Tucks pads – for stinging perineum or hemorrhoids
• Squeeze bottle – for washing off perineum
• Frozen diaper for perineum
• Comfy, loose clothing – treat yourself a couple of new post partum outfits rather than wear your old maternity clothes
• Motrin, Ibuprofen or Tylenol (as directed by your physician)
• Water bottle – keep on or near your bed
• Small towels or washcloths for nursing (lots of leakage at first)
• Breast pads – 100% cotton or very breathable synthetic...no plastic outer layer!
• Lansinoh brand or Medela brand lanolin – for cracked nipples. It's safe for both mom and baby
• Instructions on how to hand express mild – helps to initiate breastfeeding or relieve overly-engorged breasts
• Breast pump and milk storage bags
• Pillows, Boppy, or My Breast Friend for nursing
• Cabbage leaves – to sooth engorged breasts
• Kleenex boxes everywhere - for post partum crying sessions
• Reminder notes to do your kegel exercises
• Easy-to-prepare (and nutritious) snacks, breakfasts and lunches
• Anything else you many need to have a functional home for 2 weeks
• Night lights
• Mylicon infant formula or gripe water
• Hylands teething tablets – 100% natural...helps calm an baby in pain
• 75-100 disposable or 24 cloth diapers to cover the first 2 weeks
• Diaper wipes or soft cloths for wipes
• Rubbing alcohol for baby's unbilical stump
• Diaper rash ointment – Bodreaux's Butt Paste is my favorite
• Camera and lots of film or large memory card