sangtarah Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 We are planning on a birth center birth (others were at hospitals), and I have a pretty good idea of what to take there, but the average release time is 4-6 hours after birth, so I need to have some supplies on hand at home. If you have experience with this, what were your must-have items to take? What to have at home for postpartum care? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barnwife Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 I have had 4 homebirths. Things I have for postpartum use: Depends (I vastly prefer them to the mesh underwear and enormous pads for the first few days), Chux pads, nursing supplies (pillow, snacks, water bottle), lanolin, ibuprofen, stool softeners Your midwife/practitioner should have a list of things as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Yes to the Depends! Maybe something for healing any tears. And make up some "padsicles" now....pour witch hazel onto some overnight size sanitary pads, then freeze. You can wear them inside the depends as a nice way to relieve swelling down there. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zinnia Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Something to tie your hair back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sangtarah Posted February 25, 2017 Author Share Posted February 25, 2017 Thanks! Great suggestions on the Depends and the "padsicles" - I hadn't heard that before. Is miralax considered a stool softner, or is there another type that is better? What about food during labor, or for afterward? If I birth at the birthing center, we will need to provide snacks/food for during labor, and a good, hearty meal for afterwards. I'm not sure how to provide a good hearty meal when we aren't at home, and have no idea how long labor will last. They have a small kitchen with a microwave. We have a slow cooker, and an instant pot that we haven't used much. I thought maybe if it is daytime, someone could bring us a meal, but if it's the middle of the night, I'm stumped. I am surely not going to be thinking of cooking! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 I never could have eaten a "hardy meal" after giving birth - I mostly just wanted a nap! But - if you need to bring one, how about sandwiches or wraps and fruit? These can be assembled quickly by someone else (DH?) on your way out the door and can sit for hours at room temps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 I ordered pizza after my births. A frozen pizza would work if it's 3am. Or if it is normal hours you can send hubby to pick up a meal at a restaurant, or use a delivery service. I also had protein bars, fruit, etc. I'm always STARVING after giving birth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamaofgirls Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 I really like normal underwear and pads, like cloth pads :) Total opposite of depends but if this is not your first then you know what to expect as far as bleeding/discomfort and what will work for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fdrinca Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 I had pretty intense heartburn with all of my pregnancies, so I always add an antacid to my hospital bag. Comfortable, warm socks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caedmyn Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 Afterease or motherwort tincture for afterpains. Worked far better for me than tylenol and ibuprofen. Take 1/2 to 1 dropper under the tongue before nursing, and make sure your bladder is empty too. Motherwort had the added benefit of reducing bleeding noticeably (and I don't bleed a lot anyway, but it was noticeably less while taking the motherwort). I like to have a can of healthy soup after a birth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ocelotmom Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 f I birth at the birthing center, we will need to provide snacks/food for during labor, and a good, hearty meal for afterwards. I'm not sure how to provide a good hearty meal when we aren't at home, and have no idea how long labor will last. They have a small kitchen with a microwave. We have a slow cooker, and an instant pot that we haven't used much. I thought maybe if it is daytime, someone could bring us a meal, but if it's the middle of the night, I'm stumped. I am surely not going to be thinking of cooking! I think they phrase it badly. "Good hearty meal" has implications of some wholesome fresh-cooked made-from-scratch multiple course dinner. In reality, you just need something adequate to eat. Get some decent-quality microwavable frozen dinners and call it good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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