In the final hours it's time to start prepping for labor and delivery and your first weeks home with your new baby. While we've already covered your hospital bag packing list, it's also just as important to put some thought into your recovery kit. While no two birth experiences are the same and you don't really know what to expect, having an arsenal of tools ready to go beforehand will give you some control over your experience and allow you to be present and enjoy the time with your new little one. Start making your recovery kit with the help of our checklist below.

Vaginal Delivery Recovery Kit

Tips to Ease Your Recovery

1. Stock up on brief-style underwear.

Usually the hospital will send you home with mesh underwear and some basic supplies. But be prepared to wear brief-style underwear for a while after delivery along with loose fitting clothing.

Perelel Pick: Skims Cotton Rib Brief ($28)

2. A donut cushion may be a game-changer.

If you get an episiotomy, a donut cushion will ease discomfort while sitting. You can buy an inexpensive one on Amazon, or if you're up for a splurge Frida Mom's Perineal Donut Comfort Cushion ($40) is supposed to be fabulous.

Your Packing List:

Extra-Absorbent Pads
Ice Packs
Thayers Witch Hazel Toner ($11)
Tucks Cooling Pads ($10)
Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle ($16)
Dermoplast Pain Spray ($7)
Colace Stool Softener ($11)
Belly Wrap

Perelel Pick: Belly Bandit Original Belly Wrap ($50)

Cesarean Delivery Recovery Kit

Tips to Ease Your Recovery

1. Ask for help.
It's important to have an extra set of hands during the first few weeks since the general rule of thumb is that women recovering from a c-section shouldn't lift anything heavier than their baby. Have a game plan about who you're going to lean on so it's a seamless transition.

2. Get support for breastfeeding.

C-sections have been linked to a higher risk of breastfeeding difficulties.¹ If you're having a hard time with breastfeeding, a lactation consultant can help and may be worth seeking out.

Your Packing List:

Advil or pain reliever per your doctor's instruction.
Colace Stool Softener ($11)
ScarAway Silicone Scar Sheets ($19)
Belly Wrap

Perelel Pick: Belly Bandit Original Belly Wrap ($50)

Supportive Postpartum Underwear

Perelel Pick: Skims Cotton Rib Brief ($28)

Heating Pad
Step stool if you have a high bed to climb into.

Nourish Your Body Postpartum

Did you know your nutritional demands postpartum are still just as high as during pregnancy? Not only does your body need extra nutrients to heal and recover from pregnancy and birth, but also if you plan to breastfeed you need a higher nutritional intake to support lactation and pass vital nutrients to your new baby. A postnatal vitamin targeted to the fourth trimester covers your foundational needs, supports your mood, and combats the new stressors of parenthood.

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Did you know the shift into motherhood is called "matrescence?" Influencer Aimee Song sat down with reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Sarah Oreck, MD, MS, following the birth of her new baby to talk about mental health in the fourth trimester and her personal shift—watch their conversation in our new series, Matrescence, now.

¹Hobbs AJ, Mannion CA, McDonald SW, Brockway M, Tough SC. The impact of caesarean section on breastfeeding initiation, duration and difficulties in the first four months postpartum. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2016;16:90. Published 2016 Apr 26. doi:10.1186/s12884-016-0876-1