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I was mostly prepared for the pregnancy. And I was even pretty prepared for birth. Neither went exactly how I had planned them, but I was prepared for that, too. I was all “go with the flow” and handled things as they came. I was even prepared for postpartum depression, reading up on it daily and making sure I took any preventative actions since I was prone to depression.
What I wasn’t prepared for was my postpartum healing. Somehow, I got it in my head that at my six week postpartum checkup, I’d be all healed. But here I am, nearly fourteen weeks postpartum, and still very much so healing.
I wish I would have been ready for this. The tearing, the swelling, the bruising, the hemorrhoids – ALL of it! I wish I would have known what products to grab or things to make my life easier from the beginning. I’ve had plenty of time to figure it out now though. And I’m sure I’m not the only new mom struggling with this.
So if you’re looking to help out a pregnant friend or are even looking for some must-haves for yourself during the postpartum period, check out this gift basket idea for new moms.
Preparation H® Medicated Wipes
Preparation H® Medicated Wipes are must haves for the gift basket. Preparation H® Medicated Wipes provide effective hemorrhoid relief. They are convenient to use and soothe as they clean. For effective relief, add Medicated Wipes to your regimen to cool, soothe and cleanse before you treat.
Preparation H® Medicated Wipes for Women are another great option. Pregnancy can cause hemorrhoids in 1 out of 3 women, so be ready for the unexpected and put Preparation H® Medicated Wipes for Women in your hospital “go” bag to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms following childbirth. Preparation H® Medicated Wipes for Women are the first and only women’s hemorrhoid wipes infused with chamomile, aloe and refreshing cucumber, plus a soothing medication that cools on contact.
I wish I would have known to grab these immediately. Between hemorrhoids and fissures that were literally a pain in the butt, these would have made the healing process a little easier on me. I was especially a fan of the cooling aspect for when my tear started healing and the itching replaced the pain.
Water Bottle
I still can’t get enough water. And I’m always the thirstiest when she’s feeding or napping on me. Which is pretty much the most inconvenient time to go get water. A water bottle has been SO handy! I always make sure to fill it up right before I sit down with her just in case it’ll be longer than I anticipated.
Notebook and Pens
A computer is not always the easiest thing to use when you’re feeding or with a napping baby either. And even though I always had my phone to track her feeds (and naps in the beginning) – I didn’t like using it for my ideas/brainstorming. Pen and paper worked way better for me and allowed me to work even away from the desk.
Healthy Snacks
Breastfeeding makes me ravenous! Seriously. My doctor said I would burn an extra 500 calories, but I swear I burn twice as many. I ate so much fruit right after Lily was born and had to stock up on quick snacks as well because I couldn’t go an hour without eating. Bonus points if it’s ready to eat so the new mom doesn’t have to do anything with it! (We got cheese, fruit and veggie trays for awhile because it saved so much time. Now we just make our own!)
Bubblebath
Baths became something I actually enjoyed after pregnancy. I’m too tall to really enjoy soaking in a tub without half of me sticking out, but post pregnancy? Bliss! I could have (and still can) spend hours soaking in the tub or in the shower. It makes me feel more human every. single. time.
Chocolate
Okay, so I know I said healthy snacks. But I’m a firm believer that good habits are meant to be broken from time to time. And indulging in a little chocolate after you’ve changed diapers and your shirt 10x in a day isn’t that bad.
Magazines
I watched a lot of Netflix after she came home. Eventually, that got a bit boring so I switched to reading more. It would have been so nice to have a few magazines to read during feeds or when I wasn’t able to sleep with her, but still wanted to relax.
Tote Bag
Having something to contain everything I carried around with me for taking care of her in the beginning would have saved me SO much time. I found myself grabbing 5+ things every time I’d sit down to feed her or just rest with her. I eventually got one and kept essentials in there. Snacks, magazines or my iPad, burp clothes, wipes, notebook, pens, etc.
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What else would you include in a gift basket for a new mom? If you’re looking to make a gift basket of your own, head to Walmart! They’ve got the Preparation H® Medicated Wipes and Preparation H® Medicated Wipes for Women along with everything else you need to treat a new mom.