When preparing for a new baby, we tend to scour the resources for lists and to-do’s to help us prepare for the big day and after. Heaven forbid we do a google search or look at things on Amazon… HELLO ADS on every website we ever go on showing us ALL THE THINGS, ALL THE TIME… (#stop)
Listen. You’re vagina is gonna HURT. You’re NOT going to care at that point if you have the latest and greatest. Stick to the basics and let your body do the rest! So what do you really need? Do you really need it “name brand” and where can you get these items when you are on a tight budget?
Short answer: The Dollar Tree
If you haven’t already discovered the wonder that is Dollar Tree, you’re welcome. In Minnesota there is one virtually everywhere. I bet if you pulled out your GPS right now, there would be one less than 10 minutes away… even if you live in the boonies, it’s worth it. They have a LOT of items that you wouldn’t imagine they would. Sometimes even brands that you see at Target or Walmart. When I had my first at the ripe age of 17 (A story for another time) the Dollar Tree was my saving grace. Working part-time at a retail store making around $7.25 per hour… yea I didn’t have much to spend.
Here are the top 10 items YOU will want … and yes they are ALL at Dollar Tree.
#1 Witch hazel
Witch hazel is a MUST. It promotes healing and it is what the hospital will tell you to spray on your lady-bits every time you go pee. The bottles are small so buy 3 or 4 of them.
#2 Mini Water Bottles (peri bottle)
You can get a 2 pack of these little guys. However, sometimes the Dollar tree will actually carry peri bottles or something very similar. You could also opt for the cute delli ketchup bottles that they have seasonally. As long as you can gently spray yourself with it, that works! Fill with witch hazel & water and cleanse away!
#3 Menstrual Pads
HELLO “Crotchsickels”! (Also known as “Padsickles” but I think “crotchsickle” is more fun haha!)
Wet a few pads down with witch hazel and put them in the freezer for a refreshing and soothing compress for inflamed and sore lady-bits.
After a vaginal delivery you will have period-like bleeding for up to 4-6 weeks. It is not recommended to insert any products during this time of healing for the risk of infections, so stick to pads.
#4 Epsom Salts
Baths are going to be your best friend during postpartum recovery. Epsom salts help sooth tension and promote healing. It’s also helpful for hemorrhoids if they had occurred during labor/pushing.
#5 Coconut Oil
Oh the endless uses of coconut oil. Pretty sure there are ENTIRE blogs out there solely dedicated to the magic of coconut oil. Use it as a nipple cream, moisturizer, diaper rash cream, and so on.
#6 Tissues
FOR ALL THE CRYING! (LOL)
Also for spit ups, snot, possibly vomit or poo.… but mostly for the crying.. Happy tears, sad tears, confused tears… All the tears…!
Welcome to motherhood.
#7 Water Bottle
This one may seem obscure but the Doula and mama in me screams HYDRATION!!!!
We are a society that seems to live in a dehydrated state. In postpartum recovery this cannot be allowed! Your body just went through an insane amount of changes. Staying hydrated is one of THE MOST important things you need to do to regain a healthy and fully recovered state. If you have chosen to breastfeed this is even more of a reason to hydrate often. Try to get at least 80 oz of water per day.
#8 Cosmetic bag
You may be on the go a lot or just need one to hold things in your purse. Pads, Ibuprofen/Tylenol, chapstick, and so on. As a mother of 4, it is so much easier to have a little bag that holds it all instead of having to dig around a purse or diaper bag the size of Mary Poppins bottomless bag..
#9 Post-It Notes
Pregnancy brain turns into mom brain REAL QUICK so do yourself a favor and get post-its. I keep a pack in my car and in my kitchen. Use them for literally ANY reminder or check list. MY favorite use though is affirmations. You are going to have hard days and seeing a loving note on your bathroom mirror really does help … You got this mama.
#10 Little Notebook
I recommend this to all of my clients and friends. The first few weeks of mommy-hood you’ll want to keep track of things. Feeding times, diapers, funny memories or moments.. This is great to have for many reasons. There are so many printable things or special notebooks for this but why not use a basic notebook for a buck?!
See! Pretty Simple and CHEAP! All the main things you’ll need for under $20!
Light and Love
The Village Doula
Comments