1. Nipple Balm. Motherlove is our favorite go-to brand. Made of all natural, organic ingredients this cream is safe for you and baby.
2. Nursing Pads. We love the soft reusable pads from Kindred Bravely that are gentle on sore nipples, and come in a pack of 4.
3. Roid Cream. The #1 most appreciated product in our boxes amongst all of our moms! Hemorrhoids just pop up on you when you least expect them. Motherlove Roid Balm not only works like a charm, but is one of the only brands that is safe to use during breastfeeding as it does not contain any medicated ingredients.
4. Witch hazel extract. Use this common and easy-to-find natural ingredient to ease hemorrhoids and swelling in the perineum area. Thayers Witchhazel is a trusted favorite.
5. Aloe Vera. This is commonly used as an aid to cool burns and inflamed skin. Pair it with witch hazel and/or a sitz spray mix to create "padcicles" to ease discomfort in your perineum.
6. Perineum cold pack. You will likely still need these cold packs for vaginal relief for a few days, even if you have a c-section, as your perineum area will be swollen from surgery. These TendHer Perineal cold packs work well to easy discomfort and can also he heated up in a bowl of warm water to use as a warm compress for breastfeeding woes.
7. Peri mom washer. It looks like a condiment squeeze bottle, and it helps ease discomfort and cleanse your perineum area after you urinate or have a bowel movement. It's a much gentler alternative than wiping with toilet paper, especially as your perineum area will be sensitive for a few days, or even weeks.
8. Stool softener. Just like at the hospital, having this on hand at home will help you not fear doing the #2.
9. Sitz bath/spray mix. A magic mix of herbs, essential oils, and witch hazel for perineum relief. Think of this as a spa day for your private parts!
10. Large Water Bottle. Hydrating is so important, especially for a new mom. The suggested drinking amount for a person who is pregnant or nursing is 32 oz above the normal suggestion of about 64 oz. This is 96 oz per day! Be sure to have a large water bottle so that you get in that recommended amount.

Resources To have on Speed Dial:

1. Lactation Consultant. Breastfeeding can be quite a challenge. Having a lactation consultant coach you through the process could lead to a more successful, and less stressful experience.
2. Sleep Consultant. These professionals can assess your home and make necessary suggestions on how to create the ideal environment for the baby to sleep. They can also guide you on what to do to promote healthy sleep both for you and for baby.
3. Postpartum Support Hotline. You are not alone, and this hotline exists so that you can talk to someone who understands what you are going through. The postpartum period is full of new adjustments and brings up many emotions, and the thoughts and feelings you have are completely normal. This hotline is there because you need to hear that.
4. Local Postpartum Support Chapter. Meeting with others who are experiencing the same challenges makes it easier to accept the support you will need.
5. Food Delivery. Cook? Ain’t nobody got time for that.
6. Grocery Delivery. It's best to not take the baby out during the first few weeks of life, especially during the cold and flu season. So make things easy on yourself, and enjoy your time with your newborn!