Checklist for the postpartum period

The postpartum period is a particularly exciting, adventurous, and also stressful time for new parents. Mom and Dad have to get used to the little new arrival and settle into this world as a family. And yes, you will indeed spend the first few weeks in and around your bed, staring at your baby all the time and wondering how your body is capable of creating such an adorable little being.

The first few days should therefore be very well organized. Does dad have to go back to work immediately after the birth? Then arrange for other support early on. Perhaps grandma can help out, bring you meals in bed, and take care of the housework? Alternatively, you can also hire a maternity nurse.

You can do some preparations in the last few days before the birth. For example, pre-cooking meals. Even the smallest household chore can become a huge project with a baby. It's especially nice to have pre-cooked meals in the freezer that just need to be warmed up. Of course, you can also order food or have someone cook for you. Get some snacks like nuts and energy bars and put them on your bedside table. You'll appreciate them on sleepless nights.

Create a cozy atmosphere in your bedroom. Take care of things that bother you at home. Organize your closet, hang new curtains, or hang new pictures on the wall. You'll be spending a lot of time in this room in the eight weeks following birth.

You will need the following things for the postpartum period:

• Two packs of large sanitary pads. You can find them in the diaper section of your drugstore. You'll need them for the first few days at home with postpartum bleeding.
• 5-6 large cotton underpants (The large pads won't fit into your regular underwear.)
• Smaller pads or alternatively 2 Period panties . These are more comfortable than pads and better for the environment. You can easily wash them in the washing machine and alternate them on lighter days of postpartum bleeding.

For breastfeeding:

• Nipple balm and silver caps for sore nipples
• Cooling or heating pads for the breast. They're invaluable when milk comes in or if you have a blocked milk duct.
• Disposable nursing pads or those made of wool/silk. Wool/silk pads are more comfortable on the skin and more sustainable, but they absorb fluid more quickly.
• One Breast pump and breast milk bags for freezing your milk. After the third week, you can start pumping and freezing milk once a day. This way, you can build up a supply in case you have to return to work quickly and your husband wants to supplement your feeding, or you simply can't be with your baby for more than two hours.
• 3-4 nursing bras. Buy one size larger. You'll be amazed at how big your breasts will become after your milk comes in. Many women also wear their nursing bras at night. Therefore, it's always a good idea to have a few spare bras to avoid having to wash them every day.

We wish you a wonderful first time with your baby.