Must-Haves: For Labor and Recovery

Yup, still here. It's amazing how little time or energy I have for blogging right now.

Ethan and I are doing great, enjoying our days together while we can! I've had the go-ahead from my doctor to resume exercise, sex and all other normal activity, which is a wonderful thing! I have lots to blog about, but for now let me list some must-have things for my labor and recovery for all of you expectant moms out there.

I have not been paid or compensated in any way for these reviews - they are simply my opinion.

So here we go! In no particular order:

Always Infinity pads: These thin, comfortable pads do an amazing job. Even when I was hemorraging and going to the ER, my little pad held the blood in. They are expensive, but totally worth it. The overnights were especially great right after delivery when the bleeding was heaviest.

Cheap, dark-colored wash cloths: If you have a vaginal birth with a tear that requires stitches, your doctor will forbid you from using toilet paper. Invest in some cheap, dark wash cloths for use in the bathroom and make sure you wash them in HOT water, or buy white ones and wash them with bleach to sanitize. I carried one in my purse in a plastic bag for any time I needed a bathroom away from home.

Tuck's Witch Hazel Pads: These are AMAZING for helping soothe sore lady parts. I believe you can buy them at a drug store, but the hospital sent me home with enough to last me. They really do feel wonderful on the sore parts.

Dermoplast spray: This is a pain relief spray that also numbs - great on the sore parts! My hospital sent me home with a canister, and in combination with the Tucks it helped relieve a lot of pain!

Cotonelle Fresh Wipes: For when you have to go "Number 2" and aren't allowed toilet paper! They also make travel packs which slip easily into a purse or diaper bag.

Big, loose sweatpants: The day after I was released I could be found staggering the aisles of T.arget looking for sweatpants or yoga pants that were loose enough in my waist to not put pressure on my tender abdomen.

Mesh panties/granny panties: The hospital loaded me up with mesh panties before I left, and I used them until I ran out. Then I switched to big, soft "granny panties" - they are comfy on a sore abdomen, don't press tightly on sore lady parts and won't break your heart if ruined.

Stool softener such as Colace: They gave me this regularly in the hospital and told me to continue taking it at home. The first BM was a little scary, but nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be!

Good slippers for the hospital: These are great for shuffling about on the cold hospital floors. Since I spent so much time back and forth between the NICU, these came in really handy.

Sleep mask and ear plugs: Ear plugs are a MUST in a noisy hospital, although I annoyed a couple of nurses who didn't realize I had them in and was just ignoring them. :) A sleep mask is great as well, because a the room was never totally dark.

Comfortable pajamas/robe that look nice: The once thing I didn't have that I really wished I did. I simply didn't have time to buy any before my very early labor (at home I sleep in a tank top and yoga pants which have been worn so much they are practically see-through). I had to wear the hospital gowns, which were comfortable but made me feel very self-conscious in the NICU, where there were lots of nurses and parents around.

A bag of snacks: After delivery, I was able to eat, but mostly the snacks were there for Mr. M. and anyone else that might be there and hungry. I also tossed in a little bag with some quarters and dollar bills for vending machines, which we never used.

That's all I can think of for now! Let me know if you have any questions of any kind!