Vorbereitet ins Wochenbett: Die wichtigsten Utensilien für eine angenehme Zeit

Prepared for the postpartum period: The most important utensils for a pleasant time

August 25, 2024

Preparing for the postpartum period

The importance of the postpartum period

The postpartum period is a crucial period after the birth of a child. It usually covers the first six to eight weeks after birth, during which the mother recovers physically and emotionally from childbirth. During this time, the mother's body adapts to the postpartum phase and begins to resume its normal functions. At the same time, the bond between mother and child develops, which is crucial for the long-term emotional and physical health of both.

The importance of the postpartum period can be summarized in various aspects:

Physical recovery: The uterus contracts, any birth injuries heal, and the hormone balance stabilizes.
Emotional stability: The mother has time to adjust emotionally to the new life situation and to strengthen the bond with the newborn.
Breastfeeding: The postpartum period gives the mother the opportunity to establish breastfeeding and to identify and solve possible problems at an early stage.

Why is the right equipment important?

The right postpartum equipment is essential to make this time as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Well-thought-out postpartum equipment helps the mother to concentrate on her recovery and caring for her newborn without constantly having to search for the necessary items.

category	Important utensils
Hygiene products	Bandages, wet wipes, hand disinfectant
Comfortable clothing	Nursing bras , soft pajamas, slippers
Breastfeeding supplies	Nursing pillow, nursing pads , breast pump
Comfort products	Supportive pillows, toiletries, snacks and drinks
Practical helpers	Changing supplies, baby equipment, necessary documents

The right postpartum equipment also helps to make everyday life easier:

Hygiene and cleanliness: Hygiene products are necessary to prevent infections and ensure personal hygiene.
Comfort and convenience: Comfortable clothing and supportive pillows help the mother feel comfortable and recover better.
Breastfeeding and nutrition: Breastfeeding accessories such as nursing pillows and nursing pads support breastfeeding and ensure that it goes smoothly.
Snacks and drinks: These ensure that the mother is always well supplied and can maintain her energy.

Well-prepared postpartum equipment makes the difference between a stress-free and a stressful recovery phase.

Basic utensils

During the postpartum period, some basic items are indispensable. These help to make everyday life easier and to feel comfortable.

Hygiene products

Hygiene products play an essential role in the postpartum period to ensure health and well-being. The most important ones include:

Pads : Special postpartum pads, which have a higher absorbency, are particularly important.
Wet wipes : For quick cleaning and freshness.
Intimate wash lotion : Mild products support healing and avoid irritation.

Hygiene products	use
Postpartum pads	High absorbency
Wet wipes	Quick cleaning
Intimate wash lotion	Mild care

Comfortable clothing

Comfortable and functional clothing is essential during the postpartum period. It should be easy to put on and take off and allow enough freedom of movement. Important items of clothing include:

Nursing bras : Provide support and make breastfeeding easier.
Loose tops : For comfort and easy access when breastfeeding.
Cozy pants : Wide pants or leggings for comfort.

clothing	Purpose
Nursing bras	Support and easy access
Loose tops	Comfort and breastfeeding friendliness
Comfortable pants	Convenience

Breastfeeding supplies

Breastfeeding accessories make feeding the baby easier and improve the mother's well-being. Essential breastfeeding accessories include:

Nursing pads : Absorbent pads that you place in your bra to catch any leaking milk.
Breast pump : For expressing breast milk.
Nursing pillow : Supports a comfortable position while breastfeeding and relieves the strain on the back and arms.

Breastfeeding supplies	use
Nursing pads	Collecting leaking milk
Breast pump	Expressing breast milk
Nursing pillow	Support with breastfeeding

These basic items are essential for a pleasant and relaxed postpartum period. They help new mothers recover quickly and enjoy their time with their newborn.

Utensils for comfort

During the postpartum period, it is important to focus on your own comfort. Various items can help make this time more pleasant.

Supportive pillows

Supportive pillows are essential to ensure comfort during the postpartum period. They help keep the body in a comfortable position, especially when breastfeeding or resting. There are different types of pillows designed specifically for this period:

Nursing pillow: Helps keep the baby in the correct position.
Pregnancy pillow: Provides support for the back and stomach.
Wedge pillow: Supports the back and can help you sit more comfortably.

Pillow type	To use
Nursing pillow	Support with breastfeeding
Pregnancy pillow	Back and abdominal support
Wedge pillow	Comfortable seating

Care products for the mother

Proper care is crucial for the mother's well-being during the postpartum period. Various care products can help to care for and regenerate the body:

Wound care creams: Support healing after birth.
Nipple ointments: Relieve pain and promote healing.
Relaxation baths: Help to relieve tension and relax.

Care product	To use
Wound care creams	Supporting healing
Nipple ointments	Pain relief
Relaxation baths	Releasing tension

Snacks and drinks

A balanced diet is particularly important during the postpartum period. Snacks and drinks should be easily accessible to meet the mother's energy needs and support milk production:

Water bottles: Hydration is essential.
Nuts and dried fruits: quick source of energy.
Whole grain products: long-lasting energy.

Snack/Drink	To use
Water bottles	Hydration
Nuts and dried fruits	Fast energy source
whole grain products	Long-lasting energy

These items help to make the postpartum period more comfortable and pleasant. It is important that the mother feels well cared for and receives the necessary support during this time.

Practical helpers

During the postpartum period, practical aids are of great importance to make everyday life with a newborn easier. Here are some important items that should not be missing during this time.

Changing supplies

Changing supplies are essential for the daily care of the baby. These include diapers, wet wipes, and a changing mat. A diaper pail is also useful for disposing of used diapers without any smell.

Changing supplies	Number
Diapers	40-50 per week
Wet wipes	2-3 packs per week
Changing mat	1-2
Diaper pail	1

Baby equipment

Baby equipment includes all the items that the baby needs in the first few weeks. This includes clothing, blankets, and a place to sleep. A stroller and a baby seat for the car are also important.

Baby equipment	Number
Rompers	5-7
Bodysuits	5-7
Cover	2-3
stroller	1
Baby seat	1

Required documents

It is important to have all the necessary documents to hand. These include the baby's birth certificate, health insurance card and any applications for parental allowance or child benefit. A folder for storing these documents can be very helpful.

Documents	Purpose
Birth certificate	Proof of birth
Health insurance card	Medical care
Parental allowance application	Financial support
Child benefit application	Financial support

These practical helpers make organisation and everyday life in the postpartum period much easier and contribute to a relaxed and pleasant time.

Emotional Support

Emotional support is an essential part of the postpartum period. In addition to physical recovery, emotional well-being plays a major role.

Support from family and friends

Family and friends are often the first port of call for support during the postpartum period. Their help can come in many different forms, whether it's taking on household chores, cooking meals or simply being there and listening.

It can be helpful to plan in advance who will be available in the first few weeks after birth. A spreadsheet can help coordinate the availability of family members and friends:

person	Availability	Support
Mother	Daily	Cooking, household
Sister	Afternoon	Babysitting, shopping
Girlfriend	weekend	Emotional support, conversations

Contact information for professionals

In addition to support from loved ones, it is important to have contact with professionals who can help if needed. These include midwives, lactation consultants and doctors. These professionals can provide valuable advice and support if you have any health problems.

A list of key contact information should be easily accessible:

Specialist	Contact information	Availability
midwife	01234-567890	24/7
Lactation consultant	09876-543210	By appointment
Pediatrician	01111-222333	Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Don’t forget self-care

Self-care is of great importance to ensure the well-being of the mother. This includes both physical and emotional aspects. Regular breaks, sufficient sleep and short breaks can help to recharge energy.

Some self-care tips may include: