An OB Nurse’s Top 10 Must-Haves for the First 6 Weeks Postpartum

Written by Carolyn Beckner

No one talks enough about the reality of the first six weeks after baby arrives. From recovery essentials for mom to simple game-changers for newborn care, a former OB nurse shares the 10 things she consistently recommends to new parents. If you’re expecting, you’ll want to bookmark this.

You can read all the books and take all the classes and still have no idea what you're doing. That's the most glaringly obvious - and quite honestly, the rudest - realization of becoming a parent. Most of us want to be our best selves for our kids and that means buying the right things and taking our time when we make decisions. It means (for the pregnant partner) that we eat well, avoid certain things and attend our appointments and endure all the hard, uncomfortable and painful stuff. 

But all that preparation is still going to be insufficient. Don't get me wrong. You will try. We all did! You are doing a great job! Here's the thing - there's no way to fully prepare for YOUR baby. That baby might be bigger or smaller, or need more help medically or maybe they're extra sleepy or extra cranky… we just don't know who they are or what they need ahead of time. 

In all my years as an obstetrics nurse, I've picked up quite the list of items that I recommend to any patient that asks or is willing to listen. Items that, regardless of who your baby turns out to be, will be valuable tools in your first 6 weeks of newborn bliss. 

The first 6 weeks are about survival. These are my top 10 recommendations to help you through it:

1. Snacks

2. Housecoat

3. Baby Health Kit

4. Comfortable Chair

5. Water Cup (with a straw!)

6. Wearable Baby Carrier

7. Postpartum Kit

8. Noise Dampening Ear Plugs

9. Newborn Tracking Apps

10. A Long Cord Phone Charger
    
    

Snacks

It's literally just snacks. The postpartum woman is a bundle of exhaustion, pain, hot flashes and mood swings. Sometimes the experience leaves her feeling like she could clean out the entire buffet at the Mandarin. Nourishing, convenient snacks that can be eaten with one hand are absolutely essential to get her through until the next real meal. Sometimes her appetite is so minimal that she just needs to get *something* into her. Figure out what can and will be eaten and stock up.

Housecoat

I recommend a lightweight, easy-to-wash robe. This can provide easy access for skin-to-skin, breastfeeding (if you go this route) and easy to throw on. Really, with some comfy leggings, it's just a long, belted sweater. Don't reach for the fuzzy, fluffy ones because they're a pain to clean and dry.

Baby Health Kit

Yes, this is probably because I'm a nurse, but it's important and I'll tell you why. I never want to create additional medical anxiety in new parents, and I genuinely hope you don't need this in the first 6 weeks, so understand that this comes from a place of gaining control, not losing it. Being prepared in advance means fewer errands needing to be run and more time snuggling that sweet babe. *If babies under 6 months and especially under 3 months experience a fever, they should be seen by their healthcare provider asap*

You could include:

• Infant rectal thermometer - this is the gold standard for accuracy at this age. I’d recommend using Vaseline or Aquaphor, and always follow the instructions.

• Infant Tylenol

• Saline Mist - the best friend of clogged noses. Look for the baby versions. I recommend rolling a baby onto their side or tilting their head to one side and gently misting in one nostril. Wait a few seconds before repeating on the other side. This should loosen mucus so it can be sneezed out. 

• Bulb Syringe - sometimes, stubborn congestion and tiny airways need a little extra help. This time in the form of a bulb syringe. There are other nasal aspirators designed for infant noses as well. Find one that works for you and use it properly and that full nose will be breathing easier in no time. 

Comfortable Chair

I prefer a glider with a foot stool, but I think whatever option you think you can spend hours a day sitting in is the right pick for you. Aim for soft seats, arms rests and a high back. You need comfort and support. Also - aim for a quiet one. Maybe it's my easily overstimulated brain talking, but there's nothing worse than a squeaky chair.

Water Cup (WITH A STRAW)

I cannot emphasize the straw part. Sure, it can be a trendy one, or it could also be something half the price from Wal-Mart. The straw is essential for the one-handed, or even no-handed existence that is the first 6 weeks. Hydration is absolutely essential to healing and sustaining yourself. 

Wearable Baby Carrier

My favourite is the Beco Gemini. I found it to be incredibly comfortable and easy to use and put on by myself. You know what I couldn't do on 3 hours of sleep? Use the long wraps that need to be tied and looped and require a learner’s permit.  I needed easy, safe and comfy. Another shout-out to Ergobaby which has a lot of loyal fans!

Postpartum Kit

No matter which of the two ways your baby comes out, your body needs to heal. It's going to bleed. It's going to cramp. It's going to be more tired and slower. Give it all the grace and respect it deserves after doing a beautiful job. Also, prepare for the aches and changes by making yourself (or do something sweet for a friend) by putting together this handy kit beforehand. 

You could include:

• Maxi pads - think overnight and extra heavy flow. Buy more than you need. At least double what you would need for a heavy period. Also make sure you have other sizes for when it starts to lighten up. Remember that you could bleed to some degree for up to six weeks.

• Peri-bottle - many hospitals provide them but if not, or you don't like theirs, FridaBaby has a great option. Use this with any bathroom visit for the first couple weeks to aid with cleaning and healing.

• Witch hazel - you can either use this on its own and apply it with a cotton ball or pad to your perineum, or you can buy the prepared pads ones - Tucks is one option. 

• Heating pad/hot water bottle - ease those uterine cramps with some heat. Also a friend to our c-section mamas with shoulder pain! Find one with an auto-off feature and don't make it too hot. Also be aware of its location when you're holding your baby and keep it away from their sensitive skin.

• Breast pads - whether you've chosen to breastfeed or not, your breasts are still going to make at least a little milk. Spare your clothes the mess and tuck some breast pads into your bra. Unfortunately, you probably need to try a few brands before finding your favourite.

• Ice packs - for both your perineum and your breasts. Sore and swollen down below and sore and engorged up top. It doesn't feel fair, does it? Ice helps.

• Advil & Tylenol (or their non-branded sisters) - I hope this goes without needing to be said, but the human body is incredible. It grew a whole baby and then delivered it - and that hurts.
  
  

Sound Dampening/Noise Reducing Ear Plugs

I can't recommend full ear plugs unless someone else is available for caring for your baby. However, I'm happy to suggest something to take the edge off. Our world is so full of noise, and the chaos only increases with a newborn - especially on limited sleep. If noises tend to overstimulate you, you can dull the unnecessary noise and save your sanity. IYKYK.

Feeds and Diaper Tracking Apps

Some parents love these and some would rather do without. Either option is okay, do what works for your family. I used the “Feed Baby” app and really liked it. Some babies have poor self-regulation and they forget to feed. Sometimes we pop a soother back in too many times and forget they're actually hungry, not just fussy. Medical professionals will ask how they're feeding, so the app can do the remembering for you. The same for diapers, both wet and dirty. This is one of our best clues into a baby's well-being. An app can assist you with this.

A Phone Charger with a Loooooong Cord

You will get baby-trapped. It's adorable and inevitable. The cord length is essential to keeping everyone comfortable. It's also clutch for hospital rooms when you have no idea where the outlet will be. I'm not suggesting you should be on your phone so much you need a charger everywhere you go, but it's a lifeline to the outside world, and for many of us, our only form of communicating with others (or ordering food!)

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I know there are a million more big and little things that could be added - bassinet, stroller, baby bath. But these are more obvious. The above list is my best attempt to combine years of nursing and mom-ing into offbeat ideas to get you through those early weeks of your parenting journey.

Your preparedness isn't going to tell you this, so I will: be KIND and GRACIOUS with yourself.

You will be new to this, and so will your baby.

You are doing your best.

You have already done incredible things.

I believe in you.

Now go get ready.

Disclaimer: While this article includes recommendations from a former nurse, it is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers should consult their healthcare provider before making decisions related to postpartum recovery or newborn care. Every pregnancy and postpartum journey is unique. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.