What Should You Have at Home for the Postpartum Week?

Midwives of Amsterdam South Share Their Tips!

In the last months of your pregnancy, you’re likely busy preparing everything for when the baby arrives. Setting up the nursery, buying baby clothes, and choosing a birth announcement card. But don’t forget that you’ll need a lot more for that first week. For your baby and for yourself. Here’s what you should have at home for the postpartum week.

For Your Baby

Of course, there are many things you’ll need for your baby, and most of them are probably already on your list. Like newborn-sized diapers and plenty of baby clothes. In that first week, you’ll want to avoid having to do laundry constantly, so make sure you have enough onesies, hats, socks, and a few outfits. But also don’t forget the practical essentials like:

• Diaper cream to protect your baby’s bottom.
• Vitamin K, which you give for the first 12 weeks if you’re breastfeeding. If you’re formula-feeding, you can stop giving vitamin K once your baby is drinking at least 500 ml of formula daily.
• Vitamin D, for both you and your baby (whether you’re breastfeeding or formula-feeding).

The Postpartum Kit

You can also stock up on items for yourself in advance, so you don’t have to worry about them during the postpartum week. The postpartum kit already contains many of the essentials you’ll need for your care after the birth. This kit is provided by your insurer if you’re covered for it. Otherwise, you can purchase it at a drugstore, pharmacy, or online.

For You During the Postpartum Week

During the postpartum week, you’ll probably prefer comfortable clothing, but are you tired of wearing the same clothes from your pregnancy? Don’t rush to buy cute new clothes in your pre-pregnancy size just yet. Chances are, they won’t fit right after giving birth and may not be comfortable. Loose and easy clothing, in a size larger than usual, will be much more comfortable during that week. If you plan to breastfeed, make sure you have a few nursing bras, easy-to-wear shirts for feeding, and plenty of nursing pads. A tube of cream for sore nipples is also highly recommended. It’s also useful to have extra maternity pads and a stash of paracetamol on hand.

Stock Up

Many people don’t enjoy having too many visitors during the first week, but a few visits are likely. If you plan to serve the traditional “beschuit with muisjes” (Dutch biscuits with sugared anise seeds), you might want to stock up on those in advance, or have them delivered once the baby is born. A good supply of coffee and tea is also a must. Many people tell us that in the first week, they ate extra fruit, gingerbread, and other fiber-rich foods to avoid digestive issues.

Groceries During the Postpartum Week

It’s also helpful to prepare some meals in advance and freeze them. Or ask your visitors to bring something. You might think you’ll crave a roast beef sandwich right after giving birth, but you could just as easily crave fresh fruit or chocolate. Or all of the above. The best way to prepare for your grocery needs during the postpartum week is to arrange for someone to do the shopping for you. Otherwise, have your groceries delivered by your supermarket. This is not only convenient during the postpartum week but can be a real lifesaver in the first few months with your baby!

Your Midwife, Even During the Postpartum Week

Would you like to know more about the postpartum week or are you looking for practical tips? We’ve listed some on our website. And, of course, our midwives are here for you. We’re ready to answer your questions now, and we’ll be there for you during the postpartum week too. We’re involved and responsible during this period as well. So feel free to make an appointment, and we’ll be happy to tell you more about that first period after birth.