Think back to your baby shower or even the gifts your friends or family have dropped off since. How many of these items were meant for you, Mom, rather than your brand-new bundle of joy? There may be a few items in there that consider you, but the vast majority of things you’ve compiled for the postpartum period are for your newborn. This doesn’t mean, though, that you can move through this portion of parenthood without a bit of effort. On the contrary, a few postpartum pieces are crucial to your health and well-being as you adjust to being a new mom or parent. 

1. Physical Comfort

Your body has been through so much for the better part of a year, and that won’t magically change once your baby is born, especially if you’re breastfeeding. It’s vital, then, that you prioritize your comfort whenever possible. You might not have time to take regular showers or get a good night’s sleep for a while, but you can give yourself small pleasures like well-fitting postpartum underwear. 

In many cases, you can wear pieces of maternity clothing even after giving birth. For pieces like postpartum undies, though, you’ll want to upgrade to a pair specially made for new moms post-delivery. Whether you opt for disposable or non-disposable postpartum pieces, your underwear offers one small piece of comfort in a time where it can feel like you have so little. 

2. Emotional Support

You may not be able to fulfill all the physical needs you want to, setting aside your own hygiene and self-care routines in lieu of your baby’s needs. Your mental health, though, is an area you cannot afford to overlook. Whether it’s postpartum depression or the so-called “baby blues,” a vast majority of new parents struggle with depression symptoms after giving birth. 

If you’re struggling with feelings of depression or other mental health concerns, take to your search engine of choice to research “therapist near me for depression” or talk to your doctor about a potential referral to a therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor. This is the first step to getting the depression treatment you need. If you’re hesitant, remember—that treatment plan will help you to be a better parent, in addition to letting you feel better. 

3. A Helping Hand

While it’s not as tangible as comfortable clothing or even the right therapist, a helping hand is possibly the single most beneficial thing you could encounter postpartum. Whether it’s friends or family members offering to lend their support, you’ll find it’s almost always a good idea to take them up on it. 

Your mother-in-law might offer to babysit while you head to psychotherapy or another type of therapy session, or even while you refill the medication that keeps your mental illness in check. But, of course, you don’t have to disclose your mental health condition if you’re concerned about the stigma all too often associated with therapy and counseling. You can tell your “village” that you’re meeting with a medical doctor without further specifics or simply say you have an appointment. They don’t need to know the details to help you find time to shower or deal with your sadness. 

From seeking cognitive behavioral therapy with a mental health professional to finding the best pair of postpartum panties, there are countless ways you can make the period after giving birth more comfortable and a little bit easier. The good news, too, is that you won’t be doing any of this alone! Instead, you’ll have friends, family members, and perhaps a good therapist by your side, helping you step into parenthood with a smile and preparing you to raise your beautiful child.