Yes, hospitals typically provide Tucks pads (witch hazel pads) for postpartum perineal care, along with other essentials like mesh underwear, pads, ice packs, and peri bottles, as they are standard for relieving discomfort, itching, and hemorrhoids after childbirth, and you can usually take them home. While hospitals offer these, many mothers prefer bringing their own preferred brands, so it's good to pack some if you have specific favorites.
The hospital will provide all postpartum products such as Dermoplast, cold packs, Tucks cooling pads, regular pads, etc. But pack your own if you have particular brands you wish to use.
Free postpartum recovery products from the hospital
Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads
You'll likely have a pack of these in your hospital room, and if you don't, feel free to ask for them. If you have hemorrhoids—or just general discomfort around your anus or perineum, they're perfect for relieving burning and itching, says Mckenzie.
From this summer, all women and girls being cared for by the NHS will be given, on request, appropriate sanitary products free of charge. Many already provide them but this will be mandated in the new standard contract with hospitals for 2019-20.
The period product scheme provides free period products to girls and women [footnote 1] in their place of study. It is available to state-maintained schools and Department for Education ( DfE ) funded 16 to 19 education organisations in England. The scheme will continue to run for the academic year 2025 to 2026.
Sanitary pads – The hospital can provide you with these, but many women feel more comfortable when they bring their favorite brand with them. Remember, you are going to need a pad designed for a heavier flow.
A numerical rating scale (NRS) of 0–10 was adopted to evaluate maternal pain, with 0 describing no labor pain and 10 describing the most severe labor pain. The higher the score, the more severe the labor pain is.
This is always a good idea when healing from birth in general. Use a peri-bottle to help keep the area clean and comfortable. Using tucks pads or a healing foam like the Frida Mom Perineal Healing foam. These both contain witch hazel which will provide a nice cooling sensation and can help with swelling.
Healthy Start
You can get free milk, infant formula, vitamins, fruit and vegetables if you're receiving certain benefits or if you're under 18.
For afterwards
The 5-5-5 rule is a postpartum guideline for the first 15 days of recovery, emphasizing rest to help the new parent heal and bond with the baby, by spending 5 days in bed, followed by 5 days on the bed, and then 5 days near the bed, gradually increasing activity while prioritizing rest, nourishment, and self-care over chores or visitors. It's a framework for creating boundaries and slowing down to prevent overexertion, though individual recovery needs should guide the pace.
In the Delivery Room: Eye Ointment, Vitamin K Shot
Shortly after your baby is born, they'll get what's often called “eyes and thighs.” This refers to a vitamin K shot and an antibiotic eye ointment.
Hospitals usually provide plenty of receiving blankets, hats, newborn diapers, wipes, and diaper cream. Typically, they can't hand off items you did not end up using to another new baby's family, so you are encouraged to take these baby basics home with you.
Here's what not to bring to the hospital when you're ready to deliver:
In those first few weeks postpartum, your cervix is still somewhat dilated, regardless of whether you had a vaginal delivery or a c-section. There's a theory – though no research has confirmed this – that tub water could travel into your uterus, introduce bacteria, and cause an infection.
Postpartum care products
Also, postpartum hemorrhoids are common, so throw in a pack of Tucks pads (your hospital may have some to offer, too). If you've found the best prenatal vitamins that work for you, toss those in your bag too. Many experts recommend that you continue to take them after the baby arrives.
Belly binding can be helpful for many different reasons in your postpartum days. It can promote the shrinking of the uterus, support your back as your abdominal muscles heal, and may even help with emotions after the birth. Belly binding can be helpful for many different reasons in your postpartum days.
Giving birth should be a beautiful and special experience for every mother. Painless birth, also known as epidural birth (epidural anesthesia), which is popularly known as princess birth in the public, helps to alleviate the pain of childbirth.
Physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, can also raise pain tolerance and decrease pain perception. One study found that a moderate to vigorous cycling program significantly increased pain tolerance. Mental imagery refers to creating vivid images in your mind, and it can be useful for some in managing pain.
Migraines
If you're unfortunate enough to get these, it seems they really can be worse than having a baby - for some of you, at least. "I've had 2 babies and even though it hurt - I knew what I was doing and was in control. I have had such a severe migraine once that I felt like I was having a stroke," says Andrea P.
The "5-5-5 rule" in a labor/postpartum context is a guideline for new mothers to prioritize rest and recovery in the first 15 days after childbirth, suggesting 5 days in bed, followed by 5 days on the bed (minimal movement), and then 5 days near the bed (gentle movement around the home). This promotes healing, bonding, and reduces stress, though it's a flexible guide, not a strict mandate, with some experts suggesting early movement can help prevent blood clots, making a modified approach ideal.
OB-approved hospital bag must-haves: When it comes to the bare-bones essentials for yourself, ob-gyns say you should make sure to have your photo ID and insurance information, a cell phone and charger, comfy socks and pajamas, glasses or contacts if you wear them, essential toiletries and comfortable going-home clothes ...
Plenty! Buy at least two or three packs of 12 maternity pads. You may need to change your pad every hour or two hours after giving birth. This will reduce to every three hours or four hours over the next two days.