5 things you should stock up on before you come home from the hospital (read at your own risk)

I recently learned I have a lot of new and soon to be for the first time moms who read this blog. Maybe you can learn from my fumbles and rants! I thought I was pretty prepared for childbirth and taking care of a new baby, but I didn't even think about taking care of myself! I wish someone had told me, but that might have sent me into a panic. However, if you're like me, you'll want to be prepared for the worst. So, read at your own risk...

1. Super Thick Pads In the beginning, the thicker, the better. Eventually, you'll work your way down to pantyliners. I needed them for about 3 weeks, but a friend of mine needed them for about 6 weeks. Everyone is different.
   
2. Lidocaine Spray I don't think I need to tell you where to spray this. It will come naturally! I used it before and after peeing.
   
3. Tuck's Pads I was lucky enough not to suffer from painful hemorrhoids, but I found another use for them. The witch hazel has a soothing effect.
   
4. Mesh Underwear You can "borrow" these from the hospital (though I doubt they'll want them back). They're stretchy and you can just throw them away when you're done.
   
5. Squirt Bottle You can also "borrow" this from the hospital. It makes it a lot easier to wash in the shower. I also kept one by the toilet and filled it with warm water to rinse myself.

I tried to be detailed while also being vague... did it work? I'm an overpreparer, but you might not want to know. If you have questions, feel free to call or email me!

UPDATE: Sara recommends the book The Girlfriends Guide to Surviving the First Year and Jennifer reminded me (how could I forget) to take your stool softeners! If you had to choose one thing to take from this blog, it would be that. Unless you'd like to give birth twice.