If you have a good sense of what your needs are, and you know the type of scene you are getting yourself into, it’s time to put your own list together of things you will need in order to create your own aftercare kit.
The items in an aftercare kit will be different for everyone based on their needs, the things that restore mental health, the type of play/scene planned, and the access to a top/bottom after the scene has ended.
Ideas of Items to Include in Your Aftercare Kit
Physical Care
After each scene, it’s important to take notice of any abrasions or lacerations that need attention. During the course of play, a heightened state of arousal can mask pain until much later. Doing an inspection of the body will make sure anything needing medical attention gets addressed right away to avoid infection, and any bruises or swelling can be treated to lessen the longer term recovery.
First Aid Kit
Risk is a big part of BDSM play and being prepared for injury caused by consensual play is an important aspect of being safe. If you think you should see a doctor, by all means do see a doctor, or go to hospital – the below items are useful for small injuries but emergencies should be handled by professionals.
General Items
- First aid manual
- Disposable Gloves
- Scissors and/or EMT Shears
- Tissues
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
- Antihistamine tablets
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
- Tourniquet
- Eye wash/drops
- Water
- Disposable plastic bags
- Disposable CPR mouth shields
- Pen and paper
Lacerations and/or Abrasions
- Saline solution/Sodium chloride solution
- Antiseptic wipes
- Iodine wipes
- Sterile gauze swabs
- Stri-strips
- Medical tape
- Antiseptic cream
- Sterile dressings
- Waterproof dressings
- Absorbent Dressings
- Plaster strips
- Crepe Bandages
- Burn cream/gel
- Painkillers
Cleaning Equipment
- Sanitizer
- Alcohol wipes
- Antibacterial wipes
Bruises, Strains or Sprains
- Ice pack
- Heat pack
- Anti-Inflammatory cream
- Arnica cream
- Strapping tape
- Tensor bandage
- Compression Bandages
- Vitamin E lotion/cream
- Zen spray
Rejuvenation
The body goes through many changes during the course of a scene, once it ends the immediate changes chemically can alter how you feel physically and mentally rapidly. Replenishing fluids and a light snack will help with blood sugar levels, and help lessen the effects of the drop in adrenaline and endorphins. Having something warm is good for the quick change that can occur in body temperature after a physically demanding scene.
Warmth
It’s common to feel cold after a play session/scene. When you’re in a scene, adrenaline makes you less sensitive to temperature. Often, people play in the nude or in underwear, and even when the room is warm you can feel chilled when the scene is over. The rush of endorphins leaving your body can also lead to shivers.
Warm and Comfy Clothes
- Sweater / Hoodie
- Track pants
- Cardigan / Jacket
- Socks / Slippers
- PJ’s / Bath robe
Blankets – snuggle up warm
- Cozy thick blanket
- Soft or fluffy throw
- Something sentimental (blankie)
HYDRATION
You and/or your partner may get dehydrated during the play session. Staying hydrated is an important part of being safe during a play scene.
Have drinks on hand
- Water
- Sports drink
- Hot chocolate
- Herbal Teas
SUSTENANCE
It is common for people to get hungry after the release of endorphins. Someone’s blood sugar may drop during play as well so it is always a good idea to have something for you or your partner to snack on afterwards.
Different types of food
- Chocolate
- Candy
- Nuts
- Crackers
- Veggie sticks
- Dried fruit
Comfort
Your headspace becomes altered throughout the course of play, a sudden lack of contact, attention, and communication can cause a feeling of being alone and general sadness. To help with the transition in mindset, it’s good to establish a routine for communicating with your partner or support group, write feelings in a journal or have things with you that you enjoy. Sentimental items like a picture, a toy, or something that reminds you of your partner are all helpful.
COMMUNICATION & SELF EXPRESSION
Writing and drawing is a great way to decompress and give you time to process your emotions.
- Journal
- Colouring books/pencils
- Pen and notebook
SENTIMENTAL
Having something sentimental and meaningful to you can be extremely calming.
- Stuffed toy
- Book/kindle/e-reader
- Music playlist
- Scented candles /Incense
- Favorite Movies
PHYSICAL
Having your own personal care items will help bring you comfort, make you feel good and more like yourself again.
- Your own pillow
- Bath salts
- Bubble bath
- Shower gels
- Massage oils
- Body lotions
Acknowledgments: This article would never have been possible if it wasn’t for the hard work and dedication of cupcake. I will be forever grateful. – https://fetlife.com/users/1421507
