Postpartum Must-Haves
Published:Updated:
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Nicole Palmer, DO
Updated December 26th, 2023
Postpartum is a magical time in a mother’s life. It’s also crazy, exciting, scary, and beautiful with emotions running wild!
You have a new bundle of joy at home to take care of, but don’t forget about yourself! As the old saying goes– you can’t be there to take care of anyone else if you don’t take care of yourself first.
Childbirth takes a lot out of a woman! Being prepared for your postpartum needs will help ease some anxiety about things and help you have a faster and hopefully easier recovery after childbirth.
Whether you are a new mom (or new mom-to-be) or a veteran mama, this list of things you need after giving birth will help you through your new season of life. Check out our postpartum care products must-haves for your postpartum kit!
Download our Postpartum Checklist!
These are on almost every mom's postpartum care package, and rightfully so. If you don’t splurge for the whole kit, try getting the peri bottle and/or padsicles. These are lifesavers and must-haves for new moms after delivery, and for those early postpartum days when you will be sore and somewhat messy in that area after a vaginal delivery.
Every postpartum mom's body needs comfy sweats. Whether it’s something you already loved from your maternity wear or something new like these, they’re a must-have in your list of best items for postpartum needs.
Postpartum is basically six months pregnant. Don’t get us wrong, a postpartum body is a beautiful indication of life, but it also needs to be extra comfy. You can always count on a good pair of comfy sweats as a great postpartum item.
Nursing bras and underwear need to be comfortable and supportive, and these definitely do the job. They are made from a super soft material and come in various colors too! We definitely love these for maternity and postpartum (and even after that!) We definitely recommend these in your must haves for postpartum recovery kit!
This breast pump is a super splurge, but it is well worth it if you plan on breastfeeding/pumping postpartum. It’s easy to use, plus you can connect your pumps to an app where it tracks your ounces pumped! Talk about technology! If you have other small kids to take care of, this user-friendly cordless pump is definitely a must-have!
If you are nursing, nursing pads come in handy. Leaks happen mamas, but if you don’t want to ruin your new shirt or change your top 10 times a day, these pads are perfect for you. We like these because they’re reusable (washable) and made from organic bamboo so they are good for your sensitive skin. Perfect to leave in your easy access caddy!
Perfect for those postpartum breastfeeding moms to help repair lactating nipples and breastfeeding pain relief. It’s made with organic ingredients and made without lanolin and petroleum, so it’s 100% safe for mom and baby.
It also works great as a lip balm. Perfect for your postpartum care kit!
This belly balm is specially formulated to help absorb, soothe and relieve itchy pregnancy bellies. It also hydrates your skin to help prevent pregnancy stretch marks. It’s made with organic ingredients and without artificial fragrances, so it’s perfect for moms during pregnancy and postpartum.
This belly balm also helps minimize the appearance of post-pregnancy C-section scars. A must-have for your c section recovery kit!
It may (sorry) or may not be new to you, but you will have a “heavy” period lasting about 4-6 weeks postpartum if you had a vaginal birth. Sounds like fun, huh? Disposable organic period underwear will be your new best friend during your postpartum period. No messy clean up at least. We warned you.
Treat yourself to an Epsom salt bath at least 1-2 times a day postpartum. It will help you heal all over, especially on your vagina area. You can even use a special toilet seat cover to put the salt + warm water in to sit, hence, “sitz bath.” Postpartum recovery is not easy talk, but this will definitely help.
Most, if not all, OBGYNs and midwives will recommend you to continue taking your prenatal vitamin postpartum regardless if you are breastfeeding. A woman’s body is in recovery mode after birth, and we need all the help we can get to help replenish those nutrient stores. Check out our prenatal vitamin made by women for women!
For more additional benefits of taking a prenatal vitamin during postpartum, check out our blog, should you take prenatal vitamins after birth.
11. WATER BOTTLE
Hydration is key (especially if breastfeeding)! All moms need to drink enough water before, during, and after pregnancy. This is the perfect bottle to keep your liquid cold and refreshing all day! Plus, it’s cute.
This heating pad is perfect for c-section moms or if you’re having cramps from breastfeeding, aka uterus contractions. It’s comfy and easy to use. It’s a must-have after giving birth, plus it’s washable and comes with its own storage bag.
OK, now we are getting really real. These Tucks cooling pads (made with witch hazel) help soothe and relieve pain for hemorrhoids. We apologize for the news, but hemorrhoids can sometimes happen postpartum. These are safe and help with any discomfort you may have down there.
We are officially obsessed with these comfy pajamas. Made with soft, loose material, they are a perfect postpartum essential for moms. Treat yourself with these pajamas and feel like the queen you are!
At Feed Mom & Me, we are all about prenatal vitamins, of course, but as an addition to a nutrient-rich diet. Healthy foods are essential postpartum necessities.
We have an entire e-book dedicated to healthy, simple, balanced, and nutrient-rich meals that you and your whole family can enjoy! It’s written by Feed Mom & Me Co-founders, Amanda who is a mom and registered dietitian, and Maria, who's worked in the food industry for years. With new recipes just added, we know that you will love them! Take a look here.
- https://feedmomandme.com/blogs/mama-blog/should-you-take-prenatal-vitamins-after-birth>
- https://www.amazon.com/UGG-Womens-Lenon-Grey-Heather/dp/B07PXLKPY9/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2MFLGEF3AABKR&keywords=womens+cotton+pajamas+ugg&qid=1650944486&s=apparel&sprefix=womens+cotton+pajamas+%2Cfashion-womens-clothing%2C106&sr=1-2
- https://www.amazon.com/Tucks-Cool-Hemorrhoid-Pad-Count/dp/B06ZYLFV8L/ref=sr_1_1?crid=KIUMAQBDZBN3&keywords=tucks&qid=1650944288&sprefix=tucks%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1