This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
This post is all about Postpartum essentials, must-haves
The postpartum period is the time when the mom should be the center of attention, but that is not always the case. People often focus more on the baby than the mother, and that is usually the sad truth.
We often know and prepare ourselves for birth, but forget to prepare for the postpartum recovery. The postpartum period, known as the fourth trimester, involves physical, mental, emotional, and hormonal transitions that require care.
Birth can take several hours, but postpartum recovery takes several months or even years. There is this one study that says, moms start to feel like themselves again 2 years after giving birth (and that is true!)
Postpartum experience may differ
It’s also good to know that every postpartum recovery looks different; you may have an amazing recovery experience while your friend has the worst. Everything comes down to
- Expectation vs reality
- What type of birth did you have – did it go as planned or not
- Your baby’s temperament
- After birth complications
- Whether you have a support system
My Postpartum Wake-up Call
My own postpartum recovery was much harder than I expected. One reason was that I was not well informed about the fourth trimester, and I expected too much from others. When reality hit (and it hit hard), I realized I was already experiencing postpartum mental health issues, which also made my recovery journey longer.
Looking back, if I could do everything over again, I would have had more realistic expectations about “life after birth” and been better prepared for the recovery journey.
That is why I listed these 19 must-have postpartum essentials that will make your recovery journey smoother, more comfortable, and a little less overwhelming.
19 Postpartum Essentials for Women
The “Down There” Recovery Kits (Vaginal Birth Essentials)
Even though you will get some recovery essentials, like pads or pain-relief cream, from the hospital, it’s still best to have your own, especially for home comfort.
1. The ergonomic peri bottle
It can often be painful and messy when cleaning down there, especially after vaginal birth, when the perineum can be swollen and sore and may have stitches or hemorrhoids. This peri bottle is the best choice for gentle, soothing cleaning and helps prevent infections.
2. Heavy-duty maxi pads and disposable underwear
If you didn’t know, you will bleed for a while after birth, so to be comfortable, have some heavy-duty maxi pads and preferably boy-short-style disposable underwear.
3. Witch Hazel Healing Pads
It can get hot down there, so getting these healing pads to ease discomfort, swelling, and the feeling of irritation that comes after vaginal birth is a must!
4. Perineal numbing spray
Best for fast relief and a soothing feeling. A tip: Spray it onto your pad for continuous relief and store the spray in the refrigerator.
5. Herbal Sitz Bath Mix
For a calm, relaxing, and soothing bath experience after birth.
C-Section Specific Recovery (The Belly Care)
Even if you did plan for a vaginal birth, surprises could happen. So, as you’re shopping for things for your possible vaginal birth care, don’t forget to also get a C-section kit just in case (better be ready than sorry).
6. High-waisted, compression C-section underwear
Best for supporting healing after a cesarean and helps reduce swelling. Keeps fabric away from the C-section scar.
7. Silicone scar sheets or gel
For healing the C-section scar. Don’t use them at the same time; you can use gel during the day and sheets during the night.
8. A Belly binder or support wrap
To support and strengthen core muscles and ease back pain, and to help with good posture (very important for breastfeeding time).
Breastfeeding and Chest Comfort
I remember when this one time I woke up to a wet bed and was very confused and realized that my breast was leaking. Also, during skin-to-skin time, the breast starts leaking, too. Hearing another baby cry activates your breast milk, even if you pump, your breast will leak. And the soreness? Let’s just say leakage and soreness happen whether you breastfeed or pump.
9. Ultra soothing nipple cream
Breastfeeding can cause sores, cracks, and itchiness in some people. It can also cause blood (bleeding is not permanent; your body just must adapt to feeding your baby). Therefore, these are best for soothing and healing the skin around your nipples.
10. Gel heating and cooling breast pads
The best thing about these is that they are reusable. When cold, they reduce engorgement, swelling, and pain. When heated, they encourage milk letdown.
11. Seamless, wireless nursing/sleep bras
Remember when I said I used to wake up to a soaking wet bed? Yes, I don’t want that to happen to you because that suck. So, these nursing sleep bras are best for both nursing and sleeping; they are soft, and you can easily insert breast pads.
12. High-quality washable nursing pads
Eco-friendly, reusable, soft, and cheap leakage protection.
Clothing, Mobility and Physical Comfort
Trust me when I say, you will not want to be or even care to fit back into your clothes that you used to wear pre-pregnancy. Especially those first months of your baby’s life. You will want to be comfortable, and you will be surprised by how much time you spend in pajamas.
13. Loose, dark coloured button-down pajamas/robes
Very comfortable and easy for skin-to-skin moments; also, dark hides stains, so get dark-colored pajamas or robes.
14. Supportive slip-on slippers or slides
Easy to just slip these on your feet. These are great, especially when your feet swell.
15. The stool softener
This isn’t a very glamorous item on this list, but it’s necessary. Those “first poop” moments can be intense, so have some laxatives to soften everything up.
Nutrition, Hydration and Mental Sanity
You cannot pour from an empty cup. For you to be able to feed your baby, you have to first feed yourself, whether mentally or physically.
16. An insulated tumbler with a straw
Postpartum thirst is real, so you will need at least a 40-oz tumbler.
17. One-handed high-protein snacks
Have snacks near you for your late-night nursing hunger. And make sure that they’re easy to open with one hand.
18. An extra-long phone charger cable
Because of course you will get “baby trapped” on the couch or bed far far away from an outlet, so get a long phone charger cable and make your life easy.
19. Postpartum vitamins & electrolyte powders
Water is great, but sometimes we need that power boost. You’ll produce so much milk so taking vitamins and electrolytes helps a lot!
This blog was all about postpartum essentials, must-haves for women
You may also like:
