This is the ultimate postpartum essentials guide to everything you could possibly need on your road to recovery. Enjoy, Mama!
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Ah, the dreaded fourth trimester – postpartum. It’s amazing because it means you’ve crossed the finish line of pregnancy and have your little one in your arms. On the flip side, it could also mean you’re battling tears, hemorrhoids, milk production difficulties and so forth. Having had two babies with another one on the way, I have had my fair share of trial and error when it comes to postpartum products and what you’ll actually need.
This post is all about the best postpartum essentials that will give you peace of mind, aid in your healing, support your body, and allow you to pamper yourself a little too. This list includes Mom Frida must-haves (I’m absolutely in love with the brand and it’ll show), care products, comfy clothing attire, lactation snacks to boost milk supply and so much more.
Postpartum Essentials
1. Basket Caddy
I love using a caddy vs. a cart. All of your items will fit nicely and you can keep your extras stored away until you need to replenish. A cart is nice until you’re done using it and have no idea what to do with it afterward. A basket caddy has unlimited uses and is easy to carry from bathroom to bathroom so you can move around your house freely.
2. Momcozy Breast Pump
Having a pump on hand is great. It allows your partner to help with feeding the baby, you can get ahead with your milk supply and start storing milk in the fridge or freezer, and it’s so easy and quick to use.
3. Frida Mom Breastfeeding Survival Kit
These all-in-one kits are amazing and also make incredible gifts for new mamas. This one includes postpartum essentials such as 2 Hot + Cold Breast Relief Packs, 2 Hydrogel Nipple Pads, No-Mess Nipple Balm, Nipple Saline Spray, 6 All-Day Dry Nursing Pads and a Carry-All Case.
4. Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit
This is hands down the best kit ever. Frida Mom seriously knows what she’s doing. This kit includes 4 disposable underwear, 4 Ice Maxi Pads, 24 Perineal Cooling Pad Liners, 5oz Perineal Healing Foam, and a caddy. Another great option for gift giving to a Mama-to-be.
5. Peri Bottle
A postpartum essentials item is definitely a peri bottle. You’ll want this for the weeks following delivery to avoid using scratchy toilet paper when possible. Always make sure to use warm water too!
6. Dermoplast
I had never heard of this until I had my first baby and the postpartum nurse told me I’d love it. This spray quickly relieves pain and itch by numbing the area sprayed. Who knew this could be a new Mama’s best friend?
7. Disposable Underwear
These are hands down my favorite postpartum products. They hold everything in place, the material is beyond comfortable and you can wear them day or night without worrying about things sliding. I started taking a pair of these to the hospital with me because they are so much better than what your hospital will provide.
8. Postpartum Pads
These will likely be necessary for 3-4 weeks following birth so you’ll want ones that are comfy, have maximum absorbency, and are not made with itchy material.
9. Depends Postpartum Underwear
I hate to tell you this but you’ll LOVE these. To the point you’ll wonder if you could just wear them in your normal life because it’s like wearing a cloud all day long. These will be your go-to, especially at night when you don’t want to worry about leakage.
10. TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads
You’ll love how fast-acting these cooling pads are. I like to layer 2-3 when creating my padsicle to help with swelling. The cold feels so good too!
11. Witch Hazel Cooling Pad Liners
Another win from Frida Mom. This is an option similar to TUCKS. It’s easy to grab one and line it up on your padsickle without placing the pads individually. My only con is they can be on the dryer in terms of moisture vs. TUCKS but still super efficient.
12. Witch Hazel Perineal Healing Foam
This is a perfect item to pack in your hospital bag. The foam offers pain relief and cooling after delivery while soothing perineal tears, stitches and hemorrhoids.
13. Absorbent Perineal Ice Pads
Don’t knock them until you try them. I was not going into postpartum thinking these were necessary but I was pleasantly surprised! These really helped with swelling and made my stitches feel a lot better. You’ll probably be given some at the hospital but I found them to be extremely uncomfortable and ended up bringing a Frida Mom ice pack with me for baby #2.
14. Pads w/Wings
Honey Pot pads are infused with herbs including lavender, rose, aloe vera and mint to provide a cooling sensation after giving birth while providing maximum absorbency without leakage.
15. Sitz Bath Salt
If you’re one of the many who suffer from hemorrhoids or fissures following giving birth, these are a must have. You’ll get immediate relief from pain and reduced swelling so you can heal faster. Plus, a hot bath will feel so nice and you deserve 30 minutes of alone time.
16. Organic Nipple Butter
Breastfeeding can be hard and leave you with really dry and irritated skin. This cream is made from a blend of organic herbs and oils that are used to soothe and moisturize dry skin, making you feel a lot better in between feedings.
17. Cooling Nipple Pads
These will stay cold for up to 4 hours, providing relief for sore nipples from breastfeeding.
18. Lactation Massager
This is such a nifty tool to help increase milk flow. It uses vibration and heat to help unclog blocked milk ducts, massage sore tissue, and get your milk flowing efficiently.
19. Reusable Breast Pads
I personally own these are love them. The different colors make these fun to choose and all I need to do is throw them into the washing machine. This is a postpartum essentials must have for keeping your shirts dry!
20. Button Down Pajamas Set
Every Mama needs a pair of these. Having a pair of PJs that you can button is nice when breastfeeding but also adds nice style to your limited postpartum wardrobe.
21. Maternity Nursing Sleep Bra
You’ll need to wear these 24/7 for a while or until you’ve decided to stop breastfeeding. These are so comfortable and provide the right amount of support as you fluctuate based on milk flow. Add the reusable breast pads to avoid leakage and you’ll be in business.
22. High Waisted Underwear
After you give birth, your stomach will need support as it slowly shrinks its way back to normal. I love how stretchy yet firm these full-coverage pairs of undies are.
23. Stool Softener Gel Tablets
You’ll be given a form of stool softener at the hospital and advised to purchase some for when you go home. You don’t want to add any more strain to your stitches or swelling than is already there. Note that affordable doesn’t always mean effective. Be sure to buy a brand that works.
24. MiraLAX
This is a BFF when it comes to the dreaded constipation. It helps relieve occasional constipation without causing gas, bloating, cramping, or sudden urgency to go to the bathroom.
25. Postnatal Vitamins
As with pregnancy and prenatal vitamins, postnatal is just as important for postpartum. You’ll need to make sure you’re staying healthy and getting all the good vitamins in your system for a strong recovery.
26. Lactation Bars
Trying to get a milk supply going and then keeping it strong can be difficult. I highly recommend trying these bars which were specifically designed to increase milk flow. Plus – so yummy.
27. Lactation Cookies
These are another great lactation dessert option if you have a big sweet tooth. Oh so good!
28. Liquid I.V.
Staying hydrated is critical to feeling your best and for your milk supply. I found these were key to making sure I was staying hydrated 24/7.
29. Lactation Drink Mix
This is a refreshing way to get your milk supply going if you’re not really the snacking type. Just add a packet to your ice water to create lemonade or to fruit juice for your very own mocktail.
30. Organic Mother’s Milk
I’m a tea drinker myself and love a hot drink in the evenings or early morning making this a great option for boosting milk supply.
31. Coffee Glass Gift
This is a fun way to drink your lactation drinks! These glasses are so cute and make for perfect gifts to a new mom.
32. C-Section Recovery Kit
For all the c-section mamas out there, this kit is perfect for covering all your immediate needs.
Enjoy your postpartum journey with these amazing postpartum essentials. You’ve got this, Mama!
