Postpartum Essentials for a Faster Recovery

Inside: Speed up your recovery after childbirth with our carefully selected postpartum essentials for new moms. Find relief and comfort with every item!

Welcome, new moms and moms-to-be! Stepping into motherhood is a beautiful adventure. But let’s not kid ourselves. It can also be quite overwhelming, especially when it comes to your postpartum recovery.

This phase of motherhood is all about you and your little one, focusing on physical healing and the whirlwind of emotions that come with bringing a new life into the world.

Remember that it’s not just about the baby; it’s equally about you, Mama.

And, as much as I want to deny it, having a baby can be extremely difficult. It will be hard on any woman’s body, without a doubt.

That’s where the magic of a well-thought-out postpartum checklist comes in. A solid postpartum survival kit with all the essentials, must-haves, and a reliable postpartum care package sets the stage for a smoother transition.

Think of it as your personal postpartum recovery kit, lovingly designed to offer support, care, and comfort during this tender time. Because, trust me, being prepared can make all the difference.

“Childbirth is more admirable than conquest, more amazing than self-defense, and as courageous as either one.”

~Gloria Steinem

Key Takeaways

• Embrace Your Postpartum Journey: Understand the importance of focusing on your physical and emotional healing.
• Prepare Your Postpartum Survival Kit: Stock up on postpartum essentials and must-haves for a supported recovery.
• The Role of a Checklist: A well-prepared postpartum checklist can act as a roadmap to a smoother transition into motherhood.

🌟 Before we move forward, here’s an exciting opportunity: Receive a complimentary birth prep pack from Hilary at Pulling Curls. As a labor and delivery nurse, Hilary is the perfect person to provide you with this. This valuable resource will kickstart your journey into motherhood in the best possible way. I can guarantee you that! You deserve nothing but the best, Mama!

I tell you… Having everything you need on hand for postpartum self-care can be reassuring, especially during the last trimester of your pregnancy.

Plus, knowing you won’t have to get out at the last minute with your precious bundle of joy to purchase more postpartum essentials can be tremendously advantageous.

The Absolute Postpartum Essentials New Moms Need for a Faster Recovery

I strongly believe that every mom, labor, or baby is different. But one thing is always consistent: Healing after giving birth will unquestionably take time.

So, to make it a little bearable for the new mom, gathered is a list of the most beneficial postpartum must-haves for recovery a new mother can only ask for.

Note: The following postpartum supplies enumerated here are only what most new moms find generally helpful after giving birth.

• Postpartum underwear
• Stool softeners
• Peri bottle
• Healing spray
• Tucks Medicated Cooling pads
• Pain relievers
• Prenatal or postnatal vitamins
• Baby app (for your smartphone)
• Breast pads
• Nipple cream
• Disposable dishware
• Freezer meals
• Video streaming service

A deeper dive into the postpartum supplies is available below:

Heavy Flow Pads or Maxi Pads

Bleeding after childbirth is a lot heavier than a regular period and can last up to 10 days. Thus, heavy flow pads should be included in your postpartum care kit.

Normally, the hospital will provide you with these pads after delivery and you are absolutely welcome to bring home the leftover pads with you.

Even so, you should have plenty of maxi pads at home just in case you run out of what was left from the hospital.

Large inexpensive or disposable underwear

As mentioned above, a lot of bleeding can be expected after giving birth. Because of that, you wouldn’t want to wear your pretty panties.

You will also want your underwear to be a little large so they aren’t too tight on your postpartum belly.

A good rule of thumb is that if they fit when you were still pregnant, they should be fine for the first couple of postpartum weeks.

A pack of disposable mesh undies to wear with the heavy flow pads is just one of the few things the hospital will provide for you after birth. You can find them online if you wish to keep using them when you come home.

✔️ The two products mentioned above are highly recommended by most moms (both seasoned and new). As for me, I prefer to purchase something that can serve a dual purpose for just the price of one—like this postpartum underwear.

Stool Softeners

You will likely be given stool softeners at the hospital, but you may want to continue taking them for another week or two at home.

Regardless of whether you have a vaginal delivery or a C-Section, having to strain to go to the bathroom can be a very unpleasant experience.

✔️ Do you recall the labor and delivery nurse I mentioned earlier? She also offers couples this incredibly useful online prenatal class. You ought to register for it! A better childbirth experience with your husband is one thing you will require. I assure you… It is packed with all the information you need to learn about giving birth in a hospital or birthing center.

Peri Bottle

You will probably come home with at least one of these beauties from the hospital, but if you have more than one bathroom at home, you may want to pick up a couple more of them.

The Peri bottles have multiple uses, but they are primarily used for keeping your vaginal and perineal areas clean after giving birth.

You can also use them to decrease the sensation of urination, which may be painful after giving birth. If you tore and have stitches, wiping with toilet paper can be very uncomfortable, so using these bottles after a trip to the bathroom can help keep you clean, minus the pain.

Frida Mom’s Peri bottle is ergonomically designed. It’s genius! Made to be held upside down, unlike the traditional one from hospitals, you won’t have to worry about wetting your hands while using it.

Thousands of new moms attest to this portable bidet of some sort.

Of course, if you got peri bottles, you would need peri washes as well…

On that note, pre-made peri washes are available for purchase online or in any major supermarkets. You can either buy one yourself or make your own.

Here’s an excellent recipe for a natural peri-wash:

• 1/2 cup alcohol-free witch hazel
• 1/2 cup warm distilled water
• 1 tsp unscented castile soap
• 6 drops of lavender essential oil

Healing Spray

You will want to double-check you have a healing spray waiting for you at home.

A healing spray can help with postpartum relief and perineal discomfort. It has a soothing and cooling effect that can alleviate the pain that comes with childbirth.

You can spray it directly on the vaginal or anal area before you pee or poop to help numb it.

Tucks Medicated Cooling pads

Now, there will always be some of us who are lucky enough not to experience hemorrhoids. However, for the least lucky new moms, like most of us, hemorrhoids are inevitable.

Don’t fret, though. Tucks medicated cooling pads are here to the rescue!

Tucks medicated cooling pads “offer immediate relief from the burning and itching caused by hemorrhoid flare-ups” and healing tears.

You can also make soothing pads yourself with witch hazel and a cotton pad if you prefer.

Pain Relievers

Your doctor may prescribe some pain medications for you to take when you get home.

Nonetheless, you will want to make sure that you have plenty of over-the-counter pain medications on hand.

Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen are safe for nursing moms and may help to relieve any pain and discomfort caused by childbirth.

You might also like this related article: 29 Necessities to Stockpile Before Baby Arrives

Prenatal or Postnatal Vitamins

Just because you have given birth doesn’t mean you need to stop taking your prenatal vitamins. They provide a lot of important vitamins and minerals you need for your postpartum recovery.

Most providers (if not all) will encourage you to continue taking prenatal vitamins for several months after giving birth.

You can also consider this a nice-to-have item on your hospital bag checklist.

If you choose to take postnatal vitamins instead, there are some high-quality ones available on the market that support breastfeeding as well.

Baby App (for your smartphone)

This recommendation may seem a little strange to some of you. However, I highly recommend it.

Through a baby app (and there are many free ones out there), you can keep track of your baby’s feedings, sleep times, and diaper changes with ease. You can record your little one’s developmental milestones in it as well.

Keeping all of those details straight in your sleep-deprived mind can be challenging. So, take advantage of technology! It can make your new mommy life a little less stressful.

If you prefer the old-school way, this baby care tracker from my Etsy shop can absolutely help!

Breast Pads

Breastfeeding or not, breast pads are postpartum essentials you will certainly need to have on hand.

If you are breastfeeding, you will leak, especially at night when you are sleeping. If you are not breastfeeding, you will still have some milk leakage in the first few weeks.

Disposable breast pads (like these) or reusable ones that can be washed between uses are available on Amazon if you choose to shop online.

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Nipple Cream

This is another postpartum essential you want to have on hand, whether you are breastfeeding or not.

If you plan to breastfeed, let me tell you that it is not as easy as it looks. Your nipples can crack and get sore pretty easily when not done right.

Lactation consultants are certainly available to help, but that takes time. A nipple cream, on the other hand, can provide you with some fast relief.

✔️ Planning to breastfeed? I strongly recommend investing in this step-by-step program that covers everything you need to know about breastfeeding in 13 simple videos. Stacey, a fabulous certified lactation educator, will show you the most productive positions for producing more milk. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to feel confident about breastfeeding. Don’t hesitate. Sign up right away! 🍼💪

In addition, even if you don’t plan to breastfeed, your nipples will still be sore after giving birth. Just coming in contact with the fabric of a bra can be uncomfortable for some. Using a little bit of nipple cream can help ease the discomfort.

Disposable Dishware

When you are caring for a newborn baby and recovering from delivery, the last thing you want to deal with is a sink full of disgusting, dirty dishes.

One way to keep the number of filthy dishes down in those first few weeks is to have some paper plates and cups on hand.

Freezer Meals

This is something you may not do regularly, and you will thank yourself later when your little one arrives.

On that note, consider preparing about 6-8 weeks’ worth of freezer meals or purchasing prepackaged ones from the freezer section of your favorite grocery store.

Whatever you prefer to do, you will be glad to have dinner options ready for you when you get home from the hospital.

Video Streaming Service

Other moms don’t really find this a postpartum essential and I don’t blame them.

As for me, I strongly believe that good entertainment helps you keep your sanity intact. This is exactly why I recommend you seek the best video streaming service out there and subscribe if you must.

I had Netflix (I still have it.) and never regretted ever getting it.

The New Mom’s Postpartum Essentials Checklist for an Easier Recovery (Printable PDF)

Related article about preparing for childbirth: Your Ultimate Baby Registry [Printable Checklist]

More Postpartum Necessities to Consider for a Quicker Recovery

Hydration and Nutrition

Trust me, I’ve been there. In the maze of caring for your little bundle, taking care of yourself might feel like a luxury you can’t afford.

But here’s the thing: nourishing your body is not just for you. It’s for your baby too, especially if you’re nursing.

Remember the golden rule: Drink plenty of water.

Keeping a large water bottle at arm’s reach is a game-changer. Dehydration is no joke, and when you’re juggling feeding sessions, diaper changes, and maybe a bit of your own sleep, you might forget to sip that life-giving H2O. A large water bottle serves as a visual reminder and ensures you’re taking in enough fluids without countless trips to refill.

And when it comes to eating, those little munchies between meals can make a big difference.

Stock up on healthy snacks that provide energy without the crash. Nuts, fruits, yogurt, or granola bars can be real lifesavers when you’re hunger-struck but stuck under a sleeping baby. Feeding your body right helps you bounce back stronger, feeling more equipped to handle the joys and challenges of new motherhood.

So, let’s not overlook the basics—it’s time to hydrate and nibble your way through the postpartum period with grace and vigor.

Related article to prepare for childbirth: 13 Items Not to Put on your Baby Registry [No regrets]

Tips for Postpartum Recovery

Diving into motherhood is a monumental undertaking, and I will be the first to acknowledge that it presents quite a slew of challenges, particularly during the postpartum period.

But fret not! I have seasoned advice and experienced ideas to help you navigate a more comfortable and pleasant postpartum recovery.

• Adopt the mantra of patience and self-compassion. Remember, your body has just accomplished something miraculous. Give it the grace and time it needs to heal. Rushing through this recovery period will only prolong your recovery. Instead, take a breath, rest, and allow the healing process to begin.
• Lean on your support system. Whether it be your partner, family, or friends, never shy away from accepting help. Postpartum essentials are not just physical supplies like maxi pads, nipple creams, or postpartum underwear; they also include emotional support and practical help around the house.
• Rest is not a luxury—it is a requirement. “Sleep when the baby sleeps” is not just an old wives’ tale. Catching those Zs anytime you can is crucial for your postpartum recovery. And remember, ensuring you have comfy nursing bras and breast pads will make those restless nights easier—even just a tad.
• Remember, there is no right way to be a mom. Avoid getting caught up in the comparison trap. Your journey is unique. So long as you and your baby are healthy and happy, nothing else matters.

I understand how stressful the postpartum period may be for new mothers, but please know that you are not alone.

Remind yourself that this phase of your motherhood journey is temporary. It’s acceptable to feel intimidated or overwhelmed. Take solace in knowing that you are strong, capable, and prepared to face anything that comes your way. So, breathe, treat yourself kindly, and believe you can handle this.

Let’s Wrap Up Postpartum Essentials for the New Mom

Postpartum healing is not a walk in the park. All moms can attest to that. These postpartum necessities are what other moms recommend to make it a tad bit easier.

Keeping these essential items on hand should give you a good head start to a more pleasant postpartum recovery.

Particularly if you are a first-time mom, don’t be shy to ask your mom-friends or mom for recommendations on what postpartum necessities are most reliable for a faster recovery after giving birth.

Surprisingly, not a lot of people talk about how mom is going to feel after giving birth, but being prepared can go a long way towards speeding up the healing process of the postpartum period.

Reminder: Find a good support system to make postpartum recovery a breeze. Your mom, sister, friend, and husband or partner are tremendously great candidates. Don’t be afraid to seek help.

You got this, Mama! That’s it for now! If you enjoyed this post, share it with your friends or pin it.

You never know how many other moms you can help by sharing this postpartum necessities checklist, so get to spreading the good word!

Talk to you later,

P. S. Don’t forget to check out the Online Prenatal Class for Couples. It is an online course that will simplify the labor process so you can have a more relaxed pregnancy, birth, and postpartum time.

What supplies are in your postpartum care kit?

Did you ever find those items essential enough to be included in your care package after birth?

If yes, help a fellow mama out and leave a comment down below! Thank you so much for stopping by!