Postpartum essentials for mom

The market is CRAZY for products for postpartum – what the heck do you actually need?

Find out here!

1. A POSTPARTUM PLAN

• We always talk about all the items we need, but what about a plan for MOM after birth?
  • EDUCATE.
    • 1 in 5 women experience Perinatal Mood and Anxiety disorders (and this is grossly underreported!) 
    • It’s so important to educate yourself, your partner, and family on the signs and symptoms of PPD/A and other PMADs. Click here for the Postpartum Support International website and warmline to learn more about PMADs, signs and symptoms, and how to get help.
  • GATHER LOCAL SUPPORT
    • Research support groups, doctors/providers, lactation consultants, night nurses, postpartum doulas and therapists before you deliver.
    • Keep a little file of numbers and notes incase you feel you need extended support.
  • CONSIDER HIRING HELP.
    • A postpartum doula or night nurse (if in your budget) will be a tremendous help to off load stress and to delegate duties to – anything from night feedings, to baby-wearing, to light housecleaning.  
  • ACCEPT THE HELP!
    • Accept help from family and friends. It’s OK AND NORMAL if you can’t do it all on your own (who can?!) YOU ARE NOT WEAK!
  • Check out our FREE postpartum depression e-guide that is available in our store. Deema (psychotherapist who specializes in women’s mental health) wrote this detailed e-guide to help you learn more about postpartum depression and to highlight the resources that are available to you. Read more about Deema’s professional background here. 
  • Deema also created a postpartum care plan e-guide to help you navigate this time. It’s a fill-in-the-blank guide that covers all of the basic necessities and logistics that you’ll need in order to move through the postpartum period. The guide will also cover psycho-education on postpartum depression and available resources.
  • Deema also offers video chat consults to make sure you’re best equipped mentally after baby arrives! Book with Deema today by clicking here. 

2. Witch hazel pads and sitz bath ingredients (for vaginal birth)

• These FridaBaby witch hazel pads are magic and shaped to your “down there.” Witch hazel is a gentle astringent that helps cleanse and soothe sore postpartum vaginas, hemorrhoids and more. A must! I also really like this FridaBaby witch hazel foam to put on top of your pads if you prefer this method!
• Sitz bath ingredients
  • Epsom salt
  • Witch hazel
  • Baking soda 
  • Essential oil if you wish! 
    • I always loved a lemon–lavender mix.
• HOW TO TAKE A SITZ BATH
  • Fill tub to belly button height 
  • Add ingredients
  • Soak for 10-15 min 1-2 times a day to reduce swelling and pain
  • Safe for after vaginal birth
• For c-section births, having ice cold soft compresses on hand will be helpful, as well as a moldable heating pad. 

3. Pain reliever

• You’ll be very sore and swollen for both a vaginal and c-section birth. All medications below are safe for breastfeeding. Don’t be afraid to alternate Tylenol and Advil appropriately for maximum pain relief.
  • Tylenol
  • Advil
  • Norco or other prescription if you had a c-section

4. Disposable pads/Depends

• Did you know that you will bleed postpartum for 4-8 weeks? Even if you have a c-section! 
• Have pads of different absorption and Depends on hand to see which you prefer. 
• These freezable “padsicles” by FridaBaby are MAGIC and form right to your sore area if you had a vaginal birth.
• YOU CANNOT WEAR A TAMPON during this time. Nothing should be inserted into the vagina until you get the go ahead at your 6 week check up.

5. Personal wipes + Peri bottle

• It’s nice to clean up and feel fresh after wearing pads so I recommend using personal wipes and a peri bottle. 
• Use warm water in peri bottle to cleanse vaginal area.

6. High-waisted comfy undies, size up!

• Don’t spend a lot! You’ll likely throw these away (remember, you are bleeding!)
  • These Kindred Bravely postpartum and c-section underwear are as cute as these high-waisted undies can get!
• These Nyssa c-section undies have an insert for a cold pack right where your incision is! Sounds dreamy. (use code BUMBLEBABY for discount)
• FridaBaby also sells mesh disposable underwear if you would prefer that (a lot of c-section moms do!)

*Want all of these items in a pack? FridaBaby to the rescue! Get their postpartum essentials kit here.

7. Nursing bra/tanks

• You’ll live in these if you decide to nurse. 
• These seamless, dual nursing and pumping Larkin tank is my favorite! No seams, so soft! 
  • Use code BUMBLEBABY10 for discount!
• Also love this pretty Dairy Fairy bra if you’re feeling like you want to get jazzed up!
  • Use code BUMBLE for discount!

8. Haakaa

• If you’re like “WHAAAT is a HAAAAKAAAA??”  learn more about this godsend item for breastfeeding moms, head to my Haakaa highlight on IG for more info.

9. Nipple cream and hydrogels for nursing

• APNO
  • If you haven’t seen my mastitis post, check out why you’ll need this magical nipple healing cream with a prescription from your provider.
• This MotherLove nipple cream to help sore nipples (use code BUMBLEBABY20 for discount)
• These silverette nipple covers if you are prone to nipple damage 
  • Did you know that silver contains NATURAL healing and antibacterial/antimicrobial properties? How cool is that?
• These hydrogel pads can be refrigerated and rotated with APNO or nipple butter to aid in healing cracked and scabbed nipples.
• These non-stick pads should be applied after APNO to help hold the APNO in place and to prevent from healing skin sticking to your bra (OUCH!)

10. Extra pillows/nursing pillow

I preferred regular pillows when nursing, but many love this BreastFriend pillow, especially if you had a c-section. I also love this bbhugme nursing pillow because it’s entirely customizable to your body as well as your baby’s changing needs as they grow. You can adjust the firmness and it’s designed to ease strain on your neck and shoulders.

11. Water bottle with a straw 

• You’ll be trapped under a baby for a bit (especially if you had a c-section!) 
• I love this Swig water bottle with these rubber reusable straws.

12. Snacks!

• I love Larabars and always have them on hand for a quick snack!

13. Cozy Robe

• I LIVED in this Barefoot Dreams robe (currently wearing as I type) for the hospital, postpartum, and pregnancy!

14. Slippers

• Love these pompom slippers for the hospital, postpartum, and more! How cute are they? SIZE UP!

15. Stool softener

• The first poop is…OUCH! 
• If you had an epidural, you’ll be especially backed up. Taking a stool softener can help you pass that first poop a little more smoothly.

16. Dry shampoo

• Because #momlife.

17. Belly Binder

• Belly bandit makes the perfect 2-in-1 pregnancy and postpartum support band! 
  • They also make this really great postpartum wrap that’s longer too!
• Some women want a corset binder for more coverage and support after having a c-section and this Bellefit corset is one of the best!
• If you had a c-section, this is a must. Helps with healing and pain!
• If you had a vaginal birth, this belly binder can help tone your abdominal muscles and give you back support (your core will be weak!)

18. Insulated coffee mug

• Welcome to MOMLIFE! Without an insulated mug, you’ll never drink hot coffee again (haha!)
• This Swig coffee mug is my fav!

19. Cozy PJs/nightgown

• If you are breastfeeding, button up PJs are the way to go for convenience.   
  • Roberta Roller Rabbit PJs are the BEST! they’re definitely a splurge, but are good quality and wash well!
  • I also love these button up PJs in short sleeve and long sleeve which are more budget friendly! They’re super soft and also hold up very well in the wash! 
• If you had a c-section, you may prefer a nightgown. I love these Dwell and Slumber gowns – used them postpartum with Finn and Bee, and still wear them!

20. High waisted leggings with compression 

• BLANQI high waisted postpartum leggings are the way to go! TRUST ME!
  • The compression will feel so nice on c-section bellies, too.

21. Formula Pitcher 

• This magical item will save you a TON of time. You can prep 24 hours worth of formula, refrigerate, and pour when ready. See my formula post for more info.

*Additional helpful (but not necessary) items for c-section recoveries:

1. ice cold soft compresses 
2. moldable heating pad
3. arnicare gel for cooling relief on stitches
4. vitamin e oil + cocoa butter to help minimize the appearance of c-section scar
5. high waisted loose fitting sweat pants that are budget friendly
6. button down loose fitting night gowns that are budget friendly (good for breastfeeding too)
   1. If you’re looking to splurge, I love Dwell and Slumber!
7. bed assist bar and step stool to help you get in/out of bed
8. rolling cart for keeping bedside 

Postpartum has a LOT of highs and lows.  The best thing you can do for yourself is to be prepared with these tips and suggestions above and to ASK FOR HELP when you need it.  It’s a crazy time for a new mom to be taking care of a brand new baby, as well as taking care of YOURSELF. You are NOT a failure if you need to ask for help. Remember to continue taking care of yourself while you’re healing and that YOU ARE ENOUGH! Happy mommas make happy babies!

I encourage you to read through Deema’s FREE postpartum depression e-guide. Deema Soufan is a psychotherapist that specializes in women’s mental health. She describes what postpartum depression is, what the symptoms are and the resources available to you. 

Deema also created a postpartum care plan e-guide to help you navigate this time. It’s a fill-in-the-blank guide that covers all of the basic necessities and logistics that you’ll need in order to move through the postpartum period. The guide will also cover psycho-education on postpartum depression and available resources.

Deema also offers video chat consults to make sure you’re best equipped mentally after baby arrives! Book with Deema today!

Click here for our free postpartum checklist. 

Have more questions? Schedule a text or video chat consult with Kate, Lauren or Natalie (NICU RNs) and they can help answer any questions that you have!

Helpful blog posts:

• postpartum essentials for baby
• first time baby registry
• 13 things no one told you about postpartum
• sex after baby + everything you need to know
• your period after baby – what to expect and when to expect it
• common breastfeeding complications explained