Celebrations are aplenty as mom-to-be revels in the glow of impending motherhood, showered with love and gifts, while the expecting parents diligently prepare for the homecoming of their newest family member. Amidst the excitement surrounding baby registry items, birth plans, and parenting strategies, there’s one crucial aspect often left unexplored – the postpartum recovery plan. The postpartum phase, spanning from 6 weeks to 6 months after birth, marks a pivotal period of healing. This timeframe, extending until mom nears her new normal, holds so much importance for the short-term and long-term health. It’s a time that needs careful attention, even after what might be seen as easy births because after all, childbirth is unpredictable and requires non-negotiable recovery time.
30 Best Postpartum Essentials
Postpartum round two has been different from the first go around. I knew more. I expected less. Less sleep, lowered expectations, and fewer days to myself. Like the first time, I keep coming back to the word ‘surrender’ because just when I think I can get to the laundry or emails or that phone call with a friend…my baby needs me, and she always comes first. So I’m relearning, remembering, and forever surrendering to the truths of motherhood.
We don’t need much, but moms know best when it comes to nurturing…and we should always extend those knowledgeable gifts to ourselves during this extremely demanding and healing period in our lives. It can be a painful, messy, and exhausting period, but the transition to motherhood is easier when you have everything needed within reach, and so today, I am sharing a round-up of essential items moms need after giving birth.
Postpartum checklist
Postpartum recovery essentials
Hospital goodies
You’ll use a peri bottle, disposable undies, perineal ice packs, dermoplast for a vaginal birth, perineal cooling pad with witch hazel, stool softener, and extra long maxi pads. The nurses will pack you a great goodie bag, so don’t be shy to ask questions and ask for more of what you think you’ll need.
Ritual Postnatals
Formulated to help fill in the blanks and nourish your body post pregnancy. We spend nearly 40 weeks growing a baby and then birthing them into the world. Everything internally is trying to recover and reset so a postnatal is essential for helping meet the new nutrient needs of your forever changed body! Ritual vitamins have been constant in my life and pregnancy, so this was a no-brainer for me.
FridaMom
Everything, but especially the disposable undies boyshorts and upside-down peri bottle (a squirt bottle upgrade with an angled nozzle for better reach). The postpartum recovery kits are pretty great if you need any refills or upgrades from the hospital goodies.
Sitz baths
A non-negotiable for vaginal birth recovery, easing soreness and promoting healing in the perineal area. If you’re struggling at all with hemorrhoids, this 20 minute task of a sitz bath will be your saving grace.
Tea
I craved everything warm after birth, and from everything I read, soups and teas are excellent for postpartum recovery! Try Earth Mama Periodic Tea, Earth Mama Milkmaid tea for breastfeeding mamas, The Republic of Tea Milk Thistle, PinkStork raspberry leaf tea.
Anya
Created by a mom who felt unprepared and underserved by society entering postpartum recovery. A one stop shop for supplements, tea, body butters, nipple balm and other high quality (+ reasonably priced) recovery tools.
Postpartum undies
EBY high-waisted seamless are my favorites, but invest in super comfortable and supportive underwear. I opt for high-waisted, breathable options with natural fabric. Stock up as you’ll be changing them frequently!
Tylenol and Advil for pain relief
This is what I was on at the hospital to promote healing and help with pain, but follow whatever regimen your doctor recommends! Never hurts to have these two handy.
For breastfeeding moms
Nipple cream, nursing pads, nursing bra (size up for swelling and milk production), breast pump. Did you know you can rent a hospital-grade pump often covered by insurance? It’s cost-effective and apparently usually stronger than what you can get on the market. We just need to bridge that policy gap for formula fed babies from moms affected by gene mutations, cancer and double mastectomies.
Postpartum Supplies
Nutrafol
Hair growth FTW. Nothing is more humbling than the thinking and shedding of hair that comes for most women after pregnancy. Get ahead of it as early as possible with a hair growth supplement. I love that Nutrafol is drug-free and dermatologist-recommended. I’ve also heard good things about Dani Austin’s Divi, but can’t speak to it firsthand.
Belly bandit wrap
Designed to hug your post-pregnancy belly for comfort and support for up to 8 weeks postpartum. Every mom might feel differently in this area, but it felt good and healing for me to be supported under clothes with a hug from this wrap.
Nursing pillow
This is so helpful for feeding baby by bottle or boob and nearly essential if you’re recovering from a c-section or have a slow eater (most newborns). If you’re recovering from a c-section, support is key to keep pressure off of the incision.
For C-section moms
Silicone scar sheets are a great option if you’re hoping to get a head of concealing your supermom scars.
Postpartum clothing
Seraphine maternity and nursing dress
I’ve loved all of my Seraphine pieces through pregnancy and even now in this 4th trimester. This dress has come in handy for fall and winter, and this nursing-friendly turtleneck sweater is cozy and functional, too. Loose, breathable, comfortable loungewear is key for me.
Since we’ve been busy with holiday events, flowy dresses are my go-to. For the everyday, sweat sets make me feel put together and leggings are a godsend (what did we ever do before them?! Jean? Ew). At 8 weeks postpartum, I’m still loving the hug of soft and high-waisted leggings (Addison Bay, Target Maternity, and Lululemon Aligns are in rotation). Comfort and function is key! Check out these 10 comfy outfit ideas I put together last month.
Remember, every mom’s postpartum journey is unique, but we’re all in this together. Adjust the below quantities and considerations based on your personal preferences and needs. Happy healing, mamas! Be gentle with yourself.
thank you.