As a new mom navigating the beautiful yet challenging postpartum journey, I’ve learned that preparing for life after baby is just as important as preparing for labor and delivery. Here are my postpartum essentials for moms!
As a first-time mom, I had no idea what postpartum essentials I’d actually need. I spent hours scrolling through every postpartum needs list and postpartum recovery kit on Pinterest, but most of them were packed with things I never ended up using.
That’s why I wanted to put together a real list of postpartum essentials, just the things that truly helped me during my fourth trimester.
If you’re looking for a postpartum must-haves list for mom that’s practical, all-natural, and designed to make those first few weeks easier, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re prepping a DIY postpartum recovery kit or just need some quick postpartum care tips, these are the 20 items I personally couldn’t live without.
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Postpartum Essentials for Mom: My Top Recovery Essentials
Postpartum Recovery Kit: 20 Items You Actually Need (shop below)
Frida Mom Postpartum Essentials Kit – If you buy anything, let it be this kit! I used everything in this kit and individually purchased everything. It would have been a better deal to have just bought the kit to begin with. I used EVERYTHING Friday Mom and can’t recommend them enough!
Adult Diapers – The bleeding that happens after childbirth can last up to six weeks, so you’ll want highly absorbent, comfortable options. I loved for their comfort and absorbency. They made me feel secure during the first few weeks after delivery.
Perineal Ice Packs – After delivery, your body needs time to heal, and perineal ice packs can make a huge difference. They offer relief from swelling and soreness, especially if you’ve had a vaginal delivery.
Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray – I used this multiple times a day and it provided instant relief. Pro-tip: you can keep it in the fridge to make it extra cool!
While prepping for your own postpartum recovery, don’t forget to stock up on newborn essentials too. Check out my blog of my most used and loved newborn essentials here!
Silverettes (silver nipple cups)- For breastfeeding moms, nipple care is crucial to avoid soreness, cracking, and irritation. I wore these for the first few weeks and had ZERO nipple soreness. They might look simple, but they work wonders, providing relief and healing without the need for creams or ointments. They’re definitely worth the investment!
Support pillow – I use this support pillow still to this day for those middle of the night feedings. This is way easier and more comfortable than shoving mulitple pillows behind your back to get support.
Wireless Bra – In all honesty, I got 2 clogged ducts days after having my baby and could not handle ANY type of wiring or tight fitting bra. I lived in these crop tops day and night. They provided the perfect amount of support while not feeling restricting!
A soft, cozy robe – Postpartum sweats are no joke, and I quickly realized how essential it was to have a soft, cozy robe to wear around the house during those first few days after birth. I even wore this robe during my labor! I’ve loved everything from Kindred Bravely, and their lightweight, comfortable robes have been perfect for lounging and nursing while still feeling put together
A Postpartum-Friendly Snack Basket – Keeping healthy snacks on hand is crucial for maintaining energy during those early postpartum days. I created a snack basket by my bedside with easy-to-grab items like beef sticks, granola bars, and protein balls. It was so convenient for those late-night feedings when you need a quick bite to fuel up.
LMNT Electrolytes – Staying hydrated is incredibly important for postpartum recovery, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Electrolyte powders or drinks helped me stay balanced and replenished throughout the day.
A fan – Trust me, you’re going to want one of these for those postpartum sweats! I kept this on my night stand and it came in so handy!
Peri Bottle – Trust me, this one is superior to all the others! The fact that you can spray it upside down and the water still comes out is a game changer!
Tucks Pads – Tucks pads (or any witch hazel pads) will be your best friend during those first few weeks postpartum. They’re soothing, cooling, and perfect for lining your pad to give some relief after delivery. Every postpartum needs list should include these because they’re one of the simplest things that actually make a huge difference. Stock up, you’ll thank me later. Also, if you are unfortunate enough to deal with hemorrhoids, postpartum, these will also be a dream from. I am unfortunately speaking from experience lol.
Haakaa – The Haakaa is a must-have for every first-time mom, whether you’re planning to pump or not. It’s a simple, silicone breast pump that collects letdown while you’re nursing on the other side, helping you build a freezer stash without any extra effort. This is one of those postpartum essentials you’ll find yourself reaching for constantly in the early days of breastfeeding. I also used this when I was dealing with clogged ducts and it was a life saver!
Speaking of clogged ducts, I’ve got an entire blog post walking through exactly how I clear them fast when they pop up. You can check it out here!
Frida Mom Witch Hazel Perineal Healing Foam – This perineal healing foam is a lifesaver for soothing and cooling everything “down there” post-birth. It’s part of my DIY postpartum recovery kit and something I recommend to every new mom. Just apply it to your pad or use it with Tucks pads for instant relief. If you’re building a postpartum recovery kit, this needs to be in it. It feels “extra” but you want alllll the extras postpartum.
Witch Hazel Wipes – Having witch hazel wipes on hand is also a great idea. I love that these are longer and they are shaped like a pad so they cover a ton. They again are just super cooling and give you such a relief. They’re gentle on sensitive skin and super convenient for on-the-go or middle-of-the-night bathroom trips.
Brumate Era Water Bottle – A water bottle is a necessity! I honestly liked having 2 water bottles by my night stand. I used one for my water and I used the other for electrolytes!
Comfy, light weight pajamas – the night sweats are REAL postpartum so having a pair of lightweight pajamas is a must. I love that these ones button up so they are super easy to breastfeed or pump in!
Rowe Casa Lymphatic Cream – This cream became a staple in my postpartum care routine. It’s designed to support lymphatic drainage, which can help reduce swelling and promote healing after birth. I applied it daily and felt like it really helped get things moving, especially during those first few weeks. It’s a gentle, all-natural option that’s worth adding to your postpartum recovery kit. I also used this on my clogged duct and it really helped get things moving along. I never go without this!
Postpartum Care Tips for First-Time Moms
Navigating postpartum recovery can feel overwhelming at times, but having these must-haves made my transition to new motherhood a lot smoother. Whether you’re preparing for postpartum or you’re already in the thick of it, I hope these essentials can make your recovery easier and more comfortable.
Every mom’s experience is unique, so I’d love to hear what your postpartum must-haves are! Leave a comment below and let me know what helped you the most during this special but challenging time.
