Firstly, congratulations! Whether your little one has already arrived or you’re awaiting their impending arrival. Your body has been through big changes, and after 9 months of carrying your little one and giving birth, your body needs time to heal, and it deserves all the comfort and support that it can get.
We know that life with a newborn is hectic, but we promise there are some absolutely essential products that will help you feel a little bit more like you again, whilst adapting to your new body.
Whether it’s items to help you heal physically, tools for nursing, or comforts that support mental well-being, having the right essentials on hand can make a world of difference. This guide covers some must-have postpartum essentials, offering you a gentle reminder: while you’re taking care of your baby, it’s okay to take care of yourself too.
Postpartum Essentials Every New Mom Needs
Perineal Ice Packs
Post labor, it’s natural for things to feel sore, especially if you’ve had a difficult labor or stitches. These hot and cold therapy packs are truly a godsend.
They help to soothe soreness and reduce swelling in the perineal area.
Postpartum Pads or Adult Diapers
Postpartum pads or adult diapers are essential for managing postpartum bleeding. Use these for as long as you need, they’ll make you feel more secure.
When the bleed lightens, revert to normal pads or period pants, whatever makes you feel comfy.
Peri Bottle
Hospitals will tend to provide you with a peri bottle, but it’s honestly worth investing in a high quality one that you can use from the outset. It makes the world of difference once you’ve given birth to stop that toe curling sensation when you’re peeing, and it will reduce soreness.
Postpartum Underwear
The everyday essential that you’ll be glad you got before the birth.
Get some high-waisted and breathable pants that will keep your pads in place and keep your tummy supported, these Amazon soft stretch panties are ideal for comfort and support.
Belly Wrap or Postpartum Support Belt
A belly wrap or postpartum support belt can be a game-changer for new moms as they navigate the physical changes after childbirth.
Designed to provide gentle compression around the abdomen and lower back, these wraps offer essential core support while your body heals and adjusts post-pregnancy.
They can help stabilize muscles that may feel weakened or strained after delivery, particularly for those recovering from a C-section or experiencing diastasis recti (abdominal separation).
Sitz Bath Soak
There’s nothing like a relaxing bath after pregnancy once you’ve healed a bit. For added soothing relief, we recommend adding a sitz bath soak like the below to help heal any tearing or soreness.
Comfortable Loungewear
From the moment you leave that hospital, postpartum friendly outfits are a must have.
Comfy loungewear, soft and stretchy clothing that’s nursing friendly and cosy should be on your essentials list. If you want to head out and feel a little bit smarter, team with some sneakers and an oversized coat (in the winter).
Postpartum Vitamins
This one is totally personal, but postpartum vitamins play a vital role in supporting a new mom’s recovery and well-being after childbirth. The demands of pregnancy and childbirth can deplete essential nutrients in the body, and postpartum vitamins help replenish those stores, promoting healing, energy, and overall health.
Whilst eating the right foods and drinks will help you on your way, some good quality vitamins are a great addition which can further help to supplement and replenish your body.
Journal or Planner
Those early days, weeks and months can feel like an exciting, scary and lonely place. Having a journal is a supportive way to track your recovery, baby’s schedule, and any thoughts or emotions you may want to jot down.
When you grab a few minutes of down time, grab a cuppa, a pen and your journal and just check in with how you feel. There are some great postpartum journal prompts online that you can use to spark your writing too.
Hot Water Bottle
A hot water bottle can help relieve afterbirth cramps and any muscle soreness. It’s also a hugely comforting thing to have when you’re not quite feeling yourself.
Healthy Snacks and Hydration
High-energy snacks and a water bottle with time markers will help you stay nourished and hydrated as you navigate your postpartum journey.
Pain Relief Spray or Cream
Help to speed up recovery with a herbal perineal spray. It soothes aches, especially for C-section recovery. If you’re looking for an off the shelf easy remedy, you honestly can’t beat the likes of sudocrem, a really affordable option that works.
Nursing Essentials
If you’re breastfeeding your baby, here are some further essentials that can help make your journey, one that’s a little bit easier.
Nursing Bras
Nursing bras are a must-have for breastfeeding moms, designed specifically to provide the comfort, support, and convenience that regular bras often lack during this time. They’re built to adapt to the fluctuating size and sensitivity of the breasts in the postpartum period, which can change frequently due to milk production.
Breastfeeding Therapy Packs
Breastfeeding therapy packs are a valuable tool for new moms, offering therapeutic relief to help manage common breastfeeding challenges.
These packs are typically designed as soft, gel-filled pads that can be warmed or cooled and placed directly on the breasts, providing soothing relief for various breastfeeding discomforts.
Nipple Balm
Trust us on this one. This Tiny Human nipple crack balm helps relieve dryness and cracking during breastfeeding and it’s safe for mom and baby.
Breast Pads
Avoid leaking on the go with these disposable or reusable breast pads to absorb leaks, and keep you comfortable.
Breast Pump
Breast pumps are useful if you’re breastfeeding, even just for occasional use. There is such a huge range on the market ranging from affordable to high end, aiming for the middle mark is perfect if you’re looking to breastfeed for 6 months or longer.
