Most of us spend so much time preparing for the birth — packing our hospital bags, washing tiny baby clothes, researching every car seat on the market. But what about preparing for you?
The postpartum period often gets overlooked, but it’s such an important time for recovery and adjustment. There is a reason they call it the fourth trimester!
Those first few weeks can feel like a whirlwind, both physically and emotionally. Your body is healing from birth, and you’re also figuring out how to care for a brand-new human.
As a labor and delivery nurse, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what recovery would look like. But let me tell you, there were still plenty of surprises. I quickly realized there were quite a few things I wish I had ready to go aside from all the basics.
Now, as a mom of two, I know just how important it is to take care of yourself after birth so you can be present for your baby — and for yourself. These are the postpartum products that truly made a difference in my recovery. I hope this list helps you feel more prepared and supported in this big transition.
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Postpartum Must Have Supplies for New Moms
1. Nursing Bra
A good nursing bra is one of those postpartum essentials you don’t really appreciate until you’re wearing one around the clock. It’s worth having a few on hand before delivery, even if you’re not totally sure what size you’ll end up needing. Once your milk comes in, you might need to swap sizes or try different styles — totally normal.
My personal favorite brand is Kindred Bravely. Their regular nursing bras are incredibly soft and supportive, and I especially love their nursing/pumping combo bras. As a working mom who pumped at work, these made life so much easier — no need to change bras just to hook up to the pump. They’re definitely an investment, but they hold up well and feel comfortable even on long, chaotic days.
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly to start, Momcozy has some great options that are soft, easy to wear, and don’t feel too tight when your milk is coming in.
Related: Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms
2. Comfortable Clothing
Let’s be real here. There will be times during the first few weeks postpartum where you just won’t get dressed. That’s ok! You’ll want to have plenty of options of comfy clothes to lounge around the house in while you snuggle your new babe.
If you are breastfeeding, consider getting some nursing dresses or comfy pajamas that allow easy access. I bought a few with the intention of manly wearing them at the hospital but they ended up being my go-to for the first month!
3. Underwear
Skip your usual underwear for now. Between stitches, swelling, and those giant postpartum pads, you’ll want underwear that’s roomy and gentle on sensitive areas.
You will want underwear of some kind that is loose fitting in the vaginal area and not tight around your waist. The typical “granny panties” work great but find a kind that is comfy for you. Its also great to buy a set that you can just throw away when you are finished due to all the extra bleeding in the first few weeks postpartum.
4. Peri Bottle
After a vaginal birth, wiping with toilet paper isn’t really an option. A peri bottle lets you gently rinse off with warm water instead.
Peri bottles are super easy to use. Just fill them with warm water and them spray onto your perineal area to clean it after you’ve been to the toilet. Then lightly dab with toilet paper to dry afterwards.
You’ll probably get a basic one from the hospital, but angled versions (like the Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle) are so much easier to use. They’re worth the small upgrade.
If you have stitches or tearing, using the bottle while you pee can also help reduce stinging.
5. Maxi Pads or Adult Diapers
You’ll likely be bleeding more than you expected for several weeks. Maxi pads or adult diapers are both solid options. It really comes down to what feels more comfortable.
I personally loved Depends specifically and used them for probably 3 weeks postpartum until I switched straight to panty liners. But I have had several friends who much preferred maxi pads. It’s all up to you! I would have a small pack of both on hand so you can try them both out for yourself.
6. Tucks Pads
Tucks are absolutely amazing for after delivery! They are cooling and soothe the vaginal area. I would take a few and overlap them on my Depends (or maxi pad) before putting them on. Just enough to cover the whole perineal area is fine. If you have an episiotomy or any stiches, I would highly recommend these for at least the first few days. They can also be very helpful in relieving discomfort from hemorrhoids.
You can also make your own “padsicles“ at home using witch hazel and a few other ingredients. just follow this recipe by June & Lily and stick a bunch in the freezer before you head to the hospital. Trust me, they are amazing!
Don’t forget to start packing your hospital bag as you are prepping everything for postpartum!
7. Dermoplast
After the tucks pads, Dermoplast was my second favorite item postpartum. They gave me a small can in the hospital and it was amazing to numb all the pain and soreness down there! I just sprayed a small amount over the tucks pads when putting on a fresh pair of Depends and it felt amazing.
I had an episiotomy and stiches, so this spray worked wonders for me!
8. Herbal Perineal Spray
If you are looking for a more natural option for the Dermoplast, a perineal spray can also provide similar relief. There are many different brands to choose from, but this was my favorite. The spray is very soothing for your vaginal area and definitely a postpartum must have.
9. Instant Ice Pack
You will likely receive a few of these at the hospital when you are there, but I loved having a stash on hand at home! These ice packs don’t have to be kept in the freezer. You simply just pop, shake, and place! While they usually only last a couple hours, these were so helpful with swelling the first week postpartum. If using just add your tucks pads and Dermoplast/perineal spray right to the top of the ice pack before placing in your maxi pad or adult diaper.
10. Stool Softener
You may have heard that your first bowel movement after birth can be uncomfortable. Unfortunately, this is true! You will want to be sure you start taking a stool softener as soon as you deliver (if not a few days before).
You don’t want to be straining to hard and cause hemorrhoids or damage any stiches you may get. Also make sure to drink plenty of water to help with easier bowel movements.
As with any medication, check with your doctor before taking for their recommendations.
11. Big Water Bottle
If you are breastfeeding, you are going to need to drink a lot of water. Having a large cup or water bottle nearby will encourage you to drink more water throughout the day. And if you are like me, nursing made me super thirsty so make sure it is close by before you sit down to feed your baby.
12. Heating Pad
Your back will likely be pretty sore from both labor and holding a newborn all day. Having a heating pad on hand is great to soothe those sore muscles. These are an absolute lifesaver and I would recommend that everyone invest in one.
13. A Friend
This one might be the most important. Have someone — not your partner — that you can call or text when you’re feeling overwhelmed, emotional, or just need to talk to someone who’s been there.
The postpartum period is beautiful, but it’s also exhausting and emotional. You don’t have to do it alone. Sometimes a five-minute voice memo to a mom friend can be just the thing to get you through a tough moment.
Postpartum is a beautiful, emotional, and life changing time. Make sure you have all the tools necessary to make sure it goes as smoothly as it can and you can enjoy your time with your new baby.
Have other items you would add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!
More Support for Your Fourth Trimester
7 Real-Life Breastfeeding Tips for the First 7 Days with Your Newborn
The first week is a learning curve. These tips can make it feel a little less overwhelming.Pumping Basics for New Moms: A Realistic Guide to Getting Started and Making It Work
Just getting started with pumping? This post breaks it down in a way that actually makes sense.Unlocking Balance: Creating the Ideal Pumping Schedule at Work for New Moms
Whether you’re heading back to work or just trying to create a little stash, this guide walks you through it.How to Increase Your Milk Supply: Causes of Low Supply and How to Change It
If you’re stressing about output, this post shares realistic tips that can help — no magic pills required.10 Tips for Leaving Your Baby for the First Time
That first separation is emotional and tough. Here’s what made it a little easier on my heart.
You’re doing such an important job, and you’re not alone in it. Wherever you are in your postpartum journey, I hope these posts offer a little extra support when you need it most.
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