Postpartum essentials

Bringing your baby into the world is an incredible experience — but what many first-time moms don’t fully expect is how intense the postpartum recovery period can be.

After giving birth, your body needs time, care, and support to heal. And while there is a lot of focus on preparing for the baby, postpartum recovery essentials are often overlooked.

As a first-time mom and a physician, I wanted to create a realistic, science-informed list of postpartum must-haves — the things that actually make those first days and weeks easier.

Comfort & Clothing Essentials

In the early postpartum period, comfort is everything. You will want items that are:

• soft

• breathable

• easy to change

Must-haves:

• Disposable underwear (especially for the first days)

• High-waisted, soft cotton underwear (once bleeding decreases)

• Nursing bras (at least 3 for rotation). Check out these super soft and breathable nursing bras. My personal recommendation, and your body will love this cotton!

• Loose, comfortable nightwear for feeding and skin-to-skin time

Hygiene Essentials

Postpartum bleeding (lochia) can last several weeks, so having the right products is essential. What you’ll need:

• Heavy-duty postpartum pads

• Lighter pads for later stages

• A peri bottle (this is a must-have because you will not have the time or energy to shower after every pee; this also helps to pee if it's painful)

• Cooling pads or soothing sprays (or witch hazel)

• Gentle, fragrance-free intimate wash (foam is often the most comfortable)

• Soft or bamboo toilet paper

Many famous and great brands offer a variety of all the necessary products for postpartum and breastfeeding hygiene and support. To name a few: Multi-Mam, Lansinoh, Frida, Bambo. You may choose your favourite or just find everything you need through Amazon here.

Hemorrhoid & Bowel Support

This is something no one talks about enough — but it can make a huge difference in your comfort. And yes, a number of mothers have it, because we are giving a miracle of life! Remember, in many cases it will improve with time and right management. After birth, especially vaginal delivery, you may experience:

• hemorrhoids

• fear of the first bowel movement

• constipation

Helpful items:

• Haemorrhoid ointment (short-term use), look for the ones with Lidocaine in it (numbs it out)

• Unscented wet wipes

• Stool support:

  • hydration

  • fiber

  • prune juice

  • lactulose if needed

As a general rule, keeping stools soft is very important to avoid additional pain or strain.

Perineal & Wound Care

Your body needs time to heal, and gentle care goes a long way. Essentials:

• Peri bottle (for every bathroom if possible)

• Disposable pads for “air time” (allowing the perineum to breathe)

• Antiseptic solution (especially important after a C-section)

• Hand sanitiser

For C-section recovery, having clean, easy access to wound care supplies is key.

Breastfeeding Support

Even if breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t always come easily at first. Helpful items:

• Nipple pads (to manage leaking). I would go for disposables at first and then you can try washable ones.

• Nipple balm or cream

• Cooling breast pads

Warm compresses before feeding can help with milk flow (or a quick warm shower) while cooling pads can reduce discomfort afterward. If you experience significant pain, cracking, or wounds, it’s important to seek help from a lactation consultant early. Remember, correct breastfeeding should be painless. I have already mentioned a variety of brands that support you during breastfeeding, here is the link again to get everything you need on Amazon.

Recovery & Body Support

You may feel like your body needs extra support — and in some cases, these things can help. Optional but helpful:

• Belly wrap or abdominal binder

• Stretch mark cream or body oil

From a medical perspective, abdominal binders may: improve comfort, support posture and be especially helpful after a C-section. However, they are not essential and do not speed up weight loss. And make sure you wear it only for the recommended time as it may disturb bowel movements or may induce acid reflux.

Practical Setup Tips (This Helps More Than You Think)

One of the most helpful things you can do is prepare your space. Create a small postpartum care kit in each bathroom, including:

• pads

• peri bottle

• wipes

• clean underwear

This saves energy and makes everything more accessible when you need it most.

Small Things That Make a Big Difference

These are often overlooked, but incredibly helpful:

• A large water bottle (hydration is key for recovery and milk production) and better if you can easily open it one handed (or with a straw). Cannot recommend this Stanley Flip straw enough - it is easy to use one handed (breastfeeding or with a baby in your hands), it's spill safe and it was really comfortable to drink from during labour! Forever grateful.

• Easy snacks (especially if breastfeeding) - look for more protein, nuts, berries

• Bedside organizer or caddy such as this particular one - you can get one for you in every bathroom and one for your baby diaper change and daily toilets

• Soft night light for nighttime feeds - my personal tips to look for - cordless, easy to navigate, better if it shows time (so you don't have to look for a phone)

Final Thoughts

Postpartum recovery is not talked about enough, and many moms go into it unprepared. You don’t need everything — but having the right essentials can make a huge difference in how you feel physically and emotionally. Be gentle with yourself. Rest when you can. And remember — healing takes time.

Breastfeeding Books Worth Reading (Expert-Recommended)

If you’re planning to breastfeed, having one or two reliable resources can make a huge difference — especially in those first overwhelming weeks. I found breastfeeding to be the most complicated yet rewarding aspects of postpartum so bringing the book to a hospital was huge to me - I was going through the sections I needed to remember during those first sessions. These books are widely recommended by lactation consultants and organisations like La Leche League, and they combine practical advice with evidence-based guidance.

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding

This is often called the “breastfeeding bible” for a reason. It’s written by lactation experts and covers:

• how breastfeeding actually works

• common early challenges

• positioning and latch

• realistic expectations in the first weeks

It’s been a go-to guide for decades and is widely recommended by professionals. Best for: first-time moms who want a complete, structured guide. Get it from Amazon.

Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding

Written by a well-known midwife, this book is:

• very practical

• reassuring

• focused on real experiences

It covers everything from early breastfeeding to returning to work, and addresses common fears in a very approachable way. Best for: moms who want a supportive, confidence-building read. You can add it to your Amazon shopping list by clicking here.

Breastfeeding Made Simple

This book explains breastfeeding using clear, science-based principles. It focuses on:

• milk supply

• latch issues

• common problems and how to solve them

Best for: moms who like structured, evidence-based explanations. View details here: Breastfeeding Made Simple.

The Nursing Mother’s Companion

A very practical, step-by-step guide that has been recommended by professionals and organisations for years. It includes:

• troubleshooting common breastfeeding problems

• guidance from newborn stage to toddlerhood

• realistic daily routines

Widely used by both parents and healthcare professionals. Best for: moms who want a problem-solving handbook.

Making More Milk

This is a more targeted resource, especially if supply becomes a concern. It focuses on:

• low milk supply causes

• evidence-based strategies to improve it

• hormonal and practical factors affecting lactation

Best for: moms who want deeper understanding or are struggling with supply.

My Honest Advice

You don’t need to read everything. Choose one main guide (like The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding) and one problem-solving book if needed later. Breastfeeding is natural — but it’s also a learned skill, and having the right support early can make a huge difference.

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. The products are my honest recommendation and it helps me to continue writing this blog so thank you!