Postpartum Must-Haves

Recovery post-birth is not something women like to focus on, especially if you’re having your first baby. I don’t blame you. I was the same exact way. But it is so important to be prepared. Yes, there is some truth to you won’t know what to expect completely until you go through it and you won’t know what you like until you try it. But you still need to be aware.

Knowing what options are out there can be such a huge help in the long run! I learned the majority of what I know about recovery relief from my nurse after having my first baby. I thought I was prepared ahead of time but there were so many things I never knew prior to birth. So it is so important to me to share what I have learned to help any other new momma’s out there be better prepared.

Postpartum recovery is not pretty but it is essential and it is worth it to have your new little one. So without further ado here are my personal top essential must-haves when recovering from birth.

Perry Bottle

Before I had kids, I heard other moms say the perry bottle would be my best friend. I didn’t get all the hype and honestly didn’t even know what one looked like prior to having my first baby. But they were all right! You will LOVE this thing! They give you one at the hospital and it is your best friend long after you come home.

Dermoplast Pain Relieving Spray

This was another of my faves and essential items I used every time I pottied after birth. It helps numb and eases the pain. I hadn’t heard of this before birth. The nurses at my hospital gave it to me post-birth to use and I quickly carried it to the bathroom with me every time. You may want to purchase some ahead of time too because hospitals may vary. Neither of my sisters got this at their hospital when giving birth.

Earth Momma Herbal Perineal Spray

This was something I found accidentally online on my own prior to birth. I ordered it to give it a try and LOVE it. You can now purchase it in-store at Walmart. I used this after my pain spray ran out. Added bonus: because of the cucumber and other ingredients it doubles as a facial spray too. I still use it on my face to this day.

Belly Band

I did a lot of research prior to birth on tips and tricks to help you get your body back after baby. Belly bands were something I came across in my research. After giving birth for about 6-8 weeks your body releases a hormone that helps your body shrink back. By using a belly band, it helps your body shrink back faster while the hormone is still in your system. Now I don’t have anything to compare it to as I have used my belly and hip bands after both kids but I definitely think it has helped to shrink my belly down faster. I will always wear one after having a baby!

Witch Hazel Pads

This was another cool thing my recovery nurse gave me after my first baby. I didn’t know this was a thing but it did come in quite handy and I used the whole container they gave me. They’re small circular wet pads soaked in witch hazel that you put on your pad when you change it out.

Frozen Padsicles

After doing research during pregnancy on what I would need for postpartum I found some good recipes to make your own frozen padsicles and made a bunch prior to birth. With my first baby, I preferred having warming pads over cold early on. But I did still use the frozen pads later and they came in so handy.

Large Pads

You will need giant pads. Postpartum you bleed a lot. It can vary depending on the person and your recovery but you will need big overnight pads to make sure all blood is caught. You cannot use tampons during your early postpartum recovery.

Big Undies

Due to having to use big pads you will want to have some good ole granny panties. I know they’re not fashionable but trust me they are exactly what you need comfort-wise post-birth. I bought a cheap 4 or 5 pack at Walmart to use and was so glad I did! A bonus if you have any stains or anything come through you can just toss them and don’t ruin your cute underwear.

Maternity Clothes

If you are breastfeeding you will want to use maternity/nursing bras after having a baby. You will probably want to keep your maternity clothes out for a while too. In my case, I still wore my maternity shorts, pants & shirts for a while after birth because they felt more comfortable and were some of the only clothes that fit me right after birth.

Stretchy Clothes

I cannot stress this enough — you will want your comfy clothes. You will want big shirts and stretchy fabrics. You will want all the yoga pants. You will be sore and having tight clothes or items that cling will make you uncomfortable and self-conscious. Don’t go there. Just stay comfy.

Big Water Bottle

Staying hydrated and drinking lots of water is essential after birth. For yourself and also for your baby if you are nursing, you need to make sure you are getting plenty of fluids. Having a big water bottle by you at all times is huge in making sure that happens. The bigger, the better because that means fewer trips to fill up.

Epsom Salt

You may want to soak for relief or just to relax and have a minute to yourself. An Epsom salt bath is so relaxing and good for your recovering body. I also like to add some essential oils to the bath.

Essential Oils

Great for use in the bath or diffusing I swear by my essential oils. Not only for myself but for my baby too. Lavender is a go-to for relaxation and sleep. Gentle Baby is a favorite for my little ones. You can do some great blends for the bath too.

I hope that these tips come in handy for you and help to better prepare you for your postpartum recovery journey. All us mothers have been where you are. It can be scary but you are not alone! If you have any suggestions of other must-haves that I didn’t list please comment below and let me know.