Your Postpartum Essentials Checklist: Necessary for Recovery
Welcoming a new baby into the world is an incredible experience.
However, the postpartum period can be incredibly challenging, one of the hardest periods of motherhood. As a new mom, you’re likely juggling a whirlwind of emotions, sleepless nights, and a body that’s healing from the rigors of childbirth. I remember feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what I truly needed during those first few weeks at home. In fact, after we got home from the hospital with my first daughter my husband had to run out and pick up extra heavy pads for me since I didn’t realize I’d still be bleeding! That’s why I put together this postpartum essentials checklist—to help you navigate this beautiful yet demanding phase with confidence and ease. From physical recovery items to mental wellness tips, I’ve got you covered.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Postpartum Essentials Checklist: The Necessary Items
Postpartum Essentials Checklist for Recovery
The following are postpartum essentials checklist items that will help you with your recovery, whether you have a vaginal birth or c-section.
Extra Heavy Pads
You will bleed, whether you have a vaginal or caesarian birth. You’ll want to start with the heaviest pads you can find. I used Always Maxi Extra Heavy pads for the first few days after I came home from the hospital. They offer great absorption and you’ll feel more secure since they provide more back coverage than a regular pad.
Maxi Pads
Once your really heavy bleeding starts to decrease you can transition to regular period pads. You’ll want to stock up on pads in various sizes since bleeding can come and go. The two types of pads I used the most during the rest of my postpartum period were Always Ultra Thin Super and Always Ultra Thin Regular. They are more comfortable than the extra heavy pads since they are much thinner, but they still provide you with the necessary protection and absorption.
Peri Bottle
Your hospital will likely provide you with a peri bottle to take home. However, it doesn’t hurt to buy one just in case. A peri bottle is a squeeze bottle that’s essential for maintaining cleanliness during postpartum bathroom trips. You fill it with warm water and use it to rinse after using the bathroom since you won’t be able to wipe right away, especially if you have stitches. The Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle is less messy to use since it has an upside down design and angled neck.
Perineal Ice Maxi Pads
Frida Mom Ice Maxi Pads are a lifesaver during the postpartum period, especially if you have a vaginal birth. You fold to pop the pad and instantly activate the cooling. The cooling helps reduce swelling and speed up healing. The pads are also medicated with witch hazel to also promote healing.
Sitz Bath
A sitz bath is a small bath that you sit in on your toilet. You add warm water and Epsom salt for soothing swollen tissues and healing. A sitz bath is especially helpful if you have a vaginal birth.
Perineal Spray
If you need some quick, soothing relief “down there” try a spritz of perineal spray. The Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray’s formula is organic witch hazel, organic cucumber, organic lavender essential oil, and organic peppermint essential oil. It provides soothing and cooling relief especially for tears and stitches.
Pain Relief
You’ll want to stock up on pain relief options for your postpartum period. After my c-section I alternated between Tylenol and Motrin. My doctors assured me that both were safe for breastfeeding.
Stool Softener
It takes a while for your body to get back to normal after your delivery, so most doctors recommend taking a stool softener. Colace is a popular brand, providing gentle and effective constipation relief.
One-Stop Shop Kit
If you don’t feel like shopping for the postpartum essentials checklist items individually, get yourself a one-stop shop postpartum kit! The Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Kit contains all the items you need for that initial postpartum period – 4 pairs of disposable underwear, 4 ice maxi pads, 24 perineal cooling pad liners, perineal healing foam, a peri bottle, and a caddy.
If you’re having a planned c-section then you may prefer the Frida Mom C-Section Recovery Kit. It contains a peri bottle, 4 pairs of disposable c-section postpartum underwear, a postpartum abdominal support binder, 10 skip the shower wipes, 4 silicone scar patches, comfy grip socks, and a bathroom essentials bag.
Postpartum Essentials Checklist for Comfort
The following are postpartum essentials checklist items that will provide you with some much needed comfort during your postpartum period.
High-Waisted Underwear
You’ll definitely want some soft, full coverage, high-waisted underwear. Kindred Bravely High Waist Postpartum Underwear works well for c-section recovery too, since it sits above the c-section scar. They are also full coverage, designed to hold any postpartum pads you will be wearing.
Comfortable Clothing
Until you’re fully healed, you’ll want to stick with comfortable, stretchy clothing. I even wore my maternity clothes for a few months after delivery until I started to lose weight. If you’re tired of maternity clothes, CAMPSNAIL leggings are my favorite.
Donut Pillow
If you have a vaginal delivery, sitting on a regular chair will be uncomfortable for a while. A donut pillow makes sitting more comfortable and supportive.
High-Capacity Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is super important during the postpartum period whether or not you are breastfeeding. Get yourself a high-capacity water bottle so you don’t have to refill it as much.
Postpartum Essentials Checklist for Breastfeeding
The following are postpartum essentials checklist items to stock up on if you’re planning on breastfeeding.
Nursing Bras
Nursing bras make breastfeeding easier and more convenient. I didn’t know about the brand Kindred Bravely with my first daughter, but I lived in a few of their bras with my second daughter. The Sublime Seamless Nursing Bra is so comfortable, yet supportive. The one-handed clip-down cups give quick access to nursing. It’s a great item to include on your hospital bag checklist too. If you pump, then you should try the Sublime Pumping Bra. Nothing beats being hands-free while pumping!
Nursing Tops
Smallshow is another brand that I didn’t discover until I was pregnant with my second daughter. They make a variety of maternity and nursing clothes. My favorite was the nursing tops with the side flap. I found them to be more discreet. No matter what style you like, there are plenty of colors and prints to choose from!
Nipple Cream
Let’s face it, your nipples will be sore. Earth Mama Nipple Butter was my best friend. It really soothed my sore, cracked nipples. Since it’s certified organic and GMO-free, it doesn’t need to be wiped off before nursing or pumping.
Nursing Pads
Nursing pads are a must-have newborn baby essential for leak protection and comfort. I loved the Lansinoh Stay Dry Nursing Pads. They are super absorbent, comfortable, and stayed put in my bra.
Understanding Postpartum Recovery
I was in for a rude awakening after I had my first daughter since I didn’t understand or really know all that went into postpartum recovery. There are physical changes, such as the heavy bleeding. In the hospital I actually thought that I was dying since I was bleeding so much! I also tore and needed stitches during my vaginal delivery so I didn’t realize how sore and uncomfortable I would be after birth.
I heard about the baby blues, but I didn’t grasp how drastic the emotional changes and mood swings would be. The sleep deprivation also didn’t help with any of that. I felt love for my baby but the hormonal shifts left me so happy one minute and then overwhelmed with sadness and exhaustion the next.
I naively thought that breastfeeding would be easy. You just put the baby up to the breast and they drink. How hard could that be? Oh how wrong I was! Both my girls struggled to latch in the beginning so I had a lot of pain that sometimes brought me to tears. I was producing a lot of milk so I felt guilty giving up on breastfeeding and forced myself to push through. Looking back, I wish I was kinder to myself during that period.
I’m not sharing these challenges to scare you. I just want you to know that what you are feeling is normal, and chances are, someone else has felt the same exact way that you are feeling right now. Seeking help is crucial though. There are many great resources for moms out there, but if your baby blues or other challenges last longer than a few weeks reach out to your doctor or seek out a therapist.
Navigating the postpartum period can be a rollercoaster.
However, having the right essentials can make all the difference. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and to take things one day at a time. Your body has just accomplished something truly amazing, and it deserves all the care and attention you can give it. I hope this postpartum essentials checklist helps you feel more prepared and supported during this special time. Trust yourself, lean on your support system, and know that every day brings you closer to feeling more like yourself again.
3 Comments