Look at any book, scroll any website, and consult any friend, and you’ll get a million different ideas of what ‘postpartum essentials’ really means. But, since we’re all moms around here in different seasons of motherhood, we’ve got the real mom lowdown on the postpartum essentials we really couldn’t do without. And we’ve even included some prenatal favorites to keep you going as you head toward the next stage of your mom journey.
Of course, anything you see on this list (or any others, really) shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. Always run things by your healthcare provider if you have any questions. That said, these postpartum goodies are some of the most tried-and-true out there. From nursing camis that save you some laundry time to cooling pads that soothe your healing body and everything in between, we’ve put together our faves for keeping comfortable, managing pain, taking care of yourself, and even staying organized while you get to know your newest family member. (There are even some great gifts for new moms on this list, so if you’re looking for products to really help out the new mom in your life, we’ve got you covered!).
Frida Mom Instant Ice Maxi Pads
Looking for some major relief? These 2-in-1 cooling and absorbent maxi pads are made with witch hazel (no funky chemicals here) and instantly cool and soothe sensitive bodies following delivery. They're full-coverage, too, to minimize leaks!
Frida Mom Instant Ice Maxi Pads ($18.97)—Buy Here!
Elvie Stride Plus Hands-Free Breast Pump
Hospital-grade performance (a whopping -300 mmHg!) with a hands-free, in-bra design that lets you go anywhere while pumping makes the Elvie Stride a super popular choice among pumping moms. The Stride Plus, includes a 3-in-1 carrying case for moms on the go (aren't we all?).
Elvie Stride Plus Hands-Free Breast Pump ($223.99)—Buy Here!
"The Fourth Trimester" by Kimberly Ann Johnson
Take a deep dive into postpartum care with The Fourth Trimester. This book covers healing on the physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual levels from Kimberly Ann Johnson—doula, postpartum consultant, yoga teacher, body worker, and women’s health care advocate.
"The Fourth Trimester" by Kimberly Ann Johnson ($10.99)—Buy Here!
Thena Sitz Bath Soak
Extra-soothing and can help speed up recovery, this sitz bath soak is extra-gentle. Made with organic coconut oil, organic sweet almond oil, therapeutic lavender, and grapefruit essential oils to deeply hydrate while the fine-grain salt dissolves extra fast so you don't have to wait to relax.
Thena Sitz Bath Soak ($27.59)—Buy Here!
Hydrating Mom Fuel Electrolyte Drink Mix
Listen, new moms. It's vital that you stay hydrated. Of course, that's always true, but it's especially easy to forget when you're nursing, running on less sleep, and healing from labor and delivery. Mom Fuel is formulated for moms, it's caffiene-free and includes lactation support, all in an on-the-go packet. Mix it with a little extra water if you prefer a milder flavor.
Hydrating Mom Fuel Electrolyte Drink Mix ($14.99)—Buy Here!
Bodily C-Section Box
Bodily really knocked it out of the park with this box. The kit contains 12 research-backed products, including goodies for hospital and home, so you can be covered from the big day to every moment of your healing journey. The Bodily Belly Band, nursing pads, cozy socks, nipple gel pads, mesh undies, and a lot more. There's also the Care for Birth Box if you don't need the Belly Band.
Bodily C-Section Box ($125.00)—Buy Here!
Lansinoh Pain Relief Spray
This 4% lidocaine spray works upside down (genius) and takes the edge off perineal pain. It also includes witch hazel and aloe vera.
Lansinoh Pain Relief Spray ($9.99)—Buy Here!
The Poppy Diaper Purse
The Poppy Diaper Purse is a modern and minimalist take on the diaper bag. It replaces the bulky and big diaper bags that can be a huge pain and instead, includes a mini diaper bag with a dual-purpose design. Divided into two sections, the Poppy has a dedicated baby diaper compartment and a personal purse compartment, too. Multiple zippered and open pocket options, including an elastic pocket for baby wipes! Available in 4 colors, and fun straps (sold separately) to customize yours.
The Poppy Diaper Purse ($160.00)—Buy here!
Daily Harvest New Parent Support Bundle
The New Parent Support Bundle from Daily Harvest helps new moms get all the nutrients they need to support lactation, postpartum healing, and recovery with this selection of ready-to-heat meals curated by the experts at Marma Health. Includes:
- 2 Mango + Greens Smoothies
- 2 Cherry + Almond Smoothies
- 2 Blueberry + Cacao Smoothies
- 2 Cinnamon + Banana Breakfast Bowls
- 2 Blueberry + Lemon Breakfast Bowls
- 2 Red Lentil + Cumin Harvest Bowls
- 2 Hazelnut + Chocolate Bites
Daily Harvest New Parent Support Bundle ($119.99)—Buy Here!
Portable Bidet
If you want, or need, to leave the house during your postpartum recovery, your healing regimen still can't take a backseat. This handy little portable bidet doesn't look like one, but works to effectively keep your postpartum hygiene in check no matter where you are. They also made sure the design mitigates leaks, because that's pretty much the last thing you need right now.
Portable Bidet ($13.99)—Buy Here!
nyssa Fourthwear Postpartum Recovery Underwear
Super soft, belly hugging (read: supportive!) underwear with a dual-layer, 360° pocket design to securely hold ice or heat therapy between the legs, at the site of c-section, and around the back where postpartum recovering bodies need it most. Available in multiple sizes and bundle options (remember what we said about laundry?).
nyssa Fourthwear Postpartum Recovery Underwear ($39.00+)—Buy Here!
Postpartum Wrap
The name of the postpartum game is 'Support' (both physically and mentally), so having a compression wrap like this one on-hand is a great idea. You can adjust it to the level you prefer and wearing a wrap can help speed up your healing!
Postpartum Wrap ($24.97+)—Buy Here!
Mila's Keeper Breastmilk Storage Bundle
For pumping moms on the go, this bundle from Mila's Keeper is perfect. It includes one breastmilk cooler, a glass breastmilk storage bottle, and one ice pack that that fits perfectly in the cooler.
Mila's Keeper Breastmilk Storage Bundle ($68.00)—Buy Here!
Cotton Skin to Skin Top
A cute, comfy top that's perfect for skin-to-skin time with your new addition, hands-free while sitting or reclining. It's super soft and available in 6 colors. Note: This is a garment, not a baby carrier or sling. Always keep hold of baby while standing or moving around.
Cotton Skin to Skin Top ($59.00+)—Buy Here!
Mother Self Care Bundle
This bundle includes five soothing treatments made with clean ingredients: magnesium oil, magnesium soak, body oil, balm, and an aromatherapy inhaler, all tucked into a cute pouch.
Mother Self Care Bundle ($120.00)—Buy Here!
Charcoal Donut Pillow
Back relief, hemorrhoid relief, and reduced perineum pressure are all in the cards when you have a solid donut pillow.
Charcoal Donut Pillow ($34.99)—Buy Here!
Shapermint Essentials Embrace Maternity Collection
For every stage of motherhood, this size-inclusive collection (S-4XL) covers every body. The Embrace Collection keeps moms comfortable and supported from pregnancy into postpartum. Includes a wire-free nursing bra, clip-down nursing cami, belly support shorts, and belly support leggings.
Shapermint Essentials Embrace Maternity Collection ($25.99+)—Buy Here!
Frida Mom Witch Hazel Perineal Cooling Pad Liners
Witch hazel is the hero product of postpartum recovery, and these cooling liners cover most maxi pads to reduce swelling and speed up healing.
Frida Mom Witch Hazel Perineal Cooling Pad Liners ($8.79)—Buy Here!
Maternity Hospital Bag Bundle
A super-soft, easy-fit pajama top with lift up nursing access, a comfy over bump pajama bottoms with a tapered leg, a maternity and nursing nightie with snaps at the front for easy nursing and skin-to-skin snuggles, and a cozy matching robe to keep you warm, covered up when you want to be, and excellent for busy hospitals or at home when you have visitors.
Maternity Hospital Bag Bundle ($159.00)—Buy Here!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
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