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!).
Postpartum Essentials
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!
Ingrid & Isabel Cooling Nursing + Pumping Bra
Ingrid & Isabel's seamless cooling bra features an innovative technical fabric with cooling minerals to wick away moisture and keep you feeling cool and dry. It includes drop-down cups and openings for pump flanges, plus it's compatible with wearable pumps. It's your 3-in-1 postpartum bra: support, nursing, and pumping-ready! Available in black and sand.
Ingrid & Isabel Cooling Nursing + Pumping Bra ($50.00)—Buy Here!
Beli Women Prenatal
Not all prenatals are created equal. The Beli Women Prenatal is designed for when you're hoping to conceive, during all three trimesters, and the early months of motherhood. It's gentle on your tummy, too. What other prenatal does it all? Beli also has a subscription option, so it's one less thing you have to think about every month.
Beli Women Prenatal ($50.00)—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 ($26.95)—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 ($139.00)—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 ($6.57)—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!
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!
Ingrid & Isabel Wrap Nursing Cardigan
You'll want to live in this one. A cardigan that adjusts to your bump and can be worn long after. It pairs perfectly with a nursing cami, too!
Ingrid & Isabel Wrap Nursing Cardigan ($98.00)—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 ($19.98+)—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 ($39.99)—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 ($11.97)—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!
Prenatal Must-Haves
Pregnancy Yoga Ball
A yoga ball specifically designed to offer relief from back, pelvic, pubic, and round ligament pain, and may promote optimal fetal positioning for a smoother delivery. It's sturdy (max weight of 440lbs.) and is extra-thick to make sure you're totally supported. It's also great for use during postpartum recovery.
Pregnancy Yoga Ball ($28.99)—Buy Here!
Everywear Tank Dress
You can't beat this level of versatility! The ruched silhouette shows off your growing bump and can be worn all through pregnancy and postpartum. Add a denim jacket, sneakers, a blazer...with multiple colors to choose from, you might not want to wear anything else for a long time.
Everywear Tank Dress ($69.99)—Buy Here!
SNAP Supplements Prenatal Vitamins
If there's going to be a prenatal vitamin in our list, and of course there is, it better be the best. SNAP Supplements Prenatal Vitamins make it easy to take care of your growing babe and yourself. Along with 15 vitamins and minerals with 100% daily value, they included ingredients to help prevent and alleviate nausea, so you can actually handle taking them. If you've been dealing with upset belly from prenatals, SNAP has you covered.
SNAP Supplements Prenatal Vitamins ($14.95)—Buy Here!
Copper Compression Socks Set of 4
Soft on the inside and excellent for helping swelling, achy feet and legs, this set of 4 pairs of socks are available in a ton of colors, too.
Copper Compression Socks Set of 4 ($14.99)—Buy Here!
Bio-Oil
Bio-Oil is one of the most popular prenatal (and postpartum, and whenever...) products out there. Why? Because it's super effective at moisturizing, helping your skin stay elastic and not itchy as your bump grows, and soothes it after delivery.
Bio-Oil ($27.99)—Buy Here!
U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
Whether you're struggling to sleep or just looking for some extra support, this pillow will be a major favorite. It's also awesome for sitting up in bed and reading, nursing, or even using a corner as a lap desk. Available in multiple colors and prints.
U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow ($44.95)—Buy Here!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
All images courtesy of retailers.
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