Postpartum essentials for mom (free checklist)

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Hey there new mama!

Congratulations on the arrival of your bundle of joy!

We know becoming a new mom can be an overwhelming experience, so we want to make sure you have all the essentials in place to ensure a smooth and restful postpartum recovery.

We’re here to help make it easier by giving you a list of postpartum essentials that will help you get through the first few weeks with ease.

From nursing bras to comfortable clothing and plenty of snacks, we’ve got you covered!

Read on for our ultimate postpartum essentials list and make sure to print the free printable postpartum checklist.

There are affiliate links in this post, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will be compensated if you click through and take action. For full disclosure click here.

What is Postpartum?

Postpartum is the period of time after giving birth, typically lasting anywhere from six to eight weeks.

It’s a time for healing and bonding with your baby, but it can also bring on challenges like exhaustion, mood swings, and breastfeeding difficulties.

During this time it’s essential that moms give themselves the proper care they need in order to recover and regain their strength.

Eating healthy meals, getting enough rest, and taking prenatal vitamins are all important parts of postpartum recovery.

Additionally, having supportive loved ones around you can make a huge difference when adjusting to life as a new mom.

Taking the time to take care of yourself during postpartum will help ensure that you have the energy and stamina needed to navigate trough motherhood.

It’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself as you adjust to life with a newborn, but it’s essential for your postpartum recovery.

With the right support network and self-care practices in place, you can make sure that your postpartum journey is as fulfilling and enriching as possible.

What are Postpartum Essentials?

Postpartum essentials are the items that every new mom needs to feel safe, supported, and taken care of during their postpartum period.

These essentials can range from nursing bras and pads to postpartum girdles and belly wraps.

They can also include items such as comfortable clothing that is easy to breastfeed in, skin-care products specifically designed for postpartum recovery, and even items like a breast pump or nipple balm.

All of these items will help new moms feel more confident, relaxed, and prepared for the transition into motherhood.

It’s important to remember that what may work best for one mom may not be ideal for another; it’s best to talk with your doctor or midwife about which postpartum essentials are best for you.

Now let’s take a look at what postpartum essentials are necessary for the best possible experience!

Essential Products for Postpartum moms

Navigating the postpartum period can be a bit daunting, but having the right essentials will make it easier.

Comfortable clothes

One of the first things you’ll want to stock up on is comfortable postpartum clothing.

Loose-fitting comfy clothes are key here, as your body will be changing a lot during this time, and make sure to look for soft fabrics that won’t irritate your sensitive skin.

You can read all about comfortable clothes in detail to wear postpartum in this blog post about what to wear after giving birth.

This might also be interesting:
– Breastfeeding must-haves
– How to swaddle your baby (with video tutorial)
– How I learned to love my postpartum body
– Baby products you should NOT buy
– How to safely co-sleep with your newborn

Adult diapers/incontinence wear

Yes, you read that right!

Wearing diapers yourself is the best thing to do for your postpartum recovery.

Unlike normal period pads the diapers make sure that nothing can leak out to ruin your clothes and they are easy to change – just slip it off and put on a new one.

I recommend this to every one of my friends having babies.

A great alternative is disposable postpartum underwear.

Whatever you choose get a good amount – the vaginal bleeding usually lasts a few weeks.

Postpartum Girdles

A girdle or support belt is a great way to help your body recover after childbirth by providing gentle compression over the abdomen area.

Many moms have told me it helps so much to get that pregnancy body to bounce back faster.

Peri Bottle

The peri bottle is a postpartum must-have for new moms.

It can be used to clean and soothe the area around your bottom before and after using the toilet, which helps with postpartum recovery.

And it’s easy to use!

Simply fill the bottle with warm water, tilt your head back, and squeeze the bottle gently over your perineal area.

Especially if you had to have stitches after birth this is the best thing to do cause trust me – you do NOT want to use toilet paper anytime soon!

The peri bottle is also great for relieving itching or irritation due to hemorrhoids or tears that occurred during delivery.

The gentle stream of water helps reduce discomfort while also keeping you clean down there.

Plus, since it’s made of plastic, it’s reusable – so no need to buy a new one every time!

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is an essential postpartum must-have.

It can help reduce inflammation, fever, and pain associated with the delivery process.

Taking ibuprofen regularly can also help manage any soreness you may experience in your back, abdomen, or legs after giving birth.

It’s important to remember to follow the instructions on the medication label when taking ibuprofen and other medications.

Be sure to stay hydrated while taking it and never take more than the recommended dosage.

Prenatal vitamins

Once you give birth, it’s just as important (if not more!) to keep taking your prenatal vitamins.

Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated for pregnant women and contain extra nutrients that are essential for postpartum healing and recovery.

These include iron, calcium, vitamin D, zinc, folic acid, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids – all of which are important for the health of both mom and baby.

Be sure to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about which brand of prenatal vitamins is best for you.

Stool Softeners

Stool softeners are essential for postpartum recovery.

Going to the bathroom for the first time after giving birth can be a scary experience, as it can feel like going through labor all over again.

To help ease this process, start taking Colace after delivery and continue for a week or two afterward.

Colace helps keep your stools soft and makes it easier to pass them without straining.

It’s also really helpful to have a squatty potty in your bathroom – this will help you avoid having to strain during bowel movements.

Witch Hazel Pads or foam

Witch hazel is a natural ingredient that can help soothe soreness, reduce swelling and decrease inflammation – all of which are common during the postpartum period.

The witch hazel pads or witch hazel foam are great to keep in your bathroom for quick relief after using the restroom, while the cream can be applied as needed throughout the day.

Both products should be part of your postpartum checklist and will make your recovery process much more comfortable.

Make sure to ask the nurses at your hospital if they can provide you with some extra to take home – I was able to get a bunch of them with the first delivery.

Sitz Baths

Sitz baths are warm water baths that can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the perineal area after childbirth.

To get maximum relief, add some Epsom salt or baking soda to the bath to reduce inflammation.

Padsicles

Padsicles are an absolute must-have for any postpartum mom that had a vaginal delivery!

They’re basically cold pads that you can place in your underwear to provide relief from the swelling and discomfort associated with postpartum recovery.

To make a padsicle, all you have to do is take a sanitary pad and soak it in a mixture of witch hazel, aloe vera gel, and essential oils like lavender or chamomile.

Then freeze it overnight.

The next day, you can pop a frozen padsicle into your underwear and enjoy the cooling sensation it provides.

Not only will it bring instant relief to sore areas, but using these homemade padsicles also helps reduce inflammation and speed up healing time.

So if you’re looking for an easy way to make postpartum life a little bit more comfortable, give padsicles a try!

The hospital I stayed in with my second baby had them to give to moms right after delivery and I can tell you they are AMAZING!

You can also buy already made padsicles that you only have to freeze.

Ice Packs & Warm Water Bottles

Ice packs and warm water bottles can be some of the best postpartum essentials for new moms.

Ice packs can be used to help reduce inflammation and pain in any area that feels uncomfortable, while warm water bottles can provide soothing heat to uneasy muscles.

To use an ice pack, simply fill a bowl with ice cubes and water, dip in a washcloth and apply it to the area that needs relief.

For warm water bottles, fill it up with hot (but not too hot!) water and place it on the affected area for about 10-15 minutes.

You can use both of these tools as often as you’d like throughout the day – just make sure you don’t leave them on for too long!

Hemorrhoid cream

Hemorrhoids are a common complaint among postpartum moms, so it’s always a good idea to have a tube of hemorrhoid cream on hand.

Hemorrhoid cream can help reduce the swelling and discomfort associated with swollen hemorrhoids.

If you’re prone to them, use the cream as soon as you feel any soreness or itching. The cream may also help with reducing the risk of developing an infection in the affected area. Be sure to read all instructions before use and talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Hemorrhoid relief can be found in many forms, but having some hemorrhoid cream on hand during postpartum recovery is never a bad idea!

Free printable postpartum essentials checklist

To make sure you got everything you need for your postpartum recovery you can download the free printable postpartum essentials checklist.

All you have to do is click on the picture, download the pdf file, and print it out.

Tips for your Postpartum Care

The postpartum period can be a challenging time for new moms, but with the right tips and tricks, it can also be an enjoyable experience. Here are some postpartum care tips to help make the transition a little easier:

1. Rest as much as you can.

Postpartum recovery is all about taking care of yourself, so don’t feel guilty if you need to sleep or take it easy and it’s okay to ask for help when needed.

2. Eat Well and Hydrate!

Eating nutritious food and staying hydrated will go a long way in helping your body heal during this time.

Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats in your diet for optimal health during recovery.

3. Take Care of Your Emotional Health Too!

It’s normal to experience a range of emotions after giving birth, from joy to sadness or even anxiety.

Don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you need it.

Sometimes talking to a good friend or your partner about it can already help those feelings but if you think it is getting out of control or you are feeling overwhelming sadness please do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor.

Taking care of your mental health after giving birth is very important especially if you had a traumatic experience.

4. Get Moving!

Light activity such as walking or gentle stretching can help stimulate blood circulation and aid in healing your body postpartum.

Talk with your doctor before starting any exercise routine after childbirth though and definitely wait the six weeks after childbirth before you start any type of exercise.

5 . Pamper Yourself!

Pampering yourself doesn’t have to cost money; simple things like taking baths, reading books, or watching movies can really help boost your mood and make postpartum recovery more bearable too!

6. Create a postpartum recovery kit

Using a basket add all the postpartum essentials you always need in the bathroom and place it easily accessible nearby.

That way you have everything you need when you need it.

Taking care of yourself postpartum is a vital step in your recovery journey.

By following these tips, you can make the transition easier and more enjoyable.

I hope these tips help you to fully enjoy the time with your newborn baby while having a super quick recovery from birth. 

Do you feel like something important is missing? Or do you have a great tip for other moms to make healing faster? Let us know in the comments!

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