If you a new mom wondering what postpartum necessities are the most important, then you have come to the right place. Keep reading mama because I am breaking it all down!
Whether you have a vaginal delivery or a c section, the postpartum period is a wild rollercoaster ride. Most people talk about all the newborn baby essentials but moms have postpartum needs too!
In this post you will learn all about general postpartum necessities, c section recovery essentials, a breastfeeding needs list and so much more!
I will also provide links to my most popular postpartum blog posts for even more education on postpartum recovery and c section recovery.
This post is all about the most important postpartum necessities you will need after giving birth.
Postpartum Necessities Part 1:
Postpartum Needs for Mom
1. Mesh or disposable underwear
You either love or hate the mesh underwear the hospital gives you. For me, I took home as many as I could! After a c section, I wanted nothing to do with anything tight fitting and the mesh underwear with a disposable pad inside felt really good and required minimal “work” when I went to the bathroom. Another option is disposable underwear like Depends.
2. Pads
It does not matter if you had a vaginal delivery or a c section, you can expect to bleed for several days to 1+ weeks after birth. If you go the mesh underwear route from #1, then you will need to wear a pad.
3. Baby wrap
A baby wrap comes in handy the first few months! I am all for completely relaxing and recovering initially, once you get out of the newborn fog and start feeling better, you might want to get a few things done while enjoying baby snuggles. Using a baby carrier or wrap can take some getting used to but most moms rave about them once they and their baby get comfortable with it.
4. Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is so important on a normal day but especially when you are focusing on recovery and your postpartum nutrition. Keep a filled, reusable water bottle with you at all times so you can sip on it all day. Try to get a water bottle with a handle to make it even easier to carry with you around the house.
5. Peri bottle
This is another important item on the postpartum necessities list and actually one that the hospital will provide you with. Some moms prefer to have their own at home too. This is a popular one. It can be a little raw down their after a vaginal birth and downright hard to bend to clean after a c section so this little bottle will do wonders for you in the beginning of postpartum recovery,
6. Feeding app
The pediatrician is going to be very interested in your baby’s feeding and diaper data initially to gauge how your baby is adapting to life outside of the womb, so it is key to have a simple system to track it all without making you go crazy. There are so many apps out there you can download or if you prefer, you can keep a log in the notes on your phone.
7. Prenatal vitamins
Believe it or not you will still need to take vitamins after giving birth. I recommend talking to your doctor about what is best but many recommend continuing to take prenatal vitamins.
8. Freezer meals
Ideally you have prepared a few meals in advance of giving birth but if not, take everything and anything that friends and family offer. This is not the time to get fancy in the kitchen so accept all help you can get! And remember takeout is always a great option too. You will get back to cooking dinner but I can almost guarantee you will not have the energy or desire to spend much time in the kitchen initially.
9. Easy snacks
It is so helpful to have easy grab and go snack options, especially where you will be feeding your baby at night. It can be helpful to keep a few baskets of snacks around the house so you never go hungry or get hangry.
10. A few Netflix shows
Yes I said it! Plan on doing a lottt of relaxing and snuggling your newborn on the couch. This is absolutely NOT the time to tackle house projects, fold the laundry or cook a new recipe from scratch. There will be time for that later but the more you rest initially the smoother your postpartum recovery will be.
Related: The Shocking Truth About Postpartum Emotions That New Moms Need to Know About
Postpartum Necessities: Part 2
C Section Recovery Essentials
C section recovery deserves its own blog posts in my opinion – which is why I’ve written so many here – but there are a few key postpartum necessities that will benefit c section recovery.
If you have a planned c section, you can expect to be very limited those first few weeks after surgery. Not only will you experience some pain and soreness where the and will have a weight limit of what you can and cannot lift.
In addition to the postpartum necessities mentioned above, you will want to make sure you have the next few things on hand as well.
11. Loose fitting clothing
If you are like me and most c section moms, you will not want anything to do with tight fitted clothing after birth. You will have a c section incision that is still very fresh and you will probably be feeling pretty uncomfortable those first few days to week.
I recommend having lots of nightgowns, bathrobes and comfy but loose pants on hand. Honestly, keep your pregnancy clothes out to wear the first week or two. You will go home from the hospital with a belly still so the stretch pregnancy clothing is perfect for this in between stage.
12. Scar cream
As soon as your doctor gives you the okay, I recommend beginning to use a scar cream on your c section scar. There are so many out there but I personally love this brand for c section scar healing.
13. Extra pads without flaps
In addition to the pad you wear while bleeding, it is really helpful to place a loose pad inside the top of your underwear to provide further protection to your c section scar. This will help prevent it from excessive rubbing of your clothes. Just make sure you don’t stick it to your underwear so you can easily move it if need be.
14. Pain relievers, stool softeners and gas pills
It is sooo important to stay on top of your pain medication. You may or may not go home with strong medicine but at the least, your doctor will have you manage the pain with Motrin and Tylenol. Other potential medicine could include stool softeners and/or something for your gas pain.
15. Baby items on the main floor of your house
You will be in no shape to go up and down the stairs several times during the day so if you have a two story house, it is really helpful to stage the first floor with everything you could need during the day such as diapers, wipes, diaper cream, extra outfits, receiving blankets, a bassinet, etc.
16. Family help
This is KEY for a smooth postpartum recovery. Accept any and all help! Sleep when you can, have someone watch your baby so you can shower, let them bring you food and have someone to talk to about the crazy postpartum emotions that can hit at the most unexpected times. It truly takes a village.
Related: Top C Section Recovery Tips and Essentials
Postpartum Necessities: Part 3
Breastfeeding Needs List
The postpartum needs list for breastfeeding moms is in addition to the general postpartum necessities that were already mentioned.
Breastfeeding is an amazing choice but I firmly believe that “fed is best”. So if breastfeeding does not work for you and your baby or you have chosen to go straight to bottle feeding from day one, you should feel no guilt or shame in that decision.
17. Nursing bras
This will make your life so much easier for nursing during the day. They usually have clips, which makes the transition to feeding really simple.
18. Nursing clothes/pjs
This goes along with #17 but nursing friendly clothing and pajamas also makes your life easier! Some outfits are nursing friendly on their own but having clothing made specifically for breastfeeding is even better.
19. Nursing pads
These will help protect your clothes from the inevitable leaking that may happen throughout the day.
20. Breast pump
Not all moms use a breast pump but many use it throughout the day to build up a stash of extra breast milk.
21. Storage bags
Used to store any breast milk that you pump and many times placed in the freezer to be used at a later date.
22. Haakaa/Manual Breast Pump
This is a lifesaver to use on the opposite side when you are nursing to catch any extra milk you may produce. It simply suctions onto you and can catch quite a bit of milk!
23. Nipple cream
You are definitely going to want this if you are a nursing mom.
24. Nursing pillow
This can really help get your baby comfortable and in the right positioning for breastfeeding. It can also be used when you are not nursing too.
This post is all about the most important postpartum necessities you will need after giving birth.