My Honest Postpartum Essentials: What I Actually Used
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I am not one to spend hours scrolling through "must-have" postpartum lists trying to figure out what you really need. Every list is different, and before you know it, your shopping cart is full of products you're convinced you can't live without.
I know this blog is a bit ironic because here I am sharing my list of postpartum essentials (ha!). But my goal isn't to tell you that you need everything on this list. It's simply to share what I actually used and hopefully save you from buying too many things.
After having my baby girl, I quickly realized there were a handful of products I reached for over and over again that made my recovery so much more comfortable.
Now that I've had baby number two and am going through postpartum all over again, I've been able to see which products I reached for again and which ones I still consider worth having.
So instead of sharing another generic list of everything you could buy, I wanted to share the products I've personally found worth having through both of my postpartum experiences.
If you're also getting ready for the hospital, I shared exactly what I packed in What's in My Hospital Bag (And Why I Kept It Simple). This list is a little different. These are the products I actually found useful once postpartum recovery began.
Recovery Essentials
Let's start with the items that made those first few weeks a little more comfortable.
Whether you have a vaginal delivery or a C-section, your body has been through something incredible, and giving yourself the time and tools to recover is so important. Everyone's experience is different, but these are the recovery products I found myself reaching for the most after my first baby and chose to have on hand again after baby number two.
Frida Mom Postpartum Underwear for C-Section Recovery
Did I have a C-section? Nope! But I still loved these. The high waistband made everything feel a little more supported while my body was recovering, and I found them much more comfortable than regular underwear during those first couple of weeks.
Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle
This was a staple by the toilet (lol) during those first couple of weeks. It made going to the bathroom so much more comfortable while everything was healing.
I loved having the extra support this provided during those first few weeks postpartum. For me, it made my core feel more supported when standing, walking, and getting in and out of bed while my body was healing.
I loved having a simple spray I could reach for after using the bathroom during those first couple of weeks. It's made with organic ingredients like witch hazel, yarrow, uva ursi, and lavender essential oil, and it was an easy addition to my postpartum recovery routine when everything was still feeling tender.
Homemade Padsicles
One thing my doula recommended before I gave birth was making homemade padsicles. They felt incredibly soothing during those first couple of weeks.
I layered the pads with aloe vera gel and witch hazel and added a couple drops of lavender essential oil before placing them in the freezer.
Important: This is simply how I made and used mine. Postpartum skin and tissue can be incredibly sensitive, and essential oils can cause irritation for some people. Talk with your healthcare provider about what's appropriate for your postpartum recovery.
Breastfeeding & Pumping Essentials
I breastfed and pumped, so these are the products that helped make those early weeks a little easier. Breastfeeding definitely came with a learning curve, but having a few products I liked on hand made the experience much easier.
Helped soothe sore nipples, especially in those early days (so much fun).
I was not one for a nursing bra. All I wanted was a comfortable, freedom-feeling bra when I felt like wearing one (lol), and these were perfect for me.
Hands-Free Breast Pump
I actually started out with a traditional breast pump, but that lasted about a day (ha!). I quickly realized I needed something hands-free so I could move around and get things done while pumping.
With my first baby, I used a Momcozy hands-free pump and honestly loved the freedom of being able to pump without being attached to a traditional pump. This time around, I upgraded to the Eufy S1 Pro hands-free pump, and I love this one too. One of my favorite features is the built-in heating setting, and I also love that I can charge the case and use it to charge my pumps when I need to. It’s definitely a more expensive option, and I still think the Momcozy is a great, more affordable hands-free pump. But if you can get the Eufy through insurance or can afford the upgrade, I’ve really loved using it this time around.
These were great for building a freezer stash if that's something you plan to do.
Vtopmart Breastmilk Storage Containers
These fit my milk storage bags perfectly and made organizing my freezer so much easier.
Momcozy Breast Pump Cleaning Wipes
These were great to have on hand when I was out and about. I used them for my pump parts until I could properly clean everything.
You Don't Need to Buy Everything
One thing I didn't do? Buy a fancy postpartum wardrobe.
Personally, I was happiest wearing oversized T-shirts, comfy shorts or sweatpants, and the slippers I already owned. I also didn't feel the need to buy an expensive robe or a bunch of new loungewear.
If that's something that makes you feel good, go for it!
But for me, I was much happier keeping it simple and saving that money for products that actually made my recovery more comfortable.
Looking back, I realize postpartum isn't about having every product on the market. It's about having a few things that truly make those first few weeks a little easier.
These are the products I've found worth having through two postpartum experiences because they've genuinely made a difference for me. I hope this list helps you feel a little more prepared and reminds you that you don't need to buy everything social media tells you to.
You've got this, mama <3.
If you have questions, feel free to leave a comment below!
