As a second-time mama, these are the 21 items I have for my postpartum recovery

I’m nearing the end of my second pregnancy and have been finalizing all the details for my As a second-time mama, these are the 21 items I have for my postpartum recovery before I come home with two tiny babies—yes, twins! We already have their bassinets set up and I have my hospital bag packed so we can run out of the house with everything we need when the time comes.

But mamas can often forget about *their* recovery—you know, how you’re going to heal postpartum. Being a second-time mom means that I have a better sense of what postpartum items I will need after birth. My first experience was a C-section and this one will likely go the same route, however I’m making sure to have some postpartum items to help if I do have a vaginal delivery since you never know how and when babies are going to arrive.

As you prepare for postpartum recovery, it’s essential to gather the right supplies to support your healing journey. From soothing sore muscles to managing postpartum bleeding, having the best postpartum products on hand can make a world of difference in your comfort and well-being. Here are some must-have postpartum supplies to consider adding to your list of essentials:

1. Perineal spray or soothing gel: Whether you have a vaginal delivery or a C-section, soothing relief for your perineal area can help ease discomfort and promote healing.
2. Disposable underwear or mesh panties: Postpartum bleeding is normal, and having comfortable and absorbent underwear can provide the support you need while allowing airflow to aid in healing.
3. Ice packs or cooling pads: For swelling and discomfort, especially after a vaginal delivery or C-section, ice packs or cooling pads can provide much-needed relief.
4. Sitz bath herbs or salts: A warm sitz bath can help soothe soreness and promote healing in the perineal area. Adding soothing herbs or salts can enhance the relaxation and healing benefits.
5. Nipple cream: If you plan to breastfeed, nipple cream can help prevent and alleviate soreness and cracking, providing relief during those early days of breastfeeding.
6. Stool softener or laxatives: Constipation is a common issue postpartum, especially after a C-section or with the use of pain medications. Stool softeners or gentle laxatives can help ease bowel movements and prevent discomfort.
7. Nursing pads: Whether you choose to breastfeed or not, nursing pads can absorb leaks and keep your clothes dry and comfortable.
8. Comfortable nursing bras or tanks: Supportive yet comfortable bras or tanks designed for nursing can provide easy access for breastfeeding while offering the support your breasts need during recovery.

Remember, every postpartum journey is unique, so personalize your recovery plan based on your needs and preferences. By having these essential postpartum supplies ready, you can focus on caring for yourself as you adjust to life with your new little one(s).

Here’s are the postpartum items I have for recovery:

Medicated cooling wipes

$6.99

When you’re recovering from pregnancy and birth, proper pelvic cleaning and care are important. Our midwife recommends Tucks pads to help relieve perineal discomfort and to aid in healing—just line them on your pad and you’re good to go. They offer immediate relief from the burning and itching while soothing and protecting inflamed areas. The witch hazel formula is gentle and can be used for cleansing outer rectal and vaginal areas. Tucks Pads also offer relief from hemorrhoids which can occur during the 3rd trimester or after giving birth.

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Super soft robe

$126

When I was at home the first few days after having my first child, all I wanted to do was walk around with as minimum clothing as possible. This time around, I’m treating myself to a robe so I can be comfortable all day but still feel covered up in case guests drop by.

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Nipple butter

$10.39

Whether you are breastfeeding or pumping, your nipples will forever thank you when you put on some of this butter on them. Trust me when I say this: It makes everything easier and better.

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Compression garment

$50

This is one of the items I skipped after my first birth and still regret it. I didn’t like the compression band I got from my hospital so instead of looking for alternatives, I just didn’t wear one and it made healing and recovery take so much longer.

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Comfy lounge pants

$65

You won’t want to wear your regular clothes (plus, your body needs time to adjust) for a while so invest in a pair of comfortable pants you can wear around the house and maybe even venture to the supermarket in. No judgements from us, mama.

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High-waisted underwear

$27.99

These undies are not only super soft and elegant, they are also high-waisted—an ideal cut regardless of how you gave birth since it keeps incisions covered and your softened tummy supported.

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Absorbent underwear

$40.87

If you deliver at a hospital you will probably be sent home with mesh undies and pads, which are fine for the first day or so. However, for me, disposable underwear really made a difference because it stays in place and you don’t have to worry about leaks.

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Washable nursing pads

$15.99

When my milk came in, it did so at full force and I was soaking through bras and shirts constantly. These nursing pads catch the extra milk so you don’t have to worry about giant stains on your top.

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A nursing pillow

$54

If you decide to breastfeed, a nursing pillow is key to help you (and baby) stay comfortable and in the right position. It will help your posture now and then you can use it to do some tummy time with your baby later on.

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Leak proof nursing bra

$55

You can also get a leakproof bra from Knix instead of the pads above. It comes with nursing clips, making your breasts accessible for baby at all times—and yes, it really does work.

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Nursing hoodie

$109

One of the softest items I own, but most importantly, it gives you easy access to your breast for you to feed or pump easily if you choose to breastfeed.

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Silicone scar gel

$ 29.99

If you have a C-section, I recommend using a silicone gel once your scar is fully healed (no stitches and after your postpartum visit) to keep the area moisturized and to help the scar fade away.

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Colace stool softener

$9.99

File under: Items I didn’t know I needed, but really needed. I’m not going to beat around the bush—pooping after childbirth can be… a lot. Have these handy to help you out when needed.

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A mini fridge

$ 45.99

This mini fridge is perfect to keep in your room so you have beverages around the clock while you rest. A bonus use for it is storing breastmilk you pump overnight so you don’t have to get out of bed and walk all the way to the fridge, maximizing snooze time.

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Peri bottle

$14

This upside down peri bottle helps mamas recovering from any type of birth. It makes cleaning down there easier without having to bend over or get in uncomfortable positions.

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Nettle leaf infusions

$ 14.99

Nettle infusions are great if you have low iron, are tired or need some extra hydration. I drink them throughout my pregnancy and postpartum recovery. As with many herbs, we don’t have many studies to confirm their safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it’s always a good idea to check with your provider before starting a new herb.

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Bone broth

$6.95

Bone broth is incredibly nourishing and ideal for your postpartum recovery. I love that it helps me stay hydrated when I’m tired of drinking plain water.6.95

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Water bottle with a straw

$12.99

It’s so important to stay hydrated after birth so I carry around a water bottle with me at all times. I like this one because it’s glass, which makes cleaning way easier.

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A smart speaker

$149.99

I know this might seem extra right now, but when you are stuck under a napping baby and cannot reach the remote control and your phone is out of battery, you’ll wish you’d have this at home. I used one to listen to the news, music, podcasts, anything to keep me entertained.

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A subscription service

$8.99

You’ll be spending a lot more time at home and on the couch so what better time than now to catch up on all the shows you’ve been meaning to watch?

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Bodily recovery kit

$90

If you find that getting all these items separately is a bit overwhelming, you can get one of the many recovery kits Bodily offers to make sure you have the basics covered for when you come home.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Recovery

What is postpartum recovery?

Postpartum recovery refers to the period following childbirth when a woman’s body undergoes physical and emotional changes as it heals from the birthing process. This includes recovering from vaginal or cesarean delivery, managing postpartum bleeding, hormonal adjustments, and adapting to the demands of caring for a newborn.

How long does postpartum recovery last?

The duration of postpartum recovery varies for each woman and can depend on factors such as the type of delivery (vaginal or cesarean), overall health, and individual healing process. While acute recovery typically lasts about six to eight weeks, it’s important to recognize that the postpartum period extends beyond physical healing and can impact a woman’s well-being for months after childbirth.

What are common challenges during postpartum recovery?

Common challenges during postpartum recovery may include pain or discomfort at the incision site (for cesarean deliveries), perineal soreness (for vaginal deliveries), postpartum bleeding (lochia), hormonal fluctuations, fatigue, breastfeeding difficulties, and emotional adjustments such as baby blues or postpartum depression.

How can I support my postpartum recovery?

Supporting postpartum recovery involves various strategies aimed at promoting physical healing, emotional well-being, and overall recovery. This may include getting adequate rest, staying hydrated, eating nutritious foods, practicing gentle postpartum exercises (as recommended by a healthcare provider), seeking support from loved ones, attending postpartum check-ups, and addressing any concerns or complications promptly with a healthcare provider.

Are there specific products or items that can aid in postpartum recovery?

Yes, there are several products and items designed to aid in postpartum recovery. These may include perineal spray or soothing gel, disposable underwear or mesh panties, ice packs or cooling pads, sitz bath herbs or salts, nipple cream for breastfeeding mothers, stool softeners or laxatives, nursing pads, and comfortable nursing bras or tanks. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on individual needs and circumstances.

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