Postpartum Must-Haves for First-Time Moms
One thing I never heard about until I was pregnant was the postpartum recovery period. I was worried about labor and the pain of going through that, but I never stopped to think about what happens after. I mean, it makes sense — the bleeding and the tearing. On top of taking care of a brand new life, and now myself, I was pretty sure I didn’t want visitors for at least 2 weeks+. All in all, it wasn’t as bad as I thought and we were out of the house within the first week. Below is what I found to be beneficial from the first days at home until now, 11 weeks post-birth.
Hint: see my Baby Registry hack to save on most of these items.
Recovery
Tucks and/or additional Frida Mom Perineal Cooling Pad Liners
Colace - Stool softener is so critical! You’ll most likely get a prescription for this. I also bought Miralax but ended up returning it and only using Colace.
Caddy - I bought a few of these from H&M that we’ve used for postpartum recovery (now transitioned into breastfeeding supplies), in-the-car changing supplies, and SNOO supplies.
Bumpsuit Waist Trainer - I bought 2 in different sizes (one in my pre-pregnancy size and one size up). I started wearing the bigger one 4 days after giving birth and switched to my pre-pregnancy size at 3 weeks postpartum. My core felt hollow and weak when I wasn’t wearing one of these. It also helped support my back and made me feel more confident in those early days.
The Sculpt Society Postpartum Pelvic Floor + Core Recovery Program - I waited until 4 weeks postpartum to start doing this, but I wish I would’ve started earlier. The 360 breathing helped me really engage my pelvic floor and start to strengthen my core, so when I was ready to workout again, I could isolate and focus on my breathing and engaging my pelvic floor and core.
The human body is crazy! Five days postpartum with my Tucks, Peri Bottle, and Frida Mom Witch Hazel Healing Foam (in Essentials Kit), wearing the Everyday Bra from Storq and Frida Mom Boycut Disposable Underwear (in Essentials Kit). Bumpsuit Waist Trainer hanging out in the background.
Breastfeeding
La Vie Silver Nursing Cups or Silverettes - These will save you in the early, painful days of breastfeeding.
Earth Mama Nipple Balm - I would apply this and put my silver nursing cups on top for relief.
Lasinoh 3-In-1 Breast Therapy Packs - I bought 2 sets, one to keep cold and another available to heat up.
Boppy Breastfeeding Pillow - I liked having this when I was learning how to breastfeed and position my baby in the correct position.
haakaa Manual Breast Pump - This was helpful for me to extract some milk and see something was in there when I was convinced I had no more colostrum and my milk wasn’t coming in yet. Now when I’m pumping, I’ll usually wear it on the other side.
haakaa Ladybug Milk Catcher - I started off with one of these, but after my milk supply came in, I bought another to wear one on each boob. I’ll wear them around the house if I start leaking or at night if my boobs are engorged and it’s not time to feed yet.
Breast Pump - Most of my excess milk supply I’ve collected through my let down and haakaa’s. But I have the Spectra Sg Portable Breast Pump and love it when I use it. I was able to find it on sale through Target.
Also of note, some insurances will cover a breast pump (mine didn’t), but here are three websites you can try and get one through:
Lasinoh Stay Dry Nursing Pads - I have enough additional laundry and primarily wear these when I leave the house so I opted for something disposable to help with leaking.
Lasinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags - Initially, I was confused if I needed breastmilk storage bags specific to my pump. Unless you’re pumping directly into the bag, you can use something disposable and inexpensive like these bags.
Breastfeeding Privacy Cover - It took me seven weeks to realize I needed this after struggling with using a swaddle for privacy. It makes breastfeeding in public so much easier and stress-free.
Clothing
Nursing Bras - My favorites are The Everything Bra and The Effortless Bra from Bodily and the Everyday Bra from Storq.
Nursing Tanks - The best tanks I’ve found are the Soft Touch Nursing Tank from Storq. They’re high-quality and soft. I also bought cheaper nursing tanks from H&M (longer length, stiffer material, and starting to form small holes) and Old Navy (medium softness but the strap broke after one wash) for sleeping.
Nuuly - The best, sustainable option for maternity clothing (especially because their offerings have increased) and postpartum if you don’t want to invest in clothing to fit you as you transition back to pre-pregnancy. I’ve loved having this for jeans, overalls, and button-down tops for breastfeeding.