Must-Have Postpartum Essentials
Let’s be honest—when most people think about “baby prep,” they picture adorable onesies, fancy bassinets, and the perfect swaddle blanket. But the truth is, once that baby is born, your body enters its own recovery mode, and not nearly enough people talk about what moms actually need in those first few weeks postpartum.
As a doula and mom of five, I’ve experienced postpartum in all its glory and all its grit. The sore nipples, the hormone rollercoaster, the night sweats, the mesh underwear… yep, all of it. So if you’re wondering what you actually need after giving birth, this one’s for you.
Here’s a list of postpartum essentials for new moms—the real, unfiltered version.
1. Peri Bottle (aka Your New Best Friend)
If you’re giving birth vaginally, wiping is not an option for a little while. A peri bottle helps keep things clean and reduces stinging when you pee. The hospital usually gives you one, but you might want to upgrade to an angled one that makes the process way easier.
2. Mesh Underwear or High-Waisted Cotton Undies
Yes, the hospital mesh underwear is weirdly amazing. But when you run out, you’ll want a stash of soft, high-waisted underwear that can hold a pad and doesn’t irritate your incision (if you had a c-section) or sore bottom.
Bonus tip: get a dark color. Things can get messy.
3. Heavy-Duty Pads or Adult Diapers
Whether you have a c-section or vaginal birth, you’ll bleed for a few weeks. Not to scare you, but it’s like a very intense period at first. Stock up on postpartum pads or grab a pack of adult diapers (many moms swear by them for nighttime).
4. Nipple Cream and Breast Pads
If you’re breastfeeding, the first week or two can be a little rough. Your nipples are adjusting, your baby’s figuring things out, and everything feels sore. A good nipple balm (look for one that’s lanolin-free if you prefer natural options) and reusable or disposable breast pads can make a big difference.
5. Comfortable Loungewear or Nursing-Friendly Pajamas
Think soft, stretchy, and easy to feed in. You’re going to be living in your pajamas or robes for a bit, so choose comfort over anything else. Bonus points if it makes you feel somewhat human when visitors drop in unexpectedly.
6. Postpartum Support Belt or High-Waisted Leggings
Not required—but for some moms, gentle support around the belly and hips just feels good. It can help you feel more secure when moving around, especially after a c-section or second+ baby.
7. Snacks, Water Bottle, and One-Handed Meals
You need fuel to heal, produce milk, and function on broken sleep. Keep water bottles (with straws) within reach everywhere you sit. And stock up on protein-rich snacks like energy bites, granola bars, trail mix, and smoothies.
8. Stool Softeners
I know—nobody wants to talk about this one, but please trust me. Your first bowel movement after giving birth can feel intimidating. A stool softener (your hospital may even send you home with some) makes things much gentler.
9. Postpartum Sitz Bath or Healing Spray
If you’ve had tearing, stitches, or just general soreness down there, a sitz bath can be a soothing, healing ritual. You can buy pre-made herbal soaks or make your own. A cooling spray or witch hazel pads also help ease inflammation.
10. Emotional Support and Honest Check-Ins
This one’s not sold in stores, but it matters just as much. Hormones shift drastically in the first week or two, and it’s common to feel weepy, overwhelmed, or anxious. Line up emotional support: a trusted friend, a postpartum doula, or a mom group where you don’t have to fake fine.
Bonus Essentials That Make a Big Difference
A night light for those 2 AM feedings
A baby carrier so you can have two hands again
A journal to track your emotions, feedings, or just vent
A postpartum doula (like me!) to help with emotional recovery, breastfeeding, baby care, and just giving you a moment to shower and breathe
You Deserve Support, Too
Here’s what I want every first-time mom to hear:
You are not just recovering from birth—you are adjusting to a brand-new identity. Your body has done something incredible, and now it’s asking for gentleness, time, and a little extra TLC.
No one hands you a medal for powering through without support. So stock your bathroom with the supplies, line up the help, and remember—you’re worth caring for, too.
If you’re local to the Niagara Region and want to learn more about what postpartum doula support looks like (or you just need someone to tell you what’s normal and what’s not), I’d love to connect.
