15 Postpartum Recovery Must-Haves Every New Mom Should Know
My Honest Postpartum Recovery Story
The first time I gave birth, I thought I was prepared.
I had a cute hospital bag packed. A couple of baby outfits. A vague idea of what postpartum would look like. I told myself I’d be working out again in no time. I’d seen other moms bounce back quickly on Instagram, and I assumed I would, too.
But that’s not what happened.
Instead, I was exhausted. Sore. Starving. I hadn’t prepped meals. I didn’t have the right recovery supplies. I had no clue how long healing would actually take—or how emotional it would all be.
As a nurse, I felt like I should have known better. But no one really tells you what the recovery is like. Not in the raw, real way that moms truly need.
So when I became a second-time mom, I did things differently. I stocked what I actually needed. I gave myself grace. And now, I want to share the truth about what helped—and what didn’t.
This isn’t another fluffy Pinterest list. This is the list I wish someone had given me: what worked, what I regret buying, and the honest story of what postpartum recovery is really like.
Postpartum Must-Haves That Made a Real Difference
1. Adult Diapers (The Hospital Kind)
I didn’t think I’d love those giant mesh undies and built-in pads… but let me tell you, they are a postpartum dream. I lived in those for the first few days, and I even asked for extras when we were discharged.
They’re more comfortable than anything I brought from home, especially when I was still bleeding heavily and dealing with soreness. They made me feel clean and protected without fussing with pads that moved around.
2. Witch Hazel Pads + Ice Packs
I had a second-degree tear with my first baby, and the combination of witch hazel and ice was everything. The hospital provided them the first time, and this time I made sure to stock extras at home.
If you’ve never tried them, think instant relief. They reduce swelling, soothe the sting, and help speed healing.
3. Homemade Padsicles (Using Diapers!)
This is a little hack I used after my first baby: I take one of my baby’s newborn diapers, pour a bit of water inside, and freeze it. Boom—homemade padsicle.
They’re softer than traditional maxi pads, and they mold better to your body. After using one, I felt significantly more comfortable. Especially helpful when you’re healing from a tear.
4. Hands-Free Breast Pump
With a toddler running around and a newborn attached to me 24/7, being hands-free while pumping has been a lifesaver. I can wash dishes, tidy up, or just sit and hold my baby without being tethered to a wall.
It’s one of those things I didn’t know I needed—until I had it.
5. Haakaa Silicone Pump
I skipped this with my first baby and kicked myself later. It’s such a simple tool: you attach it to the opposite breast while nursing and it collects your letdown. I built a whole freezer stash just by using it passively.
6. Peri Bottle (The Upgraded Kind)
I kept one in each bathroom. After vaginal delivery, wiping is not your friend. The Frida Mom version with the angled nozzle made cleaning up so much easier, especially in those early days.
7. Nursing-Friendly Pajamas & Robes
I lived in comfy, stretchy nursing pajamas for weeks. Nothing tight. Nothing complicated. I had a cozy robe I threw on for visitors, and everything was easy to pull down for feedings.
Forget real pants for a while. Just trust me.
8. Breastfeeding Snack Basket
No one told me how hungry I’d be while breastfeeding. I kept a little basket at my bedside filled with protein muffins, lactation cookies and fruit. Refueling during those 3am feeds became a ritual.
9. Freezer Meals
I didn’t prep meals with my first baby, and I regretted it deeply. This time, I made batches of casserole, breakfast burritos, pasta bakes, and lactation cookies.
We were lucky to have friends and family bring meals, too—but having a freezer stocked took pressure off ourselves once the meals stopped and we were running on fumes.
10. Stool Softeners & a Giant Water Bottle
Let’s talk about the thing no one wants to talk about: the first postpartum poop.
It’s terrifying. You feel like everything might fall out or tear. But it doesn’t—and taking stool softeners and drinking a ton of water makes it much less traumatic. This is a non-negotiable for me now.
11. Nipple Cream
Even with a good latch, your nipples will feel the shock of early breastfeeding. I had lanolin and an organic balm and used both religiously.
12. A Streaming Watch List
The second time around, I made a watch list before baby arrived. I saved lighthearted shows, feel-good series, and anything that wouldn’t stress me out. Watching something during night feeds helped me feel less alone and relaxed.
14. Saying “No” to Visitors
With my first baby, I felt pressure to host and “show off” the baby. This time? I said no to early visits. I set boundaries before hand so there weren’t any questions with friends and family. Here are some of the phrases I used in the post partum playbook. Knowing what I was going to respond with before the baby made it so much easier to not get emotional about limiting visitors.
We bonded as a family, I stayed in pajamas guilt-free, and I actually rested. Best choice I made.
15. Grace
Above all, I gave myself grace. I didn’t expect to look or feel like myself in a week. I knew healing takes time.
And you know what? Because I didn’t push myself, I actually felt stronger, faster.
Final Thoughts on Real Postpartum Recovery
Postpartum is wild. It’s sacred and overwhelming and messy. It’s nothing like the curated pictures you see on Instagram.
But it can be beautiful—especially if you’re truly supported.
This second time around, I wasn’t trying to prove anything. I just wanted to feel like me again. And that started with giving myself what I actually needed: nourishment, comfort, space, and kindness.
So if you’re building your postpartum kit, or wondering what’s really worth your money, I hope this helped. Save it. Share it. Come back to it in the late-night scrolls when you’re wondering if what you’re feeling is normal (it is).
You’re doing great, mama.
Postpartum Checklist for New Moms
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