When I had my first baby, I was completely underprepared for postpartum. No one—not friends, not family, not even the books I read—really told me what I’d need for myself after birth. Everything was about the baby and how to take care of them. The cute outfits. The perfect nursery. The newborn checklist.
But postpartum hit like a truck. I tore. I bled. It hurt to walk and I wondered what was wrong with me. My emotions were all over the place. And I had no idea how to take care of myself.
The second time around? I was ready.
As a nurse and mom of two, I want to share the postpartum essentials I actually used and loved—the ones that made a real difference in my comfort, healing, and ability to rest. These are products I’ll link with my Amazon Affiliate account (as well as my own guide!) so you can easily grab what you need before labor hits.
1. Mesh Underwear (Not Just the Hospital Kind)
Yes, the hospital gives you some. But trust me—you’ll want more.
I ordered a pack of mesh postpartum underwear from Amazon that were soft, stretchy, and held everything in place without cutting into my skin. They worked with my giant pads and made me feel secure when moving around.
Nurse Tip: These are great for layering with cold packs or padsicles.
2. DIY Padsicles > Frida Mom Ones
I tried the Frida Padsicles. Honestly? Overrated. They were stiff and felt awkward.
What worked better: making my own with my babies diapers and a little water, then freezing them.
Real Mom Tip: Just open a clean diaper, pour some water where you’d sit, fold it up, and freeze. Game changer.
3. Natural Nipple Balm
The early breastfeeding days were painful. I used an all-natural nipple balm that soothed soreness without weird smells or sticky residue. This nipple balm is clean and totally safe for breastfeeding. Total lifesaver.
I reapplied constantly the first few weeks, and it helped so much with cracked skin.
4. Soft Button-Down Nightgowns
I lived in these for the first month.
They were comfortable enough to sleep in, and the buttons made breastfeeding easy, even when I was half-asleep. The looser fit was also a must for sore bodies and big pads.
5. Witch Hazel Pads + Hemorrhoid Cream
Between the tearing, swelling, and hemorrhoids (yep, it’s real), I needed help healing.
Witch hazel pads helped soothe stinging and reduce swelling.
Preparation H was essential for hemorrhoid relief. It worked wonders to relieve the pain. Hemorrhoids are common with pregnancy and birth, especially if we have to push forever.
I’d layer them in my pad and change them every few hours. It made a huge difference.
6. Maxi Pads + Liners
I bled a lot the first few days and gradually tapered off. I started with overnight maxi pads and then switched to thin liners once the bleeding slowed.
Having both on hand helped me stay comfortable and dry without needing to send my husband on emergency Target runs.
7. Hair Clips (Trust Me)
I know this sounds small, but having clips to pull my hair back during feedings, diaper changes, and middle-of-the-night cluster feeds was everything. I kept one in every room and next to my bed. Having them everywhere is nice especially when you’re up at 3 am and your baby is crying. No one wants to be searching for a clip. I love these ones because they have a strong comfortable grip and keep your hair up.
8. Peri Bottle (Skip the Hospital One)
The hospital gives you a standard bottle, but the angled ones you can order online are so much easier to use.
It helps you clean yourself without bending awkwardly or causing more pain. Essential when you’re sore and trying to keep things sanitary.
9. Belly Band
The second time around, my abs were sore and stretched. Wearing a belly support band for a few hours a day gave me some support and helped me feel more put together.
It’s not a magic fix, but it does make walking and sitting feel more supported and less weak.
Mental Space + Pacing Yourself
This isn’t a product—but it’s the most important thing.
Pace yourself. Postpartum isn’t the time to be up and hosting people, doing laundry, or bouncing back. I learned (the hard way) that healing takes time.
Here’s what helped:
Setting boundaries with visitors (you don’t owe anyone your energy)
Accepting help, even when it’s hard
Mailing myself postpartum essentials before birth so I wasn’t scrambling later
And when I felt overwhelmed, I’d remind myself: You just birthed a human. It’s okay to rest.
Bonus: My Postpartum Playbook
If you want everything I wish someone told me about postpartum—like boundary scripts, routines, and nurse tips—I created a full guide just for you.
The Postpartum Playbook: From Chaos to Calm What every new mom needs—but no one gives you. Grab the guide here.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s your first baby or your fourth, postpartum is tough. But having the right products—the ones that actually work—can help you feel more human, more supported, and more in control.
If you’re currently pregnant or freshly postpartum, I hope this list helps you feel less alone and more prepared.
Don’t forget to grab my Postpartum Playbook, and feel free to pin this post so other moms can find it too.
You’ve got this, mama.
