Postpartum Essentials I Regret Skipping as a New Mom

Postpartum Essentials List I’m Actually Using (Nurse Mom)

I may have been full-term and very pregnant, but I didn’t feel fully ready to have a newborn baby again until I was suddenly in labor. My hospital bag wasn’t even packed. But now that I’m home recovering with a newborn and a toddler, I’m relying heavily on the simple tools and systems I prepared in advance. In this blog post, I’m sharing the postpartum essentials list I’m actually using daily as a nurse and mom of two—including postpartum pajamas, padsicles, recovery snacks, and smart ways to save energy during those long, blurry first weeks.

Baby #2 came faster than I expected. I rushed into labor, threw the rest of my labor and delivery items into a bag while timing contractions, and barely made it to the hospital in time. I didn’t even feel emotionally ready to meet my newborn baby—even though I was very pregnant. Sound familiar?

These first two weeks postpartum have been raw, overwhelming, beautiful, and messy. I’m running on maybe 4 hours of sleep a night, juggling newborn essentials and toddler tantrums, and learning (again) what postpartum recovery really looks like. This isn’t a cute checklist—it’s my honest, nurse-approved postpartum essentials list based on what I’m actually using every single day.

If you’re looking for postpartum tips, labor and delivery must haves, or you’re starting your postpartum prep, this is for you.

My Postpartum Hospital Outfit + Labor & Delivery Must-Haves

I lived in a soft, button-down nightgown after birth. It was part of my postpartum hospital outfit and made nursing easy while being gentle on my healing body. If you’re building your labor and delivery packing list, don’t overlook the value of postpartum pajamas—comfort is queen.

I also packed:

A labor and delivery outfit that felt like me
Extra postpartum undies (grab extra mesh underwear from the hospital too!)
My peri bottle (hospital-issued, and still my MVP)
A few labor and delivery essentials like chapstick, slippers, and a long phone charger

The labor and delivery list can get long, but trust me: focus on comfort and recovery basics.

Postpartum Bathroom Basket Must-Haves

Recovery starts in the bathroom. Here’s what’s in my postpartum bathroom basket:

Peri bottle
Disposable postpartum undies
Overnight pads (I rotate between pads and diapers)
DIY postpartum padsicles: freeze water in diapers or pads for pain relief
Witch hazel pads
Extra mesh underwear from the hospital

These postpartum essentials are not glamorous, but they’re gold. A well-stocked bathroom basket makes each trip faster and less painful.

My Favorite Postpartum Outfits + Lounge Wear

Let’s talk postpartum clothes. I’m rotating through these postpartum outfits:

Nursing-friendly nightgowns (my favorite postpartum lounge wear!)
A soft robe
Loose nursing tanks
High-rise postpartum undies
A belly band I wear off and on for support

If you’re preparing your postpartum kit or building out your postpartum outfits summer wardrobe, think breathable, soft, and easy access for breastfeeding. Your postpartum belly is healing—don’t squeeze into anything tight yet.

What’s Actually in My Postpartum Kit

Everyone talks about creating a postpartum kit—but most lists are unrealistic. Here’s what I keep near my nursing chair:

Nipple cream (Motherlove is my go-to)
Cooling gel pads for sore nipples
A Boppy pillow
Swaddles and burp cloths
Snacks (postpartum snacks are life)
Hair clips and scrunchies
Water bottle with a straw
My hands-free breast pump

I set up mini “mom baskets” throughout the house—especially by my rocking chair. These baskets include newborn necessities and postpartum items I reach for constantly.

Managing the Postpartum Diet + Nutrition

My postpartum diet has been focused on healing and digestion (and let’s be honest—whatever I can prep one-handed). I’m making:

Smoothies with chia seeds and fruit
Fresh juice
High-protein snacks

Postpartum nutrition doesn’t need to be complicated. I keep easy-to-grab postpartum snacks nearby so I can fuel while nursing or rocking my baby. And for breakfast? Postpartum breakfast smoothies are quick, easy, and toddler-friendly.

Pro tip: accept all the meal offers. Friends and neighbors have dropped off postpartum meals and freezer-friendly dinners. These saved my sanity and gave me time to rest instead of cook.

The Emotional Side of Postpartum Prep No One Talks About

I didn’t feel ready to have this baby—even at 39+ weeks. I felt overwhelmed, underprepared, and unsure how I’d juggle a toddler and a newborn baby. That’s normal. What’s helping:

Writing down little notes: how I’m feeling, what I’m eating, what questions I have
Letting go of the idea that I should “bounce back”
Talking with my husband honestly about what I need (help, time, food)
Embracing my postpartum tummy and all that it’s done for my babies

Whether you’re on baby #1 or baby #5, postpartum is tender. Give yourself grace.

Final Thoughts: What I’d Tell Every New Mom

You don’t need everything. But you do need:

A solid labor and delivery packing list
A simple postpartum essentials list with your real needs
A few baskets stocked with postpartum items and newborn essentials
Realistic expectations for sleep, meals, and healing

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the postpartum prep, here’s my best advice: focus on comfort, healing, and support. The rest can wait.

Free Resources for New Moms

Pin this for later if you’re preparing for postpartum or share it with a mama friend who’s building her own postpartum kit. The early weeks are hard, but you’re not alone—and with the right tools, you’re more prepared than you think.