Hey Mama! Congratulations on your pregnancy. I’m so glad you’re here to read about items to help you recover quickly after you give birth.
Recovery after child birth
No one really prepares you for how much your body goes through after giving birth.
So many moms (myself included!) focus entirely on the baby and forget to prepare for their own recovery.
Looking back on my first pregnancy, I really didn’t plan for my recovery. Breastfeeding turned out to be way harder than I expected. I was in so much pain that my husband had to make multiple late-night trips to the store. He was picking up nipple shields, nipple cream, painkillers, a belly binder – basically, a whole list of things I should have had before the baby arrived. I had no idea how unprepared I was until I was in the middle of it.
Don’t make the same mistake I did – going into delivery unprepared.
If you want to heal faster and feel more comfortable after birth, here is a list of 10 items I consider essential. From things to help you with physical recovery to those to help you nourish your body. I hope this list works wonders for you as much as it did for me!
10 must-have postpartum essentials for a quicker recovery
1. High-Waisted Postpartum Underwear
Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, your belly is going to feel sore, and you’ll need soft, high-waisted underwear that won’t dig into anything. If you had a C-section, you definitely don’t want anything rubbing against that incision. These panties by Mom Frida are the best of all I’ve tried so far. They are tough enough to give you support, they look great and feel comfy too.
2. Peri bottle
After a vaginal birth, wiping is off the table (trust me, you won’t want to). A peri bottle lets you rinse off gently and keeps things clean down there without pain. Go for a squirt bottle with an angled spout – it’s a game changer.
3. Maternity or Heavy Flow Pads
Postpartum bleeding (lochia) lasts for weeks. Pads are fine, but maternity specific pads are usually very large and a lifesaver. No leaks, no shifting, and no worrying about ruining your cute PJs.
4. Peppermint tea
Listen, that first postpartum poop is terrifying. You don’t want to be straining while everything is healing, especially if you have stitches. Peppermint tea with loads of water will help you pass wind and make pooping much easier.
5. Belly Wrap or Postpartum Girdle
Your tummy will feel like jelly after birth, and extra support will be needed. Belly wraps can help with back pain, give you better posture when holding the baby, and makes you feel a little more put together.
I love this belly bandit’s high waist binder. Mammabump also does a really good one that can be used immediately after birth and for several months later.
6. Sitz Bath or Epsom Salt
For those who have a vaginal birth, a sitz bath is basically a little tub that sits on your toilet, and you fill it with warm water (or Epsom salt). This is perfect if you had tearing or stitches. It soothes stitches, relieves swelling, and helps everything heal faster.
7. Easy Snacks, Water Bottle, electrolyte drinks
Between feeding, changing diapers, and barely sleeping, you won’t have time to prep meals. Keep high-protein, one-handed snacks nearby (like granola bars, nuts, or trail mix), and get a giant water bottle to stay hydrated – especially if you’re breastfeeding.
Staying hydrated helps your energy, milk supply, and overall healing. Electrolyte drinks (like Liquid IV or BodyArmor) help you bounce back faster, and herbal teas (like fenugreek or raspberry leaf) can boost milk production.
8. Nipple Cream
If you’re breastfeeding, expect sore, cracked, or even bleeding nipples (sorry, but it happens!). A good nipple cream (like lanolin or coconut oil) soothes the pain and helps heal quickly. Bonus: You don’t even have to wipe it off before feeding.
9. Hands free Breast pump l
For those breastfeeding, you need a reliable breast pump. Your breast pump can help you increase your milk supply. It can also help you create a stash of expressed breast milk so that someone else can help you feed the baby.
I love this momcozy breast pump and highly recommend it as the best breastfeeding investment you will make. It is convenient, great at extracting milk and will fit right into your bra so it can be used even you’re on the go.
10. Comfy Nursing-Friendly Loungewear
You’re going to be living in comfy clothes for a while. Get some loose, soft pajamas. I find that pyjamas made from jersey fabric are perfect for postpartum. Pro tip: button-down PJs or nursing tanks with belly compression are also a game changer.
Final Thoughts
Recovery is no joke, but having these things on hand makes it way easier to feel comfortable and heal faster. Your body just did something incredible, so take care of it like the queen you are!
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