The Top 6 Postpartum Care Essentials That Make Recovery Smoother

When I became a mom, I was so lost on what I actually needed as I navigated postpartum for the first time. There’s a lot of products online and it can be confusing to know which postpartum care items are essential and which are just going to add to the clutter. Here’s a list of the postpartum care essentials I used for my first baby and what I’m preparing to use as baby #2 approaches. I’m focusing on the items I used in the first two weeks or so of recovery and will have my favorite newborn items in another post.

Let me also say: If you are a little confused or overwhelmed about what to expect, know that either your doula, midwife or postpartum nurses will absolutely guide you! I’m sharing the items I used and loved with my vaginal birth so I can’t say how this would be different if you had a c-section.

1. Frida Mom Postpartum Foam

Frida Mom makes several postpartum kits and I find some of the items helpful and others unnecessary. It also makes a difference if you deliver in a hospital or at home. I delivered my first baby at a hospital and they provided their own version of postpartum disposable underwear, ice packs, Dermoplast and even their own version of a peri bottle. I used all those items and appreciated that they were provided! That said, I found this postpartum foam to be especially soothing. I used it once I got home for about a week or two as I was settling in. I will be buying this for the second time around too.

2. TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads

Since they gave me Dermoplast, this is also somewhat optional but I found it helpful to have on hand. Once I got home, I basically made a little “sandwich” (lol sorry for the visual) and put these TUCKS pads with the foam, pad and disposable underwear. I also found these soothing enough that I wanted to buy them in addition to the Dermoplast.

3. Dermoplast

This spray was provided at the hospital and I took it home! I sprayed it a couple times a day and it provided some relief when it’s quite raw down there in that first week or two.

4. Frida Mom Postpartum Undies

I mentioned that the hospital will provide disposable underwear and even give you some extra as you’re leaving. I used the hospital version of these while I was in the hospital but once I got home I transitioned to the Frida Mom postpartum undies and wow, they are amazing! This time I plan to bring them to the hospital and use them while I’m there in addition to using at home. I bought an 8 pack and between these and maybe using a hospital version here and there, I think that’s enough. These just feel a little more snug but not too tight.

5. Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle

The hospital will give you their own version of this, but this peri bottle is truly better. The angle is more effective so I’ll be bringing this! Highly recommend.

6. Button Down Pajamas & Loungewear

I lived in button down pajamas, tunics and loungewear for the first month or so! These were so soft and made me feel cuter than simply wearing a big tee all the time. Though I did do that too! 🙂 This time around I plan to use a few options from Target and a new button down PJ set from Victoria’s Secret.

Items You Can Skip

1. Ice packs – Frida Mom offers kits that include ice packs, and I am glad I didn’t purchase these. I only used the ice packs for 2-3 days while at the hospital and didn’t need them once I got home. I suppose if you’re worried you could ask the hospital to take some home, but I would not purchase these via Frida Mom.
2. Labor and Delivery socks – Hospital will also provide a version of these and I didn’t find the floor so slippery that I couldn’t wear my own socks after the first 2-3 days.
3. Labor and Delivery gown – Personal preference, but I feel like I’d rather focus on cute and comfy items for postpartum.

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