Postpartum Essentials
Here's a list of just a few postpartum essentials that made a world of difference for me after giving birth, and I can't recommend them enough to my pregnant friends and clients, especially those who are planning for a vaginal birth and intend to breastfeed! Navigating the postpartum period can be both beautiful and challenging, so having the right items on hand can truly help ease the transition. From healing essentials to breastfeeding support, these recommendations are based on my personal experience and the needs I’ve seen in new moms as a birth photographer. Whether you're a first-time mom or welcoming another baby, these essentials will help you feel more comfortable and prepared for those precious early weeks.
POSTPARTUM RECOVERY:
I highly recommend setting up a small station with all your postpartum essentials right next to the toilet in your bathroom. This makes it so much easier to have everything you need within arm's reach each time you use the restroom. Be sure to place a trash can nearby as well—trust me, you'll be discarding a lot of disposable items, and having it close by will make the process much smoother!
ADULT DIAPERS
Personally, I loved the convenience of using adult diapers during those early postpartum days before transitioning to pads. They made things so much easier and were far more comfortable for me! I’ve linked the ones I used below—highly recommend giving them a try!
ANGLED PERI BOTTLE
I loved the angle of this peri bottle compared to the one they give you at the hospital! If you're doing a home birth, it might be nice to have one of these on hand as well! It was so much easier to use in my opinion!
PADSICLES (WITCH HAZEL + ALOE VERA)
Padsicles were an absolute lifesaver for my vaginal birth recovery—they provide such a soothing, cooling effect! They're super easy to make, and you can find plenty of tutorials on YouTube. Some people add essential oils, but I kept it simple with just Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera Gel. After applying the mixture to the pad, I folded it back up and popped it in the freezer. The cooling relief was exactly what I needed during those early days!
WATER BOTTLE
Staying hydrated during postpartum recovery is crucial, especially if you're breastfeeding! It’s a good idea to find a reliable water bottle that you can easily refill throughout the day to help maintain your water intake. I personally love using Stanley Tumblers and Hydro Flask Tumblers—they’re both convenient and perfect for keeping your water cold and within reach all day long!
BREASTFEEDING
Here are a few breastfeeding essentials that were incredibly helpful during the early days of my breastfeeding journey! Exclusively breastfeeding worked best for me, and while I did try to collect extra milk to build a freezer stash, I want to stress that it’s not necessary if it doesn’t fit your routine. These essentials helped me stay comfortable and supported, and I hope they do the same for you!
SILVERETTES & NIPPLE CREAM:
At the start of my breastfeeding journey, I was really nervous about getting cracked and bleeding nipples, especially after hearing about it from friends. Thankfully, I never experienced that, and I’m not sure if I just got lucky or if my post-feed care routine made the difference! After each nursing session—especially during those nighttime feeds—I would apply a thin layer of nipple cream and wear my Silverettes. I never had any major discomfort, so if nipple pain is something you're worried about, I definitely recommend giving this duo a try!
NURSING BRAS:
Nursing bras are an absolute must-have! Personally, I wasn’t a fan of the bras with clips and found a much easier alternative. The bras I’ve linked below are super convenient—you can simply pull them to the side when it's time to nurse. They worked perfectly for me, and I highly recommend them for a hassle-free experience!
HAAKA PUMP/COLLECTOR & MASON JARS
There are tons of helpful videos on YouTube about the HAAKA, and if you're looking to build a freezer stash or collect a few extra ounces, the HAAKA collectors could be a great option for you!
The HAAKA Manual Breast Pump suctions directly to the breast, providing some gentle suction, but if you have a major oversupply, this might not be the best choice. It’s a great tool for those wanting to collect extra milk without the hassle of a full pump session!
The HAAKA Ladybug Collector just rest up against the breast and collects any letdown that may come out on the opposite side you are feeding on!
When storing collected milk, I preferred to use glass jars! These are the little jars I used and they work great in the fridge or freezer!
NURSING PILLOW:
A nursing pillow is essential for helping position your baby for an effective and comfortable feeding session! My absolute favorite is the Snuggle Me Organics Feeding Support. I prefer this one over all the other popular brands—it’s soft, versatile, and doubles as a fantastic tool for tummy time too!
BURP CLOTHS:
Burp cloths are essential to have around when breastfeeding and when you have a newborn! It's easy to grab if you start to leak or if baby spits up!
BREAST PADS:
When you are in the early days postpartum, your breasts are likely going to leak, so you will definitely want to have some breast pads on hand! You can use disposable ones or reusable ones if you’re willing to wash them often! Here is the link to the reusable ones that I used! I switched between these and disposable ones often!
