This is a comprehensive list of all the things you need or may need during your postpartum time. While I wish this were a low-maintenance time, the fact is, I found it really, really wasn’t.
I required a lot more “things” than I would have thought, and because I didn’t anticipate the realities, I had to scramble to get many of these things once I was already desperate. I would have preferred to have had them already, so learn from my mistake optimism, and stock up!
Most are for mom, but some are those baby essentials that relate to feeding and, you know, keeping the baby alive. Enjoy!
Listen to The Real Post Partum here and the 12 Biggest Surprises in Post Partum here.
…and if you find this helpful, please share with any mama-to-bes!
From the top!
Frida Mom Hospital Bag Essentials Complete Kit
Even though I didn’t go to the hospital, I liked what was in this more than I like their postpartum kit alone. Their peri bottle is unique with its shape and is excellent for easily squirting water directly into your private area to cleanse and decrease the stinging.
P.S. you likely won’t be wiping for a while.
If you prefer to purchase things individually, be sure to get:
Peri Bottle, Maxi Pads, Disposable Undies
Padsicles
My doula made me a bunch. They are pads soaked in witch hazel and then put in the freezer. This felt REAL good. I also liked the Frida medicated liners that had witch hazel. I’d put these directly on top of a pad. (BUT, after a few days, I worried that moisture down there wasn’t helping my healing, and I stopped doing that as diligently and allowed the vagina to have more time to breathe.)
Portable Fan
I didn’t enjoy the wet feeling after peeing and not being able to wipe, so I made sure to use a fan to dry the area, which also helped with stinging.
Frida Donut Cushion
This was one thing I ordered and wish was here immediately. The hardest part about healing your privates is that you’re supposed to rest but also not sit too much directly on the area that needs to heal. This cushion allows you to sit but elevates the area to avoid further irritation. I used this both in bed and in the car.
Meds
Colace
This is a stool softener for that first poop (you’ll thank me later).
Tylenol
Trusted for mamas for that ongoing pain management.
Meal Delivery
These frozen meals are quick and easy to make, and just about anyone can do it either in the microwave or stove. The flatbreads are probably my favorite, but I love the oat bowls and harvest bowls too! Code: WELLNESS on your first order!
Planta
Did you know my favorite vegan restaurant ships nationwide and in Canada? Easy-to-heat comfort foods like pizza were an excellent way for Evan to take care of me.
Conscious Kitchen
If you’re in Long Island, I also love Conscious Kitchen for nutrient-dense meal delivery – check out if they deliver to you.
Breast Feeding Essentials
If you’re breastfeeding, be sure to have these things on hand!
Haaka Pump
While there is a learning curve, this is the best thing ever. It’s a suction that calls itself a “hand pump” but doesn’t require any pumping. It just collects the milk that drips from the opposite boob you’re feeding on (yea, that happens!). I have saved SO much milk (which has also saved time and discomfort from “real” pumping) from this thing!
Elvie Pump
I LOVE the Elvie. I tried the Spectra first as it was provided through insurance, and I REALLY disliked it – both in the way it made my nipples feel AND all the parts and cleaning it required (plus, I was stuck next to a wall because it wasn’t cordless). I’m currently pumping once or twice a day max — so although the Elvie may not be as efficient (not as fast, and doesn’t collect as much), I love that it’s hands-free, wireless, and I can do things while I use it.
Breastfeeding Pillow (Code: TRUTHIEST for 15% off)
I really love the Sustainable Baby Co little moon pillow. I’d recommend the mini over the big one (which I find to be too heavy that it becomes cumbersome). I also keep one in my car for on-the-go feeding. Code “truthiest” for 15% off!
People also love the My Breast Friend, but I found this one a bit too structured for me.
Breastfeeding App, “Baby Feed Timer”
This helps me keep track of which boob I used and for how long — and most importantly, when her next feed is! You can also track sleeps, pees, poops, etc. but that’s a little intense for me, lol.
Bra
I hate bras but wearing one when BF is more manageable than not wearing one, so trust me when I say this is the comfiest. I assume people have diff favorites depending on how they are pumping, which pump, etc. I love this one because I can easily pull it down and tuck my shirt above it so it doesn’t fall on her face, and since I’m using the Elvie mostly as a pump, it keeps it tightly compressed on my chest. It’s also great if I simultaneously pump and feed at the same time.
If you’re using the Spectra, I like this one.
Nipple Butter
This one is vegan, and no need to wash it off. It’s made with great ingredients and can be used on all dry skin areas.
Accessories
Storage/Warming/Cleaning/Sterilization
- Mini Fridge for your room / nursery (depending on the layout of your home!)
- Baby Brezza for sterilizing (cleans AND dries in 45 min!)
Breast Care
- Breast Massager is a MUST, and you want to have this on hand before you need it! Clogged ducts hurt like hell, and they’re a pre-warning sign of mastitis. As soon as I feel it happening, I use this massager (with heat).
- Bamboobie Heating Pads are a great way to keep warm compresses on your breasts if you find yourself engorged or with clogged ducts.
- Sunflower Lecithin to avoid getting clogged ducts, take this supplement daily.
Storage Bags, Plastic vs. Silicone
If you’re pumping but using the milk immediately, I’d go with silicone (better for the environment), but if you’re trying to build supply, it’s hard to avoid the plastic!
- Plastic Milk Storage Bags — these have the rules for breast milk storage directly on them taking one thing off your plate, you don’t have to google!
- Silicone Milk Storage Bags
Bottles
I really didn’t want to use plastic for bottles; these are my top two glass ones:
- Narsutten (with slow flow)
Baby Sleep
- Sound machine sound machine, clock, night light all in one– that can be controlled via your phone.
- Shusher this is a godsend when you tire of SHHH-ing in your baby’s ear!
Mom on the Go:
Kibou Diaper Fanny Pack: An easy way to keep your essentials on your person! Always a fanny pack moment, in my opinion.
CARRA Diaper Bag: Cute, waterproof, light, external insulation– a must have for every new mom.
