Wondering why we’ve dedicated an entire post to postpartum essentials? Postpartum is a period of significant change, where you are not only healing from childbirth but navigating sleep deprivation, establishing feeding (if you choose) and getting to know your baby for the first time.
When preparing for the arrival of our first baby, we took to the Sukoo community and asked for all the tips for navigating those first weeks with a newborn. Our poll box were flooded with several of the same response “Plan for postpartum”, experienced Mothers urged.
At first, we had no idea just how significant setting yourself up for a supported entry into motherhood was. It wasn’t until we were in the throws of early motherhood, with cracked nipples, tired eyes and tender everywhere that we realised just how important those little preparations were.
So, we’re here to offer you the same advice. A gentle reminder that taking care of yourself postpartum is just as important as taking care of your new baby.
Unsure how this may look? that’s ok, we’re here to cover everything we know about the fourth trimester, tips for self-care and offer 27 Best Postpartum Essentials that will aid your recovery, support you and nourish you postpartum.
In this article..
Disclaimer: This post is based on personal experience and community suggestions. It is not sponsored but does feature some affiliate links. This means if you were to purchase a product via our recommendations, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Top Tips for Postpartum
- Limit visitors:
This can often be difficult to navigate. Everyone is excited to meet your new baby and your phone is ringing off the hook. We understand how important it is for loved ones to meet your baby but encourage you to set a limit for how many visitors, how often and how long they stay. - Communicate your wants and boundaries before your baby arrives: Don’t want visitors kissing your baby? Prefer they were vaccinated? Hope no one wears perfume. These are all very valid boundaries and are personal decisions between parents. What Mothers feel comfortable with varies from person to person and setting clear expectations for visitors prior to the baby arriving is a great way to ease those early anxieties and tensions that may arise. Sit down with your partner and discuss what makes you comfortable, then make a plan for communicating these wants with visitors.
- Meal prep: If anyone in your life is asking what you need, food is the answer. Ensuring your freezer is stocked with nourishing meals or organising a meal delivery service is a great way to not only ease the mental load day-to-day but ensure you are eating nourishing meals during a time of postpartum depletion.
- Prepare postpartum recovery kits:
Get all your postpartum essentials set out in easy arm reach to remind you to take care of yourself. We recommend having a peri care kit (for vaginal birth) in your bathroom, medical essentials in your kitchen and a breastfeeding care kit (if breastfeeding) nearby your main sitting area. You may like to use a Nappy caddy, trolley or basket to store your essentials. - Be open about your emotions:
Postpartum is an enormous time of change, adjustment and recovery. After birth, women experience a dramatic drop in hormones (in addition to being depleted and sleep deprived) which can contribute to a shift in emotions and sometimes lead to PPD. In addition to this, it is said that 50-70% of Mothers experience some form of baby blues early on during the adjustment period. Be open with your loved ones about how you’re feeling day by day to ensure you receive adequate support and know when to seek further help.
27 Best Postpartum Essentials to Support Mum
We share our favourite postpartum essentials for recovery, feeding, nourishment and comfort.
Vaginal Birth Postpartum Essentials
1. Peri Bottle :
Designed to relieve the sting of urine and gently cleanse sensitive areas post-birth. A Perineal Wash bottle will effectively keep your stitches clean and provide relief from stinging and swelling.
2.Peri Spray:
Intended to gently ease and soothe any discomfort in the perineal area after childbirth. A Perineal Spray is typically created with a combination of soothing properties such as witch hazel, aloe vera and horsetail.
3. Peri Ice Pack:
Another must-have item for cooling relief to the perineum to assist with irritation, tenderness and swelling. Most Peri strip ice packs also double as heat packs to support you during the second stage of labour.
4. Postpartum Underwear :
Depending on preference, we recommend having disposable postpartum underwear on your postpartum essentials list or investing in the comfort and innovation of Bare Mum’s Postpartum briefs (paired with maternity pads and ice packs).
5. Maternity Pads:
You’ll need several packets. Our community recommends Toms Maternity Pads due to them being organic, breathable, highly absorbent and comfortable.
C-Section Birth Postpartum Essentials
C-section Mums will also benefit from purchasing the peri bottle, peri spray, ice pack and postpartum briefs. In addition, we recommend:
6. Skin and Scar Oil:
This OB-GYM and Midwife approved skin and scaroil is hydrating, fast absorbing and designed to minimise scars.
7. Recovery Shorts:
Designed in consultation with an obstetrician, SPC Recovery shorts provide support and pain relief after a c-section or vaginal delivery. They are designed to offer you increased stability so that you can move around more freely.
8. C-section + Postpartum Belly Band :
Help manage pain and protect your incision. The C-section Belly Band aims to reduce post operation pain and allow you to walk easier.
Breastfeeding Essentials for Postpartum
9. Silverettes:
A life saver during those early days of cluster feeding. Silverettes nursing cups assist in preventing cracked and irritated nipple skin and soothe/heal sore nipples between feeds.
10. Nipple Cream:
Created to soothe, heal and hydrate. A good (and natural) Nipple Cream will provide much needed relief from sore and cracked nipples. We recommend choosing a Nipple Cream that doesn’t need to be cleaned off prior to feeding.
11.Reusable drink bottle with straw
Make sure you have a great drink bottle in your feeding station. Actually, get a few. It is so important to stay hydrated while feeding and a good drink bottle with a straw will provide convenience and remind you to keep up your fluids. We love Frank Green Drink bottles or for an extra prompt to drink more Bink Mama Bottle.
12. Reusable Breast Pads
Leak proof protection to keep you dry and provide comfort against tender breasts. Our personal favourites are the ultra absorbent breast pads from Bare Mum and the organic bamboo washable pads for Juem.
13. Breast Ice Packs
Made to fit comfortably inside your bra and around your nipples to provide relief to cracked and tender nipples. Breast Ice Packs are a must-have feeding item.
14. Lactation Cookies:
These Lactation cookies not only provide a great breastfeeding snack but are packed full of natural galactagogues, designed to support your milk supply.
15. Manual Breast Pump :
If you are looking to exclusively breastfeed but still want the freedom of flexible feeding options, a Manual breast pump will be able to provide you with additional milk on the occasion you need it. A Manual pump like the Haakaa will also catch the natural let down as you feed your baby.
16. Breastfeeding Tea :
Naturopath approved ingredients that traditionally used to support healthy lactation and ease digestion for both breastfeeding mother and baby. Breastfeeding Tea by Love Tea has 0 caffeine and a subtle taste.
17. Milk Storage Bags:
The only milk spill you’ll see me cry over. Protecting every last drop (and doing it sustainably) with the Haakaa silicone reusable milk storage bags.
Postpartum Depletion Essentials
18. Food delivery service:
An essential for mothers postpartum. Set yourself up for nourishment and take one thing off your plate by organising food delivered to your home or having someone prepare meals to freeze. In SA, we have a fantastic service called The Golden Month, dedicated to postpartum nourishment and pre-made meals. Be sure to check your state for an alternative or organise a meal train with family.
19. Foraged for you :
Nutrient dense powerhouse designed with pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in mind. Foraged for you, is a certified organic blend of real fermented foods.
20. Hydration Powder :
Stay hydrated with a delicious electrolyte drink that is full of vitamins and antioxidants to support you while feeding. Our favourites are the Franjo Kitchen Blood Orange hydration powder and Hydramama new range of hydration drinks.
21. The First Forty Days:
An essential book about caring for the mother after birth. Filled with replenishing meals and snacks; and calming and lactation boosting teas, all formulated to support the needs of a new mother. The First Forty Days is said to be a lifeline, a source of connection, nourishment and guidance.
22. Village for Mama Book:
A postpartum recipe book with recipe gift cards to help mothers gather their village and organise homemade meal giving for their fourth trimester.
Postpartum Comfort Essentials
23. Postpartum Bath Soak :
Force yourself to take 10 minutes just for you with this restorative bath soak. Postpartum Bath Soaks offer deep rest, can relieve soreness and give you a much needed moment of calm.
24. Comfortable Button Up Pjs:
We’re all about the luxuries postpartum. After all, you deserve it. Treat yourself to some soft and high quality button up Pj’s for those early weeks at home.
25. Comfortable Slippers:
Keep cosy with some warming slippers both in hospital and once you’re home. Perfect addition to any hospital bag and a great gift for a new mum. We love these comfortable slippers by Kip and Co.
26. Postpartum Leggings:
You won’t regret investing in postpartum leggings. The compressional panels are designed for abdominal support and ultimate comfort, perfect for every day wear while you are recovering.
27. Nursing Bra :
100% gots cotton comfort to support you on your feeding journey. A luxury nursing bra to spoil yourself postpartum.
Something to add? We would love to hear from you in the comments what your ‘must have’ items were for Postpatrum.
What to Read Next?
– Hospital Bag Checklist
–Books to read in Pregnancy
– Best Nappy Bags
–Best Breast Pumps
– Best Baby Play Mats
Kirsten
Great suggestions! Thanks for sharing!
Nalayini
wish I had this life when I had my kids… you done a great cover of all.
Sarah
I’m currently 22 weeks pregnant, so this was perfect for me to read! Thanks for all of the essentials!
Lisa
This is such a helpful post. I am not yet a mamma but I will know what essentials I will need. Thank you so much x