When I was preparing for postpartum, I had no idea what I would really need. Between hospital bag checklists and TikTok recs, it was so easy to go overboard. Now that I’m on the other side of it, I wanted to share what truly helped me during recovery and those hazy, beautiful (and exhausting) early weeks with a newborn.
These are the things I actually used—and would 100% recommend to any new mom. I’ve linked everything I personally tried and loved in case it helps you too! (Some links may be affiliate, but all opinions are my own.)
1. Postpartum Recovery Must-Haves
Let’s start with the not-so-glamorous stuff: healing.
I stayed in the hospital for 2 nights because I bled a bit more than usual during birth. That meant I used a lot more hospital-provided supplies than I would have if I’d had the typical 1-night stay after a vaginal birth. If you’re only there for one night, you may need to stock up on more of the items I list below for when you are home.
Disposable Cotton Cover Underwear/Diapers – I hate pads, especially when they shift around at night and feel plasticky. I got the Rael Disposable Cotton Cover Underwear/Diapers, and they were so soft and comfortable, but pricey. I went through about one pack (20) per day in the first week due to bleeding and leaking (especially when coughing or sneezing). At around $26 a pack, it adds up quickly! I switched to Rael Incontinence Pads Moderate, in week two to three, then to their regular pads once the bleeding had lightened.
Mesh underwear – I wore them exclusively in the hospital, but didn’t think I needed any at home since I thought I would only wear the diapers. But since I switched to pads by week two, they came in handy. I got one box (8 pairs) of the Frida Mom Women’s Postpartum Underwear. They were a bit more comfortable and snug than the ones provided by the hospital, and the price is pretty reasonable, so I am not super bummed that I didn’t take some from my stay, and it lasted my entire recovery.
Peri bottle – Tiktok moms were right, the Frida Mom’s Upside Down Peri Bottle is a game-changer compared to the hospital one. The angled spout made it so much easier.
Perineal Cold Packs – I got the Medline Perineal Cold Packs, and they turned out to be the exact cold packs the hospital had provided. I used them constantly in the hospital and during the first week and a half at home, and loved them for quick relief and to reduce the swelling.
Dermoplast – I had a first-degree tear and used four bottles of this, got two from the hospital, and needed two more bottles at home. Instant soothing, and I believe it helped me heal faster.
Tucks pads – I didn’t expect to need them since I saw some reviews that their effects don’t last long. But the hospital provided them, and they were so soothing. I used a total of three packs, all within the two nights I spent in the hospital.
Prenatal Vitamins - I was told by multiple hospital staff and the pediatrician that I should continue taking the prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding. The pediatrician actually told me it’s the best vitamin for women, and I should just keep taking it forever (instead of the other vitamins I normally take). So I am sharing this insight with all of you. I took the SmartyPants Prenatal Vitamin gummy during pregnancy, and my baby was really healthy, so I am sticking with them.
2. Breastfeeding & Pumping Essentials
I breastfed exclusively during my two nights in the hospital and thought I was providing enough milk. But before we were discharged, the pediatrician recommended that I start combo feeding (breast + formula) to give my baby more milk while waiting for my supply to come in and to help reduce the mild jaundice.
The nurse at the hospital was amazing! Without me even asking, she packed up plenty of formula for us to take home. It ended up being enough for the first 5 days while we waited for my milk to come in. Tip: If you need to supplement, ask (or hint) for some formula to take home. Hospitals are usually happy to give them to you.
Wearable pump – I got the Ameda MyaJoyPlus through insurance and the Momcozy M6 on my own. Both gave me the freedom to move around while pumping. The Ameda MyaJoyPlus has “wires” and the pump extends out of the bra and is quite large, so it makes moving around a bit harder. The Momcozy M6 gets more milk (currently, I get a maximum of about 6oz from the Momcozy M6 and just about 4 oz from the Ameda MyaJoyPlus). However, I still use both of them, so I can switch between the two and be a bit more chill when it comes to washing, and always have a pump readily available.
Nursing/hands-free pumping bras – These were soft and supportive. I got them during pregnancy, as I needed larger bras, and continued to use them postpartum. I had to wear them to sleep to prevent leaking, and they are also very comfortable enough to sleep in.
Nipple balm – Medela Purelan Lanolin Cream saved my nipples when I was breastfeeding in the hospital. I got a few more sample tubes from the nurses just in case. This is a reminder for you to do the same! Since I exclusively pump now, I use this cream on my lips and my cracked fingers (from excessive handwashing before handling my baby), and it works better than any other lotion/cream I’ve tried!
Milk storage bags – These didn’t leak and were freezer-friendly, and are $9.99 for 120 bags, yes please!
Bottle Washer - I got the Momcozy Bottle Washer, and it was a must-have for me, especially after one of my mom friends told me she used to spend 3 hours a day washing bottles, this cut that down to minutes. I run it 5–7 times a day for both pump parts and bottles.
Water bottle with a straw – I didn’t realize how thirsty I’d be while feeding. This one from Stanley was my constant companion while in labor and postpartum.
3. Sleep & Sanity Savers
Getting rest is tough, but a few small things helped:
Postpartum app – I used the free version of Huckleberry to track feedings and diaper changes. I shared the account with my husband, so we are both recording and tracking the same thing, so we both know what has happened with our baby.
Cat Litter Robot - We started using the Wisker’s Litter Robot 4 during my second trimester, since it's recommended not to touch any cat litter when you are pregnant. That means, my husband will take on ALL of the litter duties in addition to taking care of us. This was a lifesaver, as now he will only have to change the litter robot every 2.5 weeks instead of daily, and our cat will still have a clean litter to use.
Smart Baby Monitor - We got the Owlet Dream Sock Smart Baby Monitor (use my promo code WENWENSONGOWLET25 for $25 off), and it helped us have peace of mind, providing an extra layer of protection to ensure our baby is well.
Nightlight + White Noise Machine – I used the Momcozy Nightlight & Sound Machine, which allowed me to keep the room calm and not wake everyone up.
Swaddles – My baby slept better with the swaddles (we tested not swaddling her). We have three types of swaddles, and they are all pretty easy to use. Here's the list, starting from my favorite:
Love to Dream Swaddle Up - I love how my baby looks in the swaddle, and it’s super easy to use, and no need to dress the baby, just put the baby in and zip up. There’s no way for the baby to “get loose” from it, so there’s no worry of reswaddling the baby at all with this.
Sweety Fox Swaddle - This swaddle is also easy to use and comes in a pack of three. We do dress our baby before using this swaddle, and there are still ways for the baby to get loose with it.
Muslin Swaddle Blankets - We also got these “regular” swaddles in case the other ones didn’t fit our baby. They are not hard to use, just that our baby always gets loose in these, so we have to reswaddle often.
4. other Newborn must have items
These weren’t technically required, depending on what alternatives you have, but they made my postpartum smoother:
Electric Nail trimmer – This was way easier than using those scary clippers!
Electric Nasal Aspirator - I didn’t really like the manual ones from the hospital, especially because they are hard to clean! So I got the Grownsy Nasal Aspirator, and it works really well and is really easy to clean.
Diaper caddy – I just got one and have it next to my bed to store pump parts and snacks. Lifesaver.
Baby wrap carrier – Helped me be more mobile while the baby napped on me. We also use it during pediatrician visits, as we have a convertible car seat.
5. What I didn’t end up using
Postpartum clothes - Honestly, I lived in oversized t-shirts at home and wore my maternity clothes when going out, and I was able to fit into my regular clothes by the end of the second week.
Stool softeners – I was really worried about the first poop from all the Tiktok videos I’ve watched, but I bled more than expected during delivery and was given a drug that caused diarrhea (TMI?). It acted really fast, so I didn’t end up needing the stool softeners.
Postpartum Belly Band - I didn’t want to wear anything restricting on my body for the first couple of weeks due to the pain, but it was no longer needed after that since my belly recovered pretty well.
Frida Mom Witch Hazel Perineal Healing Foam - I used this a few times, but really didn’t like how it feels, and it didn’t seem to have done anything for healing vs the tucks pads and dermoplast. Stopped using it after a few tries, and I don’t personally recommend.
Final Thoughts
Everyone’s postpartum journey is different. What helped me may not be what you need, and that’s okay. But I hope this list gives you a good starting point and helps you feel a little more prepared. 💛
Feel free to leave a comment if you have questions!
P.S. If you want to shop everything in one place, I saved it all here on my Amazon list.
