Wondering what you need to take care of yourself postpartum? Here’s my postpartum must haves and a few other tips.
For links to most of the postpartum must haves I talk about in this post, scroll down to the list at the bottom. Please note that I am an Amazon affiliate and may make commission on what you purchase. Most of the links below are affiliate links.
For the Hospital
The only things you really need while you’re at the hospital are comfy clothes, makeup, & basic toiletries (including nipple cream if you’re planning on breast feeding and breast pads). I really liked wearing my maternity sweatpants or leggings, a tank top, a hoodie, nursing bra, socks, and I had a robe. I wore a night gown as well, but I wouldn’t say that was a necessity. Keep in mind that you could get a bit of blood on your bottoms or nightgown, so I would highly recommend keeping those darker colors. Headbands are also a great way to feel a little more put together.
The hospital has everything to take care of your nether regions and will give you some to take home as well, so I wouldn’t bother bringing any of that to the hospital. My hospital gave me Dermoplast spray, witch hazel cooling pads, padsicles, pads, a peri bottle, and disposable underwear. Before you go home, I would ask for more Dermoplast spray and witch hazel pads. I was able to use what the hospital gave me and only needed one extra container of Tucks witch hazel pads until I was all healed. You could ask for more disposable underwear and pads but I personally preferred wearing disposable period underwear. I only had to wear them for the first two-ish weeks and after that a regular period pad was all I needed. Side note: I wouldn’t bother buying or asking for more padsicles. According to my midwife, you’re only supposed to use them for 1-2 days. Any longer could slow down your healing. I’m not a doctor so please don’t take any of this as medical advice, it was just my personal experience.
For Home
At home, in each bathroom I kept my disposable period underwear, witch hazel pads, Dermoplast, and peri bottle in a basket/bin right by the toilet. The peri bottle the hospital gives you is decent, but I purchased the Mom Frida one and would highly recommend it. The angle is a lot easier to get where you want it and the way it sprays feels nicer as well.
Other things you will want to have on hand for when you get home are, pain reliever (I would ask your doctor/midwife what they would recommend you take), a big water bottle, snacks, easy breakfast things to grab like granola bars, yogurt, fruit, etc., and if you have time before baby comes freezer meals were AMAZING to have.
Postpartum Must Haves Checklist
CLOTHES/ACCESSORIES
- Sweatpants
- Leggings
- Tank Top
- Hoodie
- Kindred Braverly Nursing Bra
- Hakkaa Nursing Bra
- Robe
- Socks
- Slip-on Shoes
- Nightgown. Option 1 Option 2
- Headbands
BATHROOM ESSENTIALS
- Nipple Cream
- Disposable Breast Pads (I’ve tried a few brands but these are my favorite disposable pads)
- Kindred Braverly Reusable Breast Pads (These are my favorite reusable pads, personally I prefer the disposable ones because when I would feed my baby I had to take the breast pad out and put it somewhere and sometimes it would fall on the ground, it was just more of a hassle.)
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Hair ties
- Hair brush
- Hair dryer, straightener, curling iron (optional)
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Razor
- Shaving cream
- Makeup
- Dermoplast
- Tuck’s witch hazel pads
- Frida Mom peri bottle
- Disposable period underwear
FOOD
- Snacks
- Grab & go breakfasts
- Freezer meals
MISC ITEMS
- Large water bottle like a Stanley, BruMate, Hydrapeak, Simple Modern (I’ve heard great things about this one and it’s a cheaper option)
- Pain reliever
- Phone Charger