My Top Postpartum Essentials as a Postpartum Doula
What postpartum supplies do you need to stock up on before birth?
As a first-time mom, I had no idea what items to buy to help with my postpartum healing. I’d heard about things like postpartum healing baskets that people would put in their bathrooms, but I didn't know what to actually put into them. I also knew that I should take things from the hospital (literally anything they could give away) but I wasn't sure what to get aside from that or how much the hospital would provide.
Another issue is that I had no idea what to expect for postpartum healing in general (if you want to learn more about that, click here). I’ve compiled a list of things that I and my clients love as a postpartum doula and I am here to share it with you.
IN THIS BLOG POST I’LL TELL YOU ALL ABOUT MY TOP POSTPARTUM RECOVERY PRODUCTS
This post will be solely focused on postpartum healing for moms. If you are interested in my breastfeeding or newborn essentials shoot me an email here. Some of the following links are affiliate links. I will receive a small commission if you purchase those products through my links.
What you’ll learn in this blog:
My top postpartum product recommendations
Why I choose certain postpartum products over others
Where to buy my postpartum product recommendations
For postpartum bleeding:
For ease of clean up and use, many moms prefer to use some form of disposable underwear. Most people do not like the feeling of the hospital-grade underwear they receive. I hear complaints about them being too tight, too low, too loose, etc. Moms have turned to products like the Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear which stretches comfortably yet keeps every other healing layer in place (like pads and liners). They are high-waisted which can be more comfortable for moms recovering from a c-section birth. The Frida Mom underwear is NOT absorbent so, if that is important to you, try the Always Discreet Disposable Underwear. This underwear is designed with a soft silky feel and a delicate lace pattern for a little feminine detail. They have a RapidDry core, OdorLock, and double LeakGuards for the ultimate postpartum protection.
If you are more natural or eco-minded, try out some period underwear like this Re-usable Period Underwear. Using period underwear like this gives you all-over protection and they’re machine washable. I recommend having at least 10 pairs on hand for the ability to change them a few times a day without being overwhelmed with laundry. Pair them with cloth pads, like these wegreeco Cloth Pads, to change your underwear less frequently and still have great leak protection. I recommend also having about 10 cloth pads ready to be used after giving birth. When I was pregnant with my first, I chose to take this route for my postpartum bleeding.
The pads you choose to use will depend on your personal preferences, but they are a MUST for postpartum recovery. The Hospital Style Postpartum Pads are a large, absorbent option that some women absolutely love and others can not stand. Why moms love them: the size and the amount of absorbency. Why moms hate them: their size is uncomfortable. If the size is uncomfortable but you want a comparable level of absorbancy Frida Mom Postpartum Pads might be perfect. These postpartum pads come with a maximum level of absorbancy composed of 6 layers and even leak-proof side walls to keep everything contained. Bonus: they’re made without fragrance, chlorine, or dyes.
Have you heard of making a postpartum pad like a “padsicle” or herbal healing pad? The Honey Pot Herbal Infused Postpartum Pads are a pre-made version of those herbal healing pads that are easy to use, absorbent, and provide an extra herbal healing element because they are infused with aloe, lavender, and mint. Bonus: These pads are also made without fragrances, chlorine, or pesticides and are made from 100% organic cotton.
For perineal healing:
The Frida Mom Peri Bottle is loved by many because it's designed to be easier to spray at the angle you need to postpartum. The Hospital Style Peri Bottle will likely be provided to you in your postpartum care kit at the hospital. It can be just as useful as the Frida Mom. Choosing between the two is up to your own personal preferences.
Make a postpartum bath easy with these Herbal Sitz Bath Sachets. This herbal bath was created by a mom and each packet is made individually at home. Each sachet contains a special blend of organic comfrey leaf, organic chamomile flower, organic lavender, organic raspberry leaf, organic yarrow flower, organic calendula flower, organic uva ursi leaf, organic plantain leaf, and Epsom salt. If you are a DIYer, like me, you can easily create your own healing postpartum blend using these ingredients or even different ones. Why I love this product in particular: because they are individually portioned sachets it makes steeping and clean-up a breeze.
Many people think you need to choose between a healing spray like Earth Mama Perineal Spray or a numbing spray like Dermoplast Spray. This is simply not true. Dermoplast may be provided by your hospital and can be used in conjunction with the Earth Mama Perineal spray or something like the herbal bath sachets mentioned above. The Earth Mama spray provides cooling relief without the use of chemicals. Bonus: it can spray upside down. The Dermoplast spray is a hospital-grade numbing spray used to relieve itching and burning caused by cuts, bug bites, and burns.
Did you know that heat is actually preferred over cold for Perineal healing? Try these Re-usable Hot or Cold Postpartum Pads. Why I love these: they’re reusable and you can change the temperature depending on where you need relief! These pads are not specific to the perineum. You can also use them for c-section incision pain or postpartum uterine cramping.
For postpartum afterpains:
If you need a larger, more continuous source of heat try and basic Electric Heating Pad. This heating pad is great for your sore muscles as well as those postpartum afterpains. I remember sitting on a heating pad when I was postpartum with my first to relieve some discomfort in my perineal area.
Over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful to have on hand. You may experience pain from uterine cramping, your c-section incision, or sore muscles. Consult your medical provider and take as needed for pain relief.
For constipation:
An over-the-counter stool softener like docusate sodium, can be helpful if you are experiencing constipation. Consult your medical provider and take as needed.
To put yourself in a better position to poop, try a Squatty Potty. Squatting to poop is a natural way to open up the sphincters in your body and relieve constipation. To keep your warm liquids warm this YETI Thermos Style Mug is the perfect size to keep in your bedroom. Use it for bone broth, postpartum tea, soup, or other warm and nourishing drink. Remember, keep your diet easy to digest with things like slow-cooked meat and stews, you can also add in some extra fiber. For extra hydration postpartum invest in a quality water bottle. You can use one you already have, but if you don’t have one with a straw consider this HydroFlask Straw Waterbottle.
For hemorrhoids:
The Frida Mom Witch Hazel Pad Liners are a new take on witch hazel pads for postpartum healing. Unlike the more “traditional” Tucks Pads which are round and require you to place multiple on your postpartum pad. Why I love the Frida Mom liners: they are full-length liners that won't require any overlapping. They are very similar products, so choose the one you think will work best for you postpartum.
Aloe Vera Gel can be placed on disposable pads to relieve your perineum or hemorrhoids. This particular brand is made in the US and is 100% aloe vera with no extra fillers. Another option for hemorrhoid relief is an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream like phenylephrine hemorrhoidal gel. Consult your medical provider and apply as needed.
For C-sections:
These Frida Mom Scar Sheets are designed specifically for C-section scars. They are just the right size, reduce irritation, are hydrating, and waterproof. While These are definitely not required for postpartum healing from a surgical birth, many of my clients find them helpful! If you have a high bed and have had a c-section, you may want to consider purchasing a step stool to help you get in and out of bed without too much discomfort.
For general healing:
A belly binder is helpful for reducing postpartum bleeding and helping your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size. I always recommend a Bengkung Belly Binding Wrap over the other commercially sold products. Why I love the Bengkung style wrap: it is free from velcro and zippers which can be uncomfortable and its size is customizable no need to guess what size you will be after birth! For an easy tutorial on wrapping yourself for postpartum click here. You’ll receive a detailed email and a video file attached on how to use a Bengkung belly wrap.
The products you choose to stock up on for postpartum will depend on your labor and birth outcome. If you have a vaginal birth, the C-section recommendations won’t apply to you but if you have a C-section many of the other items can be helpful in your recovery! I hope these recommendations were helpful for you and give you a head start as you prepare for postpartum.
Download my third-trimester checklist to help jumpstart your postpartum planning!