7 Postpartum essentials you didn’t know you needed.
(Or maybe no one told you because they forgot about what happens after birth.)
You’ve packed your hospital bag, stocked up on newborn diapers, and maybe even lined up your postpartum meal train. But what about the things no one mentions, the everyday little lifesavers that make those early weeks of recovery smoother, calmer, and dare I say…cozier?
As a birth doula and mom myself, I’m here to make sure you’re not googling “postpartum essentials” at 2 a.m. with a crying baby in one arm and a peri bottle in the other. These are the must-haves I recommend to every new parent I work with, and yes, they’re all things you probably didn’t know you needed.
A postpartum plan (and snacks—always snacks)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty gear, let’s talk big picture. My number one postpartum essential? A plan. Talk with your partner, doula, or support team about how you’ll rest, recover, and ask for help. Line up a meal train or fill your freezer. Then stash water and snacks (think granola bars, trail mix, fruit pouches) anywhere you plan to feed your baby, bedside, on the couch, in the rocking chair.
If you’re not sure where to start, I offer a postpartum doula package that includes a dedicated planning session to help you feel confident and supported heading into those early weeks. Whether it's your first or your fifth baby, every family deserves postpartum care that centers on rest and recovery.
2. Earth Mama Perineal Spray
Soothing, cooling, and herbal, this little spray bottle is a gift from the postpartum gods. Keep it in the fridge for extra relief and use it after bathroom trips or showers to ease that “I just had a baby” feeling. It's especially helpful in those first few tender days.
3. Sitz bath herbs
If you’ve got a bathtub, you’ve got everything you need. Steep some postpartum herbs (I like the ones from Earth Mama or WishGarden) and fill your bath just a few inches to avoid overdiluting the mixture, then pour the warm tea between your legs as you soak. It’s healing, grounding, and a great reason to sneak away for 15 minutes. No tub? You can use a sitz bath basin, but a regular bath works just as well.
4. Squatty Potty
This might be the least glamorous item on the list—but hear me out. Postpartum poops are no joke, and anything that helps you go comfortably is worth it. A Squatty Potty helps align your body so things can, well, move along naturally. Your pelvic floor will thank you.
5. High-rise postpartum underwear & giant pads
Save the lacey underwear for next season. Right now you need breathable, stretchy, and high-waisted, especially if you’ve had a cesarean birth. Mesh hospital panties are actually amazing. For long-term support, I love the options from Bodily and Hatch. And don’t forget those oversized pads (or disposable underwear like Rael). You'll be bleeding for a few weeks, so stock up.
While you're at it, put a mattress protector on your bed. Between bleeding, postpartum sweats, and leaking boobs, it's a real gift to Future You.
6. Silverettes & breast pads
Whether you’re nursing or not, your nipples are going to need some TLC. Silverettes are reusable silver nipple covers that help soothe soreness and promote healing. Earth Mama nipple balm is a nice herbal option, too.
Leaky boobs? Totally normal. Grab a set of reusable breast pads—I recommend Bamboobies. Get some overnight ones, too, because those early milk leaks tend to hit hardest in the middle of the night.
7. String lights for late-night feeds
Soft, ambient light is a game-changer in the early weeks. Whether you're nursing, bottle feeding, or just rocking your baby back to sleep, having gentle string lights behind your bed helps you see without the jarring brightness of overhead lights. It makes those 2 a.m. wakeups feel just a little cozier and a lot less disruptive for everyone. (Bonus: It’s great for middle-of-the-night diaper changes, too.)
Bonus: change stations & super swaddles
Set up simple diaper change stations in the rooms you hang out in most. A small towel, a few diapers, and wipes go a long way in making life easier. And while we all have different preferences for baby gear, my absolute must-have? A good muslin swaddle. I’ll teach you my go-to swaddling technique (the Super Baby Swaddle!) if we work together; it's magic.
Your postpartum season should feel like a time to rest, bond, and be cared for.
These essentials aren’t about buying a bunch of stuff—they’re about preparing thoughtfully so that you can feel grounded, even when everything else feels new.
If you're expecting a baby in Whitefish, Montana, I’d love to support you during this transformative time. Whether you’re looking for a birth doula, a postpartum doula, newborn photography, or a cozy circle of fellow moms, I’ve got something for you.
→ Click here to learn more or reach out to book a session
→ Join me at Postpartum Resource Group’s The Circle Whitefish, a monthly peer support group that is an easygoing, welcoming space for new moms to connect, share, and feel seen.
You've got this—and you don’t have to do it alone.
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