Just 8 short weeks ago, I gave birth to my sweet, sweet, son Bennett! As soon as they put that sweet bundle of joy in my arms, I was transported from mom-to-be to postpartum momma!
It didn’t take long before I was hit with the realization that I had spent so much time thinking about the birth and had completely neglected preparing myself for postpartum. Thankfully, I quickly found some birth recovery essentials that absolutely saved me in those early days.
From the late-night feedings to the first postpartum shower there were many surprising little comforts that made those early days easier. So when a friend recently asked me what she actually needs before the baby arrives, I put together this list of top postpartum essentials I either loved or wish I had from day one.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone you love, these are the game-changing baby and birth recovery essentials I’d recommend in a heartbeat.
What Makes the Best Postpartum Gifts for a New Mom?
When choosing what postpartum essentials to get a new mom, the most thoughtful ones aren’t always the fanciest—they’re the ones that offer comfort, practicality, and support during those intense early weeks of motherhood. Here are a few key qualities that make a postpartum gift truly meaningful:
1. Comfort-Focused
New moms are healing from birth, adjusting to sleepless nights, and dealing with hormonal shifts. They need birth recovery essentials that focus on their cofort. Gifts like cozy loungewear, soothing sprays, or soft blankets go a long way. Think: “Would this make her feel more at ease or cared for?”
2. Practical & Useful
The best postpartum essentials are the ones that get used. Whether it’s a pack of herbal pads, nipple balm, a good water bottle, or snacks she can eat with one hand, helpful wins every time.
3. Encourages Rest & Recovery
Products that promote rest are key birth recovery essentials—like a rechargeable nightlight for middle-of-the-night feeds or a butt cushion for more comfortable sitting—support the healing process and make everyday tasks a bit easier.
4. Low-Maintenance & Ready to Use
Gifts that don’t require assembly, brainpower, or extra steps are gold in the early days. A gift that’s ready to go straight out of the box is more appreciated than something that creates extra work.
5. Thoughtfully Personalized
Even something small, like including her favorite snack, a handwritten note, or a cozy robe in her favorite color, can make the gift feel extra special and personal.
6. Helps Her Feel Like Her Again
Self-care gifts that help a new mom reconnect with her identity might not be your first thought when considering birth recovery essentials. Clean, non-toxic deodorant, dry shampoo, or skincare remind her that she matters too, even when her world revolves around a newborn.
My Top Postpartum Essentials for Birth Recovery
1. Honeypot Postpartum Pads
These postpartum pads are cooling, herbal-infused pads that seriously help with healing and comfort. They are also made with a 100% cotton top layer, which I love! When there is already a lot going on down there, the last thing you want to worry about is a yeast infection from chemicals and fragrances on your pads.
These pads are specifically made with postpartum moms in mind and the packaging even recommends that you can stash them in the freezer for extra relief! I didn’t try this, but I’m sure it would be very soothing. They’re one of my favorite birth recovery essentials.
2. Frida Mom Disposable Boyshorts
I found these disposable boyshorts so much better than the mesh underwear from the hospital. They seemed like they added the tiniest bit of compression around my belly that I really liked. These are soft, stretchy, and stay in place, even when you’ve got all the layers of postpartum essentials down there.
I do want to mention that these may not be ideal for those who had a c-section because of where they hit on the waist in relation to the incision, so if you’re buying these for another momma, double check if these would be a good option for her.
3. Tucks Medicated Pads
These witch hazel pads are a lifesaver for soothing soreness and reducing swelling. I used them to line them up on my pad for extra comfort. While they do give you some at the hospital, I ran out the day I came home and had to send out my poor sleep-deprived husband for more ASAP, so next time I’ll make sure to have a package ready to go in my bathroom. They should definitely be part of anyone’s top postpartum essentials kit.
4. Button-Down Pajamas
Once I got home, I rotated through a couple pairs of button-down pajamas. They made nursing easier and helped me feel somewhat put together, even if I stayed in them all day. These make a cozy addition to your list of top postpartum essentials.
I received these button-down pajamas from my mother-in-law and loved their quality. I would recommend going for a darker color to not show any of the many number of stains that appear when in the trenches of postpartum.
5. Earth Mama Nipple Balm
If you’ve ever breastfed a newborn, you know it isn’t always easy, but this gentle and organic nipple balm actually worked to soothe soreness and make things a little easier. The biggest challenge will be remembering to put it on, but I used this religiously and I believe it single handedly saved me from any cracks or miserable soreness.
I also found that it was much less messy than the lanolin ointment I was provided at the hospital and I didn’t worry about the baby feeding soon after I put it on. It was definitely a postpartum essential I reached for multiple times a day.
6. Earth Mama Perineal Spray
Another Earth Mama product I love is the perineal spray. It’s cooling, healing, and easy to apply without needing to touch anything sensitive—another birth recovery essential that lives up to the hype. I used this once I felt like I had graduated from using the Dermoplast, but still needed a little soothing “down there”.
7. Lume Deodorant
Let’s be real—postpartum body odor is no joke, especially in those hormonal, sweaty early days. I’ve used natural deodorant for years and it has worked well for me. That is, until I experienced the “postpartum stink” I had heard so much about.
Thankfully, Lume is safe to use everywhere, including “down there” and helped me feel fresher when I needed it most. Products to help with the “postpartum stank” are not talked about enough, but it belongs on every top postpartum essentials list!
8. Button-Down Night Gowns (Perfect for the Hospital)
I lived in these during my hospital stay. They’re comfy, nursing-friendly, and made it easy for the nurses to do all their checks. For me, giving birth felt quite undignified, so it’s nice to get out of that hospital gown and into something I was more comfortable in.
My sister got me a night gown from Little Sleepies and got my son a matching onesie, which makes for very cute photo ops in the hospital. Definitely worth packing with your other birth recovery essentials.
9. Dermoplast Spray
Another birth recovery essential is the Dermoplast spray, especially if you have stitches or general tenderness. Similar to the Tucks, you will likely be provided with this at the hospital, but I ran out too soon.
It’s also helpful to keep a can in every bathroom and to have a spare for the diaper bag. Trust me, the first pee you have in public will be scary, but this will help tremendously.
10. A Water Bottle That Doesn’t Spill
Until I had my son, I was a dedicated Stanley cup gal. However, I quickly learned the importance of having a water bottle that didn’t spill when I started breastfeeding and needed my water nearby at all times.
Having something that doesn’t leak when I don’t always have a table nearby has been a game changer. My sister gifted me a Brumate tumbler and I have really loved it.
11. A Seat Cushion
Don’t underestimate the need for sitting comfortably! Whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or a C-section, sitting for long periods can be painful. During my entire hospital stay, I had a hard time sitting comfortably and really wished I had brought this cushion with me.
In fact, sent my husband home from the hospital to grab this seat cushion so I could use it for the 25 minute car ride home.
It really saved me the first few weeks at home and I carried this everywhere with me around the house! I found that a good cushion really makes all the difference—it was one of my favorite birth recovery essentials.
12. Dime Beauty Wonderscreen
In those early postpartum days, putting on any kind of makeup really wasn’t my first priority. However, I always felt such a difference if I could manage to even do a little bit to help get rid of those dark circles. This tinted sunscreen gave my skin just enough glow that it could even make an exhausted mother look like she’d had a full night’s rest.
I love how clean Dime’s ingredients are so I didn’t have to worry about anything transferring from my skin to my son’s face when we snuggled. Even though it’s not someone’s first thought as a postpartum essential, it’s a great self care item any mom could appreciate.
13. SNACKS
My top postpartum essentials list would be remiss if it didn’t include snacks! Whether you buy pre-made goodies, or choose to whip something up homemade, it will be greatly appreciated.
Whether your postpartum momma is breastfeeding or not, try to get things that are packed with protein and easy to eat with one hand. Plus, if it had a little chocolate in there, you may get bonus points.
Some of my favorite snacks included:
- Oat Protein Bites
- RX Bars
- Lara Bars
- Mama Chia Packets
- Bran Muffins
- Perfect Bars
- Power Crunch Bars
- Kind Bars
- Sourdough Granola Bars
Whether you’re building your baby registry, shopping for a new mom friend, or preparing for your own postpartum journey, I hope this list of top postpartum essentials and birth recovery essentials helps. Those first few weeks can be overwhelming, but having the right products truly brings some comfort and sanity.
Did I miss any of your favorite products? Share your top postpartum essentials in the comments—I’d love to hear what helped you!
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