Postpartum must haves for comfort and support
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In this article
The first weeks: A Guide to postpartum recovery essentials Postpartum essentials for physical recovery Peri bottle & sitz bath Postpartum underwear & pads Pain & swelling relief Breastfeeding & comfort for new moms Nursing bras & tanks Nursing pillow & chair Breast pumps & comfort items Clothing & everyday postpartum care Mental and emotional postpartum support The overlooked postpartum helpers Final thoughts Final thoughts: Support is the ultimate must have FAQs: postpartum must haves for comfort and support Related articles
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The first weeks: A guide to postpartum recovery essentials
After years of trying, tears, and late-night prayers, our miracle, our son Owen, finally arrived. That moment changed everything for me, not just as a new mom but also as a nurse practitioner. I quickly realized firsthand how overwhelming the postpartum season can feel, even with all my training.
So, let's talk about something we don't always prepare for enough: postpartum must-haves for comfort and support. Childbirth is just the beginning. The real marathon is the recovery, healing, and learning to care for yourself while caring for your baby. This article will walk you through the essential items I recommend to every new mom—the tools that make healing and mothering less overwhelming.
Postpartum essentials for physical recovery
The first weeks postpartum are all about healing your body, whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section. These are the items that provide the most relief and comfort.
Peri bottle & sitz bath
For a vaginal delivery, a peri bottle is a non-negotiable part of your postpartum recovery kit. The hospital version works, but an angled bottle is a significant upgrade.
Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle
This is an absolute must-have for postpartum care. Unlike the hospital version, its ergonomic upside-down design and angled nozzle make it easier to reach sensitive areas, providing more effective and soothing cleaning. A key part of any postpartum recovery kit.
Fivona Sitz Bath for Toilet Seat
This convenient basin fits on a standard toilet, making it easy to create a soothing sitz bath at home. It provides relief for perineal discomfort, hemorrhoids, and stitches, promoting healing. A great postpartum essential for new moms.
Thena Sitz Bath Soak
This soothing blend of epsom salts, sea salts, and lavender is designed to be added to a warm bath. The natural ingredients help reduce swelling, promote healing, and calm perineal discomfort. A wonderful self-care item for new moms and a great addition to a postpartum care package.
Postpartum underwear & pads
You'll need breathable, high-rise underwear that won't irritate stitches and pads designed for heavy flow.
Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear
Say goodbye to uncomfortable hospital mesh. These super-stretchy, soft, high-waisted briefs are an essential for your hospital bag. They hold postpartum pads in place without squeezing or irritating stitches, providing mess-free comfort for both vaginal and C-section recovery.
Always Maxi Overnight Pads, Size 4
These pads are a top choice for postpartum bleeding. Featuring a LeakGUARD core and RapidDRY technology, they absorb gushes quickly and provide up to 100% leak-free protection. The longer, wider back offers added coverage for confident, worry-free comfort, especially overnight.
Pain & swelling relief
Swelling, stitches, and sore muscles need consistent TLC.
Frida Mom Instant Ice Maxi Pads
A genius 2-in-1 product that combines instant cold therapy with an absorbent maxi pad. These "padsicles" are a lifesaver for cooling and soothing your perineal area and are a must-have for postpartum pain relief and swelling, with no freezer required.
Tucks Witch Hazel Pads
A favorite brand used by hospitals, these medicated cooling pads are a new mom essential for relieving discomfort. Made with witch hazel, they are a lifesaver for soothing stitches, perineal irritation, and hemorrhoids, with a gentle, cooling effect. They're also great as a moist compress for added relief.
Breastfeeding & comfort for new moms
If you're breastfeeding, your comfort is key. The right gear can help you focus on bonding instead of battling discomfort.
Nursing bras & tanks
A good bra feels like a hug. It's a key part of your postpartum essentials list.
Kindred Bravely Sublime Sleep Nursing & Pumping Bra
This ultra-soft, wire-free nursing bra is designed for all-day comfort and easy access for both nursing and pumping. It's the perfect choice for your changing body and a must-have maternity and postpartum essential.
Simple Wishes Hands-Free Pumping Bra
This adjustable bra holds pump flanges securely, freeing your hands so you can relax, work, or sip coffee while pumping. It's a game-changer for hands-free pumping.
Bearsland Women’s Maternity Nursing Tank Tops
Stylish and functional, these nursing tanks are perfect for layering under cardigans or wearing alone. With discreet openings and a soft feel, they make breastfeeding a new mom essential both at home and on the go.
Nursing pillow & chair
You'll spend hours feeding, so a supportive setup matters.
Boppy Nursing Pillow
This supportive pillow is a true newborn essential, designed to keep your baby at the right height for feeding while easing strain on your back and shoulders. Its firm, versatile C-shape makes it ideal for a variety of nursing and bottle-feeding positions, and as your baby grows, it doubles as a supportive prop for tummy time and for when they're learning to sit up. It’s a multi-use product that supports your baby’s development and is a long-standing favorite among new parents.
CHITA Power Recliner Nursery Chair
This supportive chair is a game-changer for long nursing sessions. It offers a quiet, smooth power recline and a 270-degree swivel, making it easy to get up without waking a sleeping baby. It also includes built-in USB and Type-C ports to keep your devices charged, making it a perfect spot for feeding, soothing, and bonding.
Breast pumps & comfort items
Even if you're breastfeeding, a pump can help with engorgement or building a freezer stash.
Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump
A hospital-grade pump known for a quiet yet powerful suction, with a rechargeable battery that makes it perfect for pumping at home or on the go. This pump is ideal for moms who need a strong, reliable option for building or maintaining their milk supply, especially for a full-time pumping schedule or if they have a history of low supply.
Willow 360 Wearable Breastfeeding Hands-Free Pump
This truly hands-free pump offers a discreet, all-in-one design with no dangling wires or cords. Its wearable technology gives you the freedom to move and pump anywhere, whether you're at the office or running errands. This pump is best for moms who prioritize mobility and convenience, allowing them to pump discreetly and continue with their daily tasks without being tied to an outlet.
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream
This nipple cream is a must-have for your breastfeeding journey. It's the #1 recommended cream by doctors and lactation consultants for a reason. Made with a single, ultra-purified ingredient, it provides safe, instant relief for sore, cracked, and dry nipples. The best part? It's 100% natural, hypoallergenic, and so safe for baby that there is no need to remove it before a feeding. It's a true lifesaver for new moms!
Lansinoh Hot and Cold Breast Therapy Packs
These versatile packs are a game-changer for common breastfeeding challenges. Use them cold to help soothe painful engorgement and swelling. When heated in the microwave, they provide therapeutic relief for clogged ducts and mastitis. The packs are designed to conform to your breast for 360-degree relief and can even be wrapped around a pump flange to encourage milk let-down, helping you pump more effectively. They are a true must-have for your breastfeeding essentials kit.
Clothing & everyday postpartum care
Your body will feel different after birth. Clothes that are soft, supportive, and comfortable make a huge difference in your day-to-day routine.
Kindred Bravely Postpartum Leggings
These ultra-soft, high-waisted leggings are designed to provide gentle compression and core support after delivery. They're a comfortable and stylish postpartum clothing essential that hugs your curves and helps you feel put-together, whether you're at home or out and about.
HOFISH 3-Pack Seamless Pregnancy & Nursing Bras
This affordable yet comfortable 3-pack is a favorite among new moms. These bras feature easy-to-use drop-down cups for convenient feeding, wireless support, and a stretchy, seamless fit that adapts to your changing body throughout pregnancy and postpartum. They are a great, budget-friendly option for your nursing bra collection.
UGG Women’s Scuffette Slippers
After a long day of caring for a newborn, these slippers feel like a hug for your feet. With a plush sheepskin lining and a soft suede upper, they provide warmth and comfort for those endless trips to the nursery at 3 a.m. Their durable rubber sole also makes them versatile for a quick trip to the mailbox. These are an essential for your postpartum comfort and support.
Mental and emotional postpartum support
While physical healing is important, your mental health matters just as much.
Journaling: An excellent way to process the whirlwind of emotions.
Postpartum affirmation candles: A simple way to create a moment of peace and grounding.
Support groups: Find a local new mom group or a dedicated Facebook or Reddit group to connect with others who just get it.
The overlooked postpartum helpers
A few items that often get missed but will be a lifesaver:
Postpartum Belly Band Support Wrap
This breathable, one-piece belly wrap offers gentle abdominal and back support after C-sections or vaginal birth. Lightweight and discreet under clothing, it helps reduce swelling, stabilize muscles, and restore comfort and confidence during your postpartum recovery.
Hatch Rest Baby Night Light & Sound Machine
Soft light and soothing sounds make 2 a.m. feeds calmer for both mom and baby. This all-in-one device is a nursery essential that helps create a peaceful sleep environment.
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil for Scars & Stretch Marks
Bio-Oil is a favorite among new moms for its ability to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It's formulated with plant oils and vitamins that help improve skin elasticity and tone, making it a great addition to your postpartum skin care routine.
Parker Bedside Baby Diaper Caddy
Keep burp cloths, nipple balm, diapers, and wipes organized for nighttime feeds, so you're not scrambling in the dark. This portable caddy is a newborn essential that simplifies middle-of-the-night care.
Stanley Quencher 40oz Tumbler
"Big feeds mean big thirst." This tumbler keeps water ice-cold, making it easier for breastfeeding moms to stay hydrated day and night. It's a true postpartum hydration must-have for new moms.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
Nursing can leave you drained—literally. This electrolyte powder helps replenish your body's fluids, supporting energy and milk production. It's a simple way to boost your hydration during the busy fourth trimester.
Final thoughts
When I look back at those first weeks with Owen, what stands out isn’t just the sleepless nights or the sore body—it’s the quiet moments of comfort that got me through. A warm sitz bath after a hard day. A soft bra that didn’t make me wince. Postpartum isn't easy, but with the right physical and emotional support, you can heal, bond, and find joy in the little things.
You deserve that comfort. What's one item on your list you're most excited to use?
FAQs: postpartum must haves for comfort and support
What do I actually need postpartum for comfort?
At a minimum, your postpartum recovery kit should include a peri bottle, pads, comfortable underwear, and nursing bras. Extras like a sitz bath or recovery leggings make the process smoother.
How long do I need postpartum support items?
Most moms use these items for 6–12 weeks, but essentials like nursing bras and pillows remain useful throughout your entire breastfeeding journey.
What's the best postpartum underwear for C-section recovery?
For a C-section, look for high-waisted, seamless designs that won't rub against your incision. Frida Mom and Kindred Bravely both offer excellent options that are part of most C-section must-haves lists.
Do I need a postpartum belly band?
Many women find them helpful for core and back support, particularly after a C-section. While not a must-have for everyone, a postpartum belly band can significantly ease discomfort.
Are postpartum essentials different if I'm breastfeeding?
Yes. A breastfeeding mom will want to focus on nursing essentials for new moms, including nursing bras, nipple cream, breast pads, and plenty of hydration-friendly gear.
The content on Awaiting the Stork™ is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified physician or healthcare professional to address your unique health needs and circumstances.Â
Mindy Motta, FNP-C
Mindy is a seasoned OB-GYN Nurse Practitioner and co-founder of Awaiting the Stork™. After overcoming her own years-long fertility journey, she now blends clinical expertise with heartfelt empathy to offer new mom advice and evidence-based support for every stage of motherhood. Mindy’s mission is to nurture confidence, connection, and clarity for women stepping into motherhood’s many joys and challenges.
