Postpartum Care Kit: 22 Best Picks For Postbirth Recovery

During pregnancy, moms are so preoccupied with preparing for their little bundle of joy and baby-proofing everything in sight, that they might forget about needing a postpartum care kit. 

That’s why I’m here to help you put one together. The contents of a postpartum care kit are entirely up to you, of course, but it should definitely contain items to help your body recover from the intense experience that is giving birth!

Becoming a mother is the beginning of a wonderful journey, but you should also remember to take care of yourself and your body with items that are postpartum essentials.

This includes peri bottles, maxi pads, comfy undies, but also items like nipple creams for nursing that will help you power through the growing pains of motherhood.

Aside from practical items, I’ve also added items such as comfy robes and postnatal vitamins that will help your postpartum body adjust to this new exciting period of your life, both physically and emotionally.

So without further ado, let’s get your postpartum recovery kit ready!

1. Frida Mom Hospital Packing Kit

Putting together a postpartum care kit from scratch can take up a lot of time.

And if you’re already dealing with a baby registry, you might not have enough time to pick each item individually.

In this case, a ready-made kit is the perfect choice.

The Frida Mom postpartum care kit comes with the essentials you would need after vaginal birth (so if you’ve got a cesarean surgery scheduled, you probably won’t find this kit as useful for your C-section recovery). 

It includes 4 pairs of disposable postpartum undies, witch-hazel pads, a peri bottle, and perineal healing foam – all in a cute and practical bag to make that first trip to the toilet post-delivery as easy as possible.

I also really love the gown that’s included and can be used during delivery and nursing, since many moms dislike the gowns they receive at the hospital.

Plus, you get an extra pair of socks.

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2. Abena Maternity Pads Premium

Postpartum bleeding, which is also called lochia, can last for several weeks.

During this time, you may experience a lot of heavy bleeding, so you’re definitely going to be needing postpartum maxi pads, since the regular menstrual pads just won’t make the cut. 

They’re made out of a very soft material, which is especially great for women after giving vaginal birth as the area becomes so sensitive.

I even found these pads to be a lot softer than those you’re given at the hospital.

Depending on your flow, you might need to use these for just a couple of weeks or longer. In any case, I definitely recommend stocking your hospital bag with these pads and using them from the get-go.

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3. Fruit of the Loom Women’s Underwear Breathable Panties

Comfortable underwear that have enough room to fit maternity pads and are comfortable to wear should also be high on your postpartum recovery list. 

Whether you have a C-section or not, the first weeks after giving birth are going to be filled with changing maxi pads and a lot of discomfort. 

I found that even really affordable underwear like Fruit of the Loom do a fantastic job of keeping new moms comfy as they recovered, which is why I think every mom should get a couple of pairs.

Besides, it’s not a big deal if you end up staining them – you can either machine-wash them or just replace them with a new pair.

Buy on Amazon

4. Mesh Postpartum Underwear

But even before you put on a pair of comfortable underwear in the weeks that follow giving birth, there’s a different kind of undies you’ll need to prepare.

It’s called mesh underwear and they are a staple of postpartum life. You’ll get your first pair in hospital, but I always tell moms to stock up on additional pairs for use at home. 

Mesh underwear can be worn by women who have had C-sections as well as vaginal deliveries, since the hem of the underwear comes very high on the stomach and won’t irritate your scar or get in the way of your healing.

Women love them because they’re comfortable and stretch to accommodate your body as it changes. 

Mesh underwear also keeps maternity pads in place and ensures that there’s no leaking as you go about your day. And even if there is, you won’t mind, since they are made to be disposable (but this model can be washed as well).

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5. Gentlepack Reusable Perineal Ice & Heat Packs

These ice packs are great during your postpartum recovery process for several reasons.

Naturally, moms who gave birth vaginally can use them to minimize swelling in the perineal area but also for hemorrhoids.

There are three packs in one packaging, along with covers that you can wash after every use.

After you get a pack out of the freezer, it usually remains cold for about half an hour.

And even after you have recovered from giving birth, you can keep these in the fridge to use as regular ice packs for sports injuries, for example.

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6. Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads

Hemorrhoids really are a bane of pregnant women’s existence, especially after vaginal delivery. 

Women who had them while they were pregnant might discover that they got worse postpartum, while ladies who got lucky during pregnancy could get them after giving birth.

Even though most of the time they go away without any treatment, they can be incredibly painful and getting some type of over-the-counter treatment will be beneficial.

These cooling pads by Tucks offer a lot of relief and are great for treating hemorrhoids in general, and not just after giving birth.

The pads contain witch-hazel, which takes care of the uncomfortable itchy and burning sensation, especially after going number 2. 

In addition to being great for hemorrhoids, they can provide relief in case you also have stitches on your perineum.

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7. Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle for Postpartum Care

Designed like an upside-down water bottle, this peri bottle by Frida Mom is essential because going to the restroom after giving birth to your little one is going to be a challenge. 

The best way to keep clean without touching or irritating the sensitive vaginal area post-birth is with a peri bottle, of course.

All you do is fill it up with water and it turns into your very own portable bidet. You can even add a couple of drops of witch-hazel, which will help with the swelling.

Even women who had C-sections opt for a peri bottle because it is a lot easier to clean up with a bit of water that doesn’t require them to move around or use their muscles a lot. 

The best part is that the neck of the bottle is at an angle, so your hand never has to go near the inside of a toilet seat!

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8. Motherlove Sitz Bath Spray

A sitz bath is a shallow bath you can give to your genital area and is perfect for moms who delivered their baby vaginally. 

It helps clean the perineum which can get really sore or even tear during childbirth, so giving it the proper postpartum care is really important.

You can take a sitz bath in a ready-made kit you can find online or simply in the tub.

But this sitz bath spray by Motherlove eliminates the need for either one since you can just spray it on the area and it provides relief instantly.

It’s made from yarrow, uva ursi, and witch-hazel, and also contains lavender and grapefruit essential oil. In addition to soothing any pain or discomfort in the perineum, you can also use it if you get hemorrhoids.

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9. Frida Mom Perineal Medicated Witch-Hazel Healing Foam for Postpartum Care

An alternative to sprays is healing foam.

This foam contains witch-hazel as well, but the biggest difference (and why a lot of moms prefer it to the spray) is that when you spray it on the maternity pad, it doesn’t soak in, so you will get much better coverage.

If you’re a really big fan of getting a cooling sensation, you can store the spray in the fridge. Like the spray, the healing foam is also great for hemorrhoids too.

Buy on Amazon

10. Sitz Bath for Toilet

In case neither sprays nor healing foam sound good to you, how about giving portable baths a try?

This is an easy to use sitz bath that you can fit onto your toilet, fill with water and your remedies of choice, and treat yourself to some relief from perineal pain.

This bath can also come in handy after you have recovered from birth – if you’re prone to having yeast or urinary tract infections, for example, you can take a quick sitz bath with some baking soda to soothe the symptoms.

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11. Dermoplast Pain & Itch Spray

Dermoplast is a lifesaver for many new moms.

In addition to adding it to your postpartum care kit, it’s good to keep a can at the ready as your kids get older since it helps with itching and everyday injuries.

Moms who had vaginal birth can use it to soothe the pain of perineal tears.

It’s also a great remedy for itches that come during the healing period.

Dermoplast will definitely get rid of the itchiness and the cooling sensation will add an extra layer of pain relief.

Most moms will get a can from the hospital, but it’s good to plan ahead and buy a few extra sprays, since they go a really long way during your recovery.

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12. Colace Regular Strength Stool Softener

Going number 2 after giving birth requires some preparation.

Whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or a C-section, a stool softener like Colace deserves its place in your postpartum kit.

A stool softener will cause less pain to your perineum and will make it easier to go even if you have hemorrhoids, which are very common after giving birth.

Many moms who have a belly birth experience constipation, so Colace is a good choice even after you have a C-section, especially since you might be afraid of straining or using your stomach muscles a lot.

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13. Organic Nipple Butter Breastfeeding Cream by Earth Mama

While breastfeeding for the first time, many moms are not prepared for how painful breastfeeding can be, and how sore their nipples would become.

Among many nipple creams, lanolin is very popular but not for everyone because of its texture. 

If you are looking for an alternative to lanolin, the Earth Mama cream could be great for you.

It contains shea butter, which is great for dried out skin, as well as olive oil (perfect for women with very sensitive skin) and cocoa seed butter that will provide a lot of hydration for your skin.

I’m not sure if you know this, but most women who give up breastfeeding, do so because of the pain.

This is the main reason why a good, high-quality nipple cream should be part of your postpartum care kit since every mom deserves to breastfeed for as long as she wants to.

Buy on Amazon

14. Lansinoh Soothies Breast Gel Pads for Breastfeeding and Nipple Relief

If you’re worried about sore and chafed nipples, but don’t want to use creams, then breast pads are a great alternative. 

Nipple pads are a lifesaver for moms whose nipples are so sore, they hurt even against the fabric of really soft nursing bras. 

One pad can be used as many as 72 hours (so you can leave them on as overnight pads) and if you’d like an extra kicker, you can keep them in the fridge for an extra soothing, cooling sensation. 

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15. Dr Teal’s Therapeutic Solutions Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution

Baths can be incredibly relaxing for new moms, and I definitely recommend them if you are in the need of spending some alone time to recover and relax.

As your body recovers from giving birth, you should remember to give your mind the same treatment, too.

Keep in mind that moms who had a C-section need to wait for several weeks before taking baths (always talk to your doctor about this) because of their incision scar.

However, mamas that delivered their little ones vaginally can enjoy baths a lot sooner and can even take a sitz bath with Epsom salt, which will reduce soreness, swelling, and make for a much faster healing process of the vaginal area.

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16. Advil Pain Reliever

The pain of childbirth doesn’t necessarily end after you give birth to a child.

There’s something called afterpains, which is your uterus contracting some more even after delivering a baby, and these can be quite painful for some women.

This might last as long as a week, so it’s good to have ibuprofen (like Advil) in your medicine cabinet or postpartum care kit.

An Advil can also take care of the pain caused by perineal tears and labor in general. 

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17. Mama’s Select Post-Natal Plus Vitamins

Remember all those prenatal vitamins you were taking in preparation for your pregnancy?

There is also a postnatal version as well, and they’re just as important for your and your baby’s health!

The fact is, new moms have little time to focus on themselves or their nutrition, which is why it’s important to take postnatal vitamins..

Especially if you are breastfeeding, you’re probably going to need supplements that will support your milk production and are safe to take for longer periods of time. 

What’s more, these supplements can really improve how much energy you have during the day.

And with more energy, you are better equipped to tackle the challenges of the day.

These supplements contain vitamin B6 and D, thiamin, as well as iron, which is really important to prevent you from feeling tired all the time.

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18. Pink Stork Postpartum Mood Support

It’s no secret that the postpartum period can be an incredibly hard time for women.

We struggle with postpartum anxiety and waves of all sorts of emotions while taking care of the new life we’ve brought into this world. 

It’s a lot of responsibility to carry on their shoulders, so it’s no surprise that many women begin to struggle emotionally.

And not feeling your best can take away some of the best early moments of motherhood from you.

RELATED: Postpartum Rage: The Ugliest Side Of Postpartum Depression

Pink Stork supplements regulate the hormone imbalance that can lead to moms feeling down or stressed.

Furthermore, they will help you control your emotions and not the other way around.

But before starting to take any type of supplements, you should first have a chat with your doctor, of course.

Buy on Amazon

19. Richie House Women’s Plush Soft Warm Fleece Bathrobe Robe

While clothes might be the last thing on your mind during your third trimester, you should definitely know that having cozy and comfy clothing to wear while recovering at home is going to be really important.

For the first few weeks of your postpartum period, robes are one of the best clothing items you could have in your closet.

So many moms emphasize the importance of wearing the right clothing, and robes make everyday activities like going to the bathroom or nursing much easier.

Plus, this robe even has pockets where you can keep snacks or your phone! And whether you prefer more subdued or brighter shades, there are more than half a dozen color options to choose from.

Buy on Amazon

20. Ekouaer 3 in 1 Delivery/Labor/Nursing Nightgown

Let’s talk about maternity outfits!

I always recommend moms pieces that are versatile and go a long way in terms of usability, and this is a nightgown that ticked all of those boxes for me. 

RELATED: 11 Best Nursing Nightwear Choices For Easy Breastfeeding

You can wear it at the hospital after giving birth because it is so much more comfortable than a regular hospital gown, but you will also have enough room to sleep comfortably because it’s not tight.

But without question, the best part about the dress is the breast zippers on the sides that make nursing so easy and there’s no need to pull the top half of your shirt down.

The zippers are very discreet too and aren’t placed very close to the nipples, so you can be sure they won’t irritate the sensitive skin in this area.

You can even wear this nightgown during your entire pregnancy, but my advice is to order one size up since your third-trimester belly is going to make fitting into your regular size a little bit tricky.

Buy on Amazon

21. Medela Contact Nipple Shield for Breastfeeding

Before you have your baby, there’s no way of knowing whether breastfeeding will come easy or not. Some babies know what to do right away, while others need a bit of gentle coaching.

Sometimes the reason could lie in low milk production and the baby simply can’t get enough milk.

But there are moms who find that their little one is still having trouble nursing even after their milk supply has improved.

On the other hand, nipples that are inverted or flat could also make it harder for the baby to breastfeed.

Preemie babies can also have trouble nursing correctly and need some help.

No matter what the reason is, having a nipple shield at the ready is always a good idea, but always get in touch with your lactation consultant or doctor first to get advice that’s tailored for your baby and you. 

These nipple shields by Medela come in three sizes, along with a small case for storage.

Plus, they were designed to provide a solution to some of the nursing issues that I’ve already mentioned above, so your breastfeeding journey doesn’t have to be cut short.

Since they are made of silicone, they can be cleaned like baby bottles and pacifiers, either by boiling them in hot water or putting them in a bottle sterilizer (if you have one).

Buy on Amazon

22. Loving Moments by Leading Lady Shirred-Front Nursing Bralette Bra

Last but not least, you’re going to need a special bra.

Pregnancy and post-pregnancy breasts go through a lot of changes that a nursing bra is best equipped to deal with.

This nursing bra runs in a variety of sizes, from small to plus size, but it’s also designed to accommodate your breasts as they change so you don’t have to buy another one every time you move up or down a size.

The hooks are placed in the front of the bra, so when you’re about to nurse or pump, it’s easy to lower it down and feed your little one.

The material is mostly cotton, which is great news for sensitive nipples that need comfortable fabric.

Buy on Amazon

Wrap Up

So many moms say that their pregnancies went by in a flash!

One day you’re holding a positive pregnancy test, the next day you are already being wheeled out of the hospital and taking your new baby home.

Preparing for an incoming bundle of joy is so time-consuming, too!

First-time parents have it especially tough since they’re just beginning to dip their toes into the adventure that is parenthood.

While it can be really hard to keep track of all the different baby accessories you need and make sure everything is ready for the baby’s arrival, we shouldn’t let our needs as moms fall to the sidelines.

Postpartum essentials aren’t called like this for no reason – these are the items that will make sure you have a smooth and quick recovery, regardless of whether you’ve had a vaginal or a belly birth. 

Plus, when you have a great postpartum care kit, it means that you’ll be able to fully enjoy those wonderful first weeks of your baby’s life, and that’s the most important thing of all!

READ NEXT:

• How Postpartum Belly Binding Can Help You After Delivery
• Postpartum Padsicles – What Are They And How To Make And Use Them 

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