17 Must-Have Postpartum Care Supplies to Ease Recovery and Help You Heal

In the excitement and anticipation of preparing for a new baby, many new parents may overlook preparing for their own needs after labor and delivery. If you’re a first-time parent, you may not even be aware of what postpartum care supplies you’ll need. You’ll likely experience a wide range of symptoms during the early weeks after giving birth, from bleeding to fatigue to pain. It’s essential during this time to be kind to yourself and give your body a chance to heal. Preparing a postpartum care package for yourself while you’re still pregnant can help make the transition into parenthood a little easier. Let’s take a look at some of the postpartum care products you’ll want to stock up on before your baby’s arrival.

Postpartum Care Products for Relieving Pain

Odds are pretty good that as your body begins to recover you’ll experience some soreness. For example, you may be healing from a perineal tear, bruising, or episiotomy. You may have developed hemorrhoids while pushing. C-section postpartum care may require a few additional items to speed healing and reduce pain. Here are a few supplies to soothe your discomfort.

• Over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Double-check with your doctor first if you’re breastfeeding.
• Analgesic foams, sprays, or creams can help cool or numb the pain.
• A peri bottle. Fill with warm tap water and gently squeeze it to squirt water over your perineum while using the bathroom. This helps gently cleanse the area to prevent infection and makes it more comfortable to urinate.
• Disposable washcloths and gauze to carefully pat yourself dry after going to the bathroom.
• Ice packs to help minimize swelling and pain. Make your own by soaking gauze or sanitary pads in witch hazel and freeze inside a clean freezer bag. 
• A donut pillow to relieve pressure on your swollen hemorrhoids or perineum.
• Witch hazel pads to soothe the itching and inflammation of hemorrhoids
• A stool softener to make bowel movements easier and less scary. Anesthesia and other pain meds used during labor and delivery can be constipating. Ask your doctor for recommendations, especially if you’re nursing. 
• Loose, comfortable clothing. Soft, oversized garments help safeguard your C-section incision and prevent irritation. 
• A pillow for your abdomen. If you deliver via cesarean, place a pillow against your tummy while holding or feeding the baby to protect your scar. Keep it handy for times you need to sneeze, laugh, or cough as well. 
• A sitz bath. Soaking your tush in a small tub of warm water for about 20 minutes promotes healing and helps decrease pain and inflammation.

Postpartum Care Products for Bleeding

Whether you delivered vaginally or by cesarean, you’ll experience vaginal discharge and bleeding (lochia) after giving birth. This is essentially your body’s way of cleaning house and removing any excess tissue and blood from your uterus. Having the proper postpartum care supplies on hand can help you feel more comfortable, aid in your recovery, and minimize the chances of infection. Here are a few products you may want to stock up on to help you heal.

• Mesh undies. They’re breathable and stretchy, and you can throw them away when you’re done. The hospital will probably give you some, but it’s a good idea to make sure you have some available, particularly during those first few days at home.
• Large comfy cotton undies that are roomy enough to accommodate the big pads. They’ll probably get stained so invest in darker colors or use old underwear you can throw away.
• Pads…lots of them. The hospital may provide you with some extra maternity pads (ultra-thick ones made specifically for postpartum bleeding). Overnight maxi pads or incontinence pads work well for the first couple of weeks when bleeding is heaviest. Stock up on lighter flow pads as well, since you’ll have a lighter discharge that may last a few weeks.

Change pads frequently to speed your recovery and avoid infection. Avoid tampons until your doctor says it’s safe to use them. If you begin running a fever or show other signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Postpartum Care Products for Breasts

Whether you plan to nurse your baby or use formula, your breasts will automatically prepare for lactation. This can result in engorgement and nipple soreness among other things. Here are a few postpartum care supplies you’ll want regardless of how you choose to feed your baby.

• A comfortable bra. Your breasts will feel heavy, tender, and possibly sore as they become engorged with milk. A soft, yet supportive bra will help relieve some of the pressure and extra weight of your breasts. If you plan to nurse, invest in a high-quality nursing bra to make life a little easier.
• Breast pads to manage leaking breast milk. 
• Nipple balm or cream to soothe cracked, painful nipples.

The Takeaway on Postpartum Care Supplies

Preparing for your own arrival home from the hospital is just as essential as getting ready for your newborn’s homecoming. Figuring out what postpartum care supplies you’ll need to have on hand can help reduce your anxiety and help you feel more prepared for what’s to come. You’ll be able to address pain and discomfort as soon as it occurs. You’ll also avoid having to get out and head to the store when you’re not feeling great. Instead, you’ll be able to focus your time and energy on healing and enjoying your sweet new baby.