10 Postpartum Must-Haves That Truly Help You Heal

When I was pregnant, I spent so much time getting ready for the baby: tiny clothes, soft blankets, the stroller, the car seat. But here’s what I didn’t realize: after giving birth, I would need just as much care as my little one.

Postpartum is a season no one really prepares you for. Your body is healing, your emotions are shifting, and you’re figuring out how to care for your baby while also trying to feel like yourself again. I wish someone had handed me a list of things that would actually bring comfort and support in those early weeks.

So here it is. These are the 10 postpartum must-haves that truly helped me heal and made my journey so much more manageable.

1. Postpartum Underwear

Let’s start with the basics: underwear. The reality is, you’ll live in postpartum underwear for weeks. High-waisted, breathable, and supportive pairs gave me the comfort and coverage I needed while my body was recovering.

Disposable ones were helpful at the very beginning, but soft, reusable postpartum underwear like the Molasus High-Waisted Underwear made me feel like I was slowly stepping back into myself again.

2. Peri Bottle

No one really talks about how intimidating it can be to go to the bathroom after giving birth. A peri bottle filled with warm water was my best friend. It made everything gentler and less stressful. The Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle is designed to make rinsing easy, you don’t have to twist or bend, you just squeeze. I honestly couldn’t imagine postpartum recovery without it.

3. A Soft, Supportive Nursing Bra

I tried to make do with old sports bras, but they just didn’t cut it. A good nursing bra makes feeding so much easier and keeps you comfortable around the clock. The Kindred Bravely Sublime Nursing Bra quickly became my favorite—it was soft, stretchy, and supportive in all the right ways. I wore it day and night, and it never let me down.

4. Nursing Pads

Here’s the truth: you will leak. A lot. Nursing pads saved my shirts, sheets, and bras from constant changes. I liked keeping disposable ones in the diaper bag for outings and washable ones at home. The Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads were my go-to because they were super absorbent and discreet, and they always stayed in place.

5. Nipple Cream

Breastfeeding is amazing, but it can also be rough on your skin in the beginning. Having a soothing nipple cream or butter is non-negotiable. The Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter was my favorite. It’s lanolin-free, made with clean ingredients, and gave me instant relief when things were sore. I loved knowing it was safe for my baby and gentle enough to use as often as I needed.

6. Heating Pad

I didn’t expect the cramps and aches that come with postpartum recovery, but they were very real. A heating pad became my comfort item, it soothed afterpains, helped with sore muscles, and gave me a little sense of relief when nothing else seemed to work. I loved that the Heating Pad with Timer Settings let me adjust the heat exactly how I needed it.

7. Lounge Sets That Look Cute and Put-Together

The last thing I wanted to do postpartum was think about what to wear. At the same time, I didn’t want to feel like I was stuck in the same leggings forever. Lounge sets became my secret weapon. The KIRUNDO Women’s Lounge Set is cozy enough for staying home, but it also looks polished when visitors drop by. Having matching tops and bottoms made me feel put together with zero effort.

8. Comfortable Nursing Gowns for Home

Some days, pants just weren’t happening. A soft nursing gown was exactly what I needed: comfortable for both day and night, with easy nursing access. The Ekouaer Nursing Gown was the one I used both at home and in the hospital. The snap closures (not traditional buttons) were a lifesaver because when you’re tired and sore, you don’t want to fuss with tiny buttons. Quick, easy access makes all the difference.

9. Hands-Free Breast Pump

I started out with a manual pump, and honestly, it drained me. It was tiring, and I couldn’t do anything else while pumping. I was stuck, and it quickly became frustrating. Switching to a hands-free pump made such a difference.

Here’s the thing: not every mom needs a pump right away, and pumping too soon can sometimes cause oversupply. But if you’re heading back to work, your baby is in the NICU, or you want to build a freezer stash, a hands-free pump is worth every penny. The Momcozy Wearable Hands-Free Pump gave me freedom I didn’t know was possible. I could move around, do small tasks, or just rest more comfortably while pumping.

10. A Big, Easy Water Bottle

I cannot stress this enough: hydration is everything postpartum. Between breastfeeding, healing, and sheer exhaustion, I was always thirsty. Having a large straw bottle by my side kept me on track. The Hydro Flask Tumbler with Handle and Straw was perfect. It stayed cold for hours and made it easy to sip one-handed while holding the baby.

Final Thoughts

Postpartum is such a unique season. Your body is healing, your hormones are shifting, and you’re finding your way through motherhood one day at a time. These gave me comfort, support, and small glimpses of normal when I needed them most.

And just like with the newborn must-haves, remember: you don’t need everything. Start with the basics, add as you go, and give yourself permission to figure it out along the way.

If you’re preparing for postpartum, I hope this list helps you feel a little more ready. And if you’re already in it, please know this: you’re not alone. You are healing, you are growing, and you are doing an amazing job!