Are you searching for soothing postpartum recovery essentials as a new mom that would help you heal fast? We have curated a list of 25 essentials every new mom deserves.
Bringing a new life into the world can be emotional, and also affect one’s mental and physical health if care is not taken.
I remember when I had my first baby, I shifted all my attention to the baby and completely forgot about myself. I didn’t pay attention to my healing, which is also important.
For all first time moms or seasoned parents, giving yourself the right care is essential and that is all you need.
25 SOOTHING POSTPARTUM RECOVERY ESSENTIALS EVERY NEW MOM DESERVES.
1. Peri Bottle
After a vaginal delivery, wiping with toilet paper can be painful or even harmful if you have stitches.
A peri bottle allows you to gently spray warm water on your perineal area after using the bathroom, keeping things clean and reducing stinging.
2. Maxi Pads or Postpartum Absorbent Underwear
Post-birth bleeding, also known as lochia, can last for weeks.
Regular pads often don’t cut it. Thick maxi pads or specialized postpartum underwear like Frida Mom or Always Discreet offer the comfort and absorbency new moms need during those early healing days.
3. Sitz Bath
A sitz bath is a shallow basin that fits over your toilet or tub, allowing you to soak just your bottom area.
Warm sitz baths reduce inflammation, improve blood flow to the perineum, and soothe soreness from tearing or episiotomy.
Adding healing herbs or Epsom salts can increase the benefits.
This is one of the common and easy postpartum recovery essentials new moms should go for.
4. Nipple Cream
For breastfeeding moms, cracked or sore nipples can make feeding a nightmare.
A natural, baby-safe nipple cream (like one with lanolin or coconut oil) hydrates and repairs sensitive skin, helping you keep up with nursing without added pain.
5. Nursing Bras and Pads
Your breasts will likely become fuller, more sensitive, and leak especially in the early days.
Nursing bras offer easy access for feeding and gentle support, while pads (either disposable or reusable) help keep your clothes dry and irritation-free.
6. Belly Binder or Postpartum Wrap
A belly binder gently supports your abdomen and lower back, especially after a C-section or diastasis recti.
It can also help new moms feel more stable while moving around, and some women find it helps with posture and comfort during recovery.
7. Cooling Pads or Ice Packs
Swelling and soreness in the perineal area can make even sitting painful.
Ice packs or cooling pads (like witch hazel pads frozen inside padsicles) offer immediate relief by numbing the area and reducing inflammation.
8. Heating Pad
Your uterus will contract as it shrinks back to its normal size, causing afterbirth cramps.
A heating pad offers natural pain relief for abdominal cramping and sore muscles from labor and delivery.
9. Comfortable Loungewear
After birth, tight or restrictive clothing can be unbearable.
Breathable, stretchy, and cozy loungewear makes all the difference, especially when you’re feeding every two hours or recovering from a C-section scar.
10. Nursing Pillow
Nursing pillows provide arm and back support during feedings.
They help you position your baby at breast level, reducing strain and encouraging better latch and posture during long feeding sessions.
This is a perfect postpartum recovery essential that makes breastfeeding easy and comfortable for new moms.
11. Stool Softener
Many new moms fear the first postpartum bowel movement due to soreness and stitches.
A gentle stool softener makes it easier and less painful to go, helping avoid straining that could interfere with healing.
12. Water Bottle
Hydration supports milk production, tissue healing, and energy levels.
A large, easy-to-hold bottle (bonus if it has a straw) keeps water accessible even during late-night feedings or when you’re too tired to get up.
13. Healthy Snacks
Nursing and healing require fuel. Protein bars, trail mix, dried fruit, or yogurt cups are quick, one-handed snacks that help you stay nourished, especially when cooking is the last thing on your mind.
14. Postpartum Vitamins
Even after birth, your body still needs nutritional support, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
Postpartum vitamins help replenish iron, calcium, and other nutrients your body uses during pregnancy and labor.
15. Donut Cushion or Inflatable Ring
Sitting may be uncomfortable due to perineal pain or hemorrhoids.
A donut-shaped cushion helps distribute weight away from sore spots, allowing you to sit and feed or rock your baby without wincing.
16. Essential Oils for Calming Spray
Lavender, chamomile, or peppermint oils can create a calming environment.
Whether diffused or sprayed, they help with stress, sleep, and even hormonal mood swings. Just be cautious with scents if you or the baby are sensitive.
17. Sleep Mask and Earplugs
Newborns don’t follow a schedule, so moms must nap whenever possible.
A soft sleep mask and earplugs can help block out daylight and background noise, making short naps more restful and restorative.
18. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt baths relax tight muscles, soothe swollen areas, and ease postpartum aches.
They’re especially helpful for moms with sore backs or C-section incisions (as long as your provider gives the go-ahead).
19. Gentle Body Wash
After delivery, your skin may be extra sensitive.
Fragrance-free or natural body washes reduce the risk of irritation and are perfect for moms healing from stitches, rashes, or dry skin.
20. Nursing-Friendly Robe
Soft and easy to throw on, a nursing-friendly robe makes middle-of-the-night feedings easier while keeping you warm and covered.
It’s also ideal for hospital stays, visitors, or lounging comfortably at home.
21. Breastfeeding App or Tracker
Tracking baby’s feeds, wet diapers, and sleep patterns can be overwhelming in the fog of newborn life.
A simple app helps you keep track without the pressure of remembering everything.
22. Emotional Support (Journal or Hotline Info)
Postpartum emotions can be intense and unpredictable.
A journal helps you reflect and process your feelings, while having hotline numbers or a therapist’s contact info nearby ensures support is within reach if you need it.
23. Postpartum Skincare Essentials
Your skin may feel dry, itchy, or stretched postpartum.
Gentle lotions, oils, or belly balms can soothe irritated areas, reduce stretch marks, and help you feel more comfortable in your changing skin.
24. Comfortable Slippers
New moms spend a lot of time on their feet, even when tired.
A soft pair of slippers with good support helps ease pressure and keeps your feet warm during middle-of-the-night wakeups.
25. Affirmation Cards or Encouragement Notes
Postpartum recovery isn’t just physical, it’s emotional.
A stack of kind words, empowering quotes, or affirmations can lift your spirits on days when exhaustion, doubt, or baby blues creep in.
WAYS TO CARE FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH DURING POSTPARTUM RECOVERY.
1. Rest Without Guilt
Sleep deprivation can take a toll on your mood and mind.
Try to rest whenever possible, even if it means leaving the dishes or laundry for later.
Your well-being comes first.
2. Talk It Out
Whether it’s your partner, a close friend, or a fellow mom, talking openly about how you feel can ease emotional weight.
Sometimes just knowing you’re not alone makes a huge difference.
3. Join a Support Group
Connecting with other new moms, online or in person, can help you feel seen and understood.
It’s a safe space to share your joys and struggles without judgment.
4. Set Tiny, Achievable Goals
The early days can feel chaotic. Focus on small wins, like showering, going for a short walk, or preparing a simple meal.
These accomplishments can boost your confidence and mood.
5. Get Some Fresh Air
Even just 10 minutes outside can help lift your spirits, reset your nervous system, and reduce feelings of isolation or anxiety.
6. Eat Nourishing Foods
Your body is still healing, and your brain needs fuel too.
Nutritious meals support hormone balance and overall emotional wellness.
7. Limit Overstimulation
Constant noise, screens, and notifications can be overwhelming.
Allow yourself tech-free time to reset and focus on the present moment with your baby, and with yourself.
8. Speak to a Professional
If sadness, anxiety, or anger become overwhelming or persistent, reach out to a mental health professional or postpartum therapist.
Postpartum depression and anxiety are real and treatable.
Postpartum recovery is a deeply personal journey, one that requires patience, self-compassion, and the right support.
While every mom’s experience is different, having the right essentials on hand can make all the difference in how comfortable, confident, and cared for you feel during those early days.
Whether it’s soothing physical discomfort, managing emotional ups and downs, or simply finding moments to breathe, you deserve to be nurtured, too.
So take it slow, listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
You’ve brought life into this world, and now it’s time to give yourself the care and gentleness you truly deserve.
This article has walked you through soothing postpartum recovery essentials every new mom deserves.
