9 Absolute Must-Have Postpartum Essentials for Mom
Moms out there know they need things for their postpartum experience, but most of the time they don’t know what they need! This is a list of absolute must-have postpartum essentials for mom that every mother NEEDS. If you aren’t quite sure of everything you will need postpartum, this article will give you an excellent place to start.
1. Disposable Underwear
We are starting raw and real here – I don’t know how many pairs of underwear I ruined shortly after postpartum. Don’t do what I did, click this link and get some great disposable underwear from Target! These were comfortable and fit great. I also wore them under sweats, a dress, and a pair of loose jeans with no issue!
2. Water – Hydration is one of the key postpartum essentials for mom!
In the hospital, they gave me a 24oz tumbler and I had them refill my water SO MANY times during my stay. When I got home my husband and I both were filling it up constantly. If I could go back, I would get the 40oz Stanley that I have now. So, go get a large cup to have at your bedside! I would suggest you have a lid and a straw to help avoid spills. You can purchase a Stanely 40oz Tumbler or find a cheaper option at Target. Regardless, you need to stay hydrated! Add a little pink himalayan salt and electrolytes (flavored or unflavored) to your water to help optimize hydration.
3. Simple Nursing Bra
I didn’t need a bra for a little while, but when I finally decided to go out of the house I realized I HAD to have something with a little bit of support but a TON of comfort. You’ll need something loose and comfortable to easily pull down and feed your baby. Nothing with tough clips, too much support, or anything that feels too tight. I’d say to save all of the uncomfortable stuff until the first 6 weeks is over, if you can. This nursing bra from Target was my absolute favorite to wear, and it held in a nursing pad comfortably.
4. Washable Nursing Pads
Leaking happens. It’s completely inevitable. Sometimes when you are sleeping, doing the laundry, or just hanging out, you are likely to leak, even after your milk is regulated. You can try to capture as much of it as you can with a haakaa, or by pumping or nursing, but eventually, you’ll miss some. Use a nursing pad in your bra to keep from spoiling your clothes! I really love these washable nursing pads from Amazon.
5. Haakaa – I wouldn’t be surprised if you haven’t heard of this one!
This is one of the most critical postpartum essentials for mom. My massage therapist was the person who introduced me to this concept. I thought she was crazy, and this was actually a last-minute addition to our registry. This little contraption was a lifesaver for me. I began producing and leaking milk in the 3rd trimester, so after my little one was here my letdown would happen quickly! As I was nursing my child on one side, this little guy would collect SO MANY ounces of milk spilling out of the other side. Click this link to check out the one I recommend from Target. Truly, this is a postpartum essential for mom that you can’t skip out on!
6. Time Alone
Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, you need time alone to rejuvenate. As a mom, you need time to yourself without the baby, husband, and other children, and without expectations. This could look like a long hot bath, a walk, or a trip to TJ Maxx (to find something or just people-watch). The key to learning how to find yourself postpartum is found in taking time for yourself and getting to know this new version of yourself. You have to give yourself time, without guilt, to be you again.
7. Community and a Support System – A Postpartum Essential!
I know there will be times that you will want to isolate yourself during this season. You aren’t quite comfortable with your new body yet, you are responsible for the well-being of another child. There are a lot of changes happening! Mama, I promise you, you NEED community. You need other ladies who are in the same season you are to guide and support you through these transitions. If you are searching for community check out The Rising Tide Fellowship to find support with other ladies who are in the same season of life. If you are reading this and are supporting a postpartum mom, check out this article The 6 Fundamental Steps for Supporting a Postpartum Mom.
8. Comfy PJ’s
I cannot stress this enough – You will get milk, spit-up, pee, poop, blood, food, and all of the things on your clothes. This is just the reality of the first part of the postpartum journey. Find yourself a few cheap pair of pj’s that are loose, and comfortable, but can also be thrown away. I really like this set from Target, it’s loose but still fitting enough to stay out of the way!
9. A Coach
Life doesn’t always go as planned or expected. I would also say this is one of the most important postpartum essentials for mom. I know my expectations for birth and postpartum were absolutely shot when the time came. Don’t be blindsided by the changes and challenges like I was, instead, I challenge you all to be prepared and find someone who specializes in this to walk with you on this journey. I am a coach who specializes in pregnancy, postpartum, and early motherhood and you can find more information about my services below!
Postpartum Essentials for Mom: Resources
If you are a postpartum mom who wants support during this time and doesn’t have any, check out The Rising Tide Fellowship and join my Postpartum Mom and Early Motherhood space. Free for 60 days!
This post was all about the absolute must-have postpartum essentials for mom. If you want more information for postpartum moms, check out the recommended posts below.
Until next time,
Audye
Quit Settling for Less
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