Essential Postpartum Recovery Items You May Have Overlooked

9 May 2025

Bringing a baby into the world is no small feat. Your body has just accomplished an incredible, life-changing task, and now it’s time for recovery. While most postpartum checklists include staples like maternity pads and nursing bras, there are some lesser-known but equally important items that can make a world of difference in your healing journey.

If you’re a first-time mom (or even a seasoned one), you might not realize just how much your body will need extra care in the days and weeks after giving birth. So, let’s talk about those essential postpartum recovery items you may have overlooked but will absolutely want on hand.

1. Peri Bottle with an Angled Spout

You might be familiar with the basic peri bottle hospitals provide, but let me tell you—there's an upgraded version that can make a real difference. A peri bottle with an angled spout allows for a gentle, more effective rinse, keeping everything clean without unnecessary discomfort.

Why is this important? Well, after birth, wiping with toilet paper can feel like torture. Whether you’ve had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, your perineal area will be sensitive. Using warm water from a well-designed peri bottle helps soothe discomfort, prevent infection, and make bathroom trips easier.

2. Sitz Bath for Soothing Relief

A sitz bath is another overlooked gem. It’s a shallow bath designed to soothe your perineal area and promote healing. Soaking in warm water with Epsom salts or herbal infusions can reduce swelling, ease pain, and even help with hemorrhoids (which many women experience postpartum).

Set it up right over your toilet or use a bathtub, and take a few minutes to relax while your body reaps the benefits of warm water therapy. Trust me, your sore muscles and tender skin will thank you.

3. Stool Softener (Because No One Warns You About This)

One of the biggest postpartum surprises? Your first bowel movement can be downright terrifying. After giving birth, your body is in recovery mode, and constipation is incredibly common.

A gentle stool softener helps prevent straining, which is crucial, especially if you have stitches, hemorrhoids, or general soreness. The last thing you want is to put additional stress on your healing body just from using the bathroom.

4. A Comfortable and Supportive Belly Band

A belly band or postpartum support wrap isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about stability and comfort. Your abdominal muscles have been stretched to their limit, and a good belly band can provide gentle compression to help your core regain strength.

Plus, if you had a C-section, a belly support wrap can help reduce pain and provide a sense of security when moving around. Just make sure to choose one that’s adjustable and breathable!

5. Reusable Cooling Pads or Gel Packs

Swelling and discomfort "down there" are real. Reusable cooling packs offer instant relief, reducing inflammation and making it easier to sit, stand, and move.

Many moms swear by frozen witch hazel pads (aka “padsicles”)—just soak a few maternity pads in witch hazel, pop them in the freezer, and use them as needed. These provide a much-needed cooling effect and aid in healing.

6. Nipple Cream (Even If You’re Not Breastfeeding)

Breastfeeding or not, your nipples will likely go through some sort of trauma. The hormonal changes and constant contact with fabrics can lead to dryness, irritation, and even cracking.

A good lanolin-based nipple cream or a natural alternative like coconut oil can help keep your skin soothed and hydrated. If you’re breastfeeding, it also prevents painful chafing and promotes healing between feeds.

7. A Hands-Free Breast Pump

While not every mom will pump, having a hands-free breast pump can be a game-changer, especially in the early days when you’re trying to manage recovery, a newborn, and possibly older kids.

Even if you don’t plan to pump frequently, there may be moments where expressing milk is necessary to relieve engorgement, stimulate supply, or store milk for future use. A hands-free option allows you to multitask without feeling tied down.

8. Insulated Water Bottle with a Straw

Hydration is everything postpartum. Whether you’re breastfeeding or not, your body needs plenty of fluids to recover.

An insulated water bottle with a straw makes staying hydrated easier. You can sip without tilting your head (which is useful when nursing or holding a baby), and the insulation keeps your water cold so it’s refreshing whenever you reach for it.

9. Magnesium Supplements for Sleep and Relaxation

Postpartum recovery isn’t just about physical healing—it’s also about rest. Unfortunately, between newborn wake-ups and hormonal shifts, sleep can feel impossible.

Magnesium supplements can help with muscle relaxation, stress relief, and sleep quality. Plus, they can aid in digestion and help prevent postpartum constipation. Just check with your doctor before adding any supplements to your routine.

10. Soft and Loose-Fitting Clothing

You probably have nursing bras and maternity leggings, but loose, breathable clothing is a must. Tight waistbands can feel restrictive, especially if you’ve had a C-section, and anything too snug can make you miserable when your body is still adjusting.

Opt for soft robes, oversized T-shirts, and stretchy joggers that don’t put pressure on your belly or lower back. Comfort is key!

11. A Nightlight for Those Middle-of-the-Night Feedings

Newborns don’t come with an off switch, and night wakings are inevitable. Instead of blinding yourself with harsh overhead lights, a soft nightlight can create a soothing ambiance while giving enough visibility to tend to your baby.

This is a small investment that makes late-night diaper changes, feedings, and check-ins much more manageable.

12. Postpartum Herbal Teas

Herbal teas can be incredibly soothing and supportive during recovery. Some great options include:

- Red raspberry leaf tea – Helps tone the uterus and support healing.
- Chamomile tea – Promotes relaxation and better sleep.
- Fennel tea – Can help with digestion and milk supply.

Sipping on a warm cup of tea is also a great way to sneak in extra hydration while giving your body a little extra nourishment.

13. Extra-Long Phone Charging Cable

This might seem random, but having a long charging cable is a game-changer. Whether you’re nursing, cuddling, or just too tired to move, you don’t want a dead phone when you need it most.

A longer cable gives you the flexibility to charge up while staying put, whether you’re on the couch, in bed, or rocking your baby to sleep.

14. Gentle, Fragrance-Free Perineal Spray

If you’re dealing with perineal stitches, swelling, or irritation, a cooling perineal spray can be a lifesaver. Look for one that’s alcohol-free and made with natural ingredients like witch hazel and aloe vera.

A few spritzes after using the bathroom can help reduce discomfort and speed up healing.

15. Noise Machine or White Noise App

Let’s be honest—your baby's sleep affects your sleep. A white noise machine (or even a simple app on your phone) can help create a calming environment that makes it easier for both you and your baby to rest better.

Sound machines help drown out household noise and establish a sleep routine, which can be especially helpful during those unpredictable newborn weeks.

Final Thoughts

Recovery after childbirth is not just about what the hospital sends you home with—it’s about giving your body the care it truly needs. While some of these items might not be on a traditional postpartum checklist, they can offer comfort, ease, and support during those first few weeks of motherhood.

So, stock up on these essentials before your due date because once that baby arrives, you’ll be too busy (and too exhausted) to think about it. Your postpartum self will thank you!