Postpartum Must-Haves: My Top Items for Home After Vaginal and C-Section Births

Whether you're welcoming your first baby or adding to your family, the early postpartum days are a whirlwind — beautiful, emotional, messy, and healing all at once. Having the right items on hand can make a huge difference in how you physically and emotionally heal.

Here’s my go-to list of must-have postpartum items, broken down into three sections: one for vaginal births, one for c-section births, and one for everyone!

Vaginal Birth Must-Haves

1. Peri Bottle

   Your best friend after every bathroom trip! There are more ergonomic, upside-down peri bottles (like the Frida Mom one) or you can use the hospital's basic version.

   
   

2. Padsicles

   Perineal ice packs can help reduce swelling and discomfort during the early days. I made mine at home with by slathering aloe gel and witch hazel on large pads and putting them in the freezer - there are also ready-made options.

   
   

3. Sitz Bath or Sitz Spray

   Warm sitz baths can feel amazing — but timing matters!

   👉 In the first 1–3 days after birth, it’s important to stick with cold therapy (like ice packs or cool sitz baths) to help with swelling and inflammation.

   👉 After a few days, when swelling starts to ease, you can transition to warm sitz baths to promote circulation and muscle relaxation.

   
   

4. Comfortable Underwear

   Look for full-coverage underwear made from soft, breathable fabric. You’ll want something that can hold your pad comfortably without digging in anywhere.

C-Section Birth Must-Haves

1. Abdominal Binder

   Some hospitals will give you one, but having an abdominal binder ready at home can offer gentle support to your core and incision area as you heal.

   
   

2. High-Waisted, Soft Underwear

   You want underwear that sits well above your incision — nothing low-rise! Look for super soft, stretchy materials that won’t irritate sensitive skin.

   
   

3. Pillow for Coughing or Laughing

   Keeping a small pillow nearby to hug against your incision when you sneeze, cough, or laugh can make a surprising difference in comfort!

   
   

4. Gentle Movement Reminders

   It sounds funny to put this under “must-haves,” but... early gentle walks (even a few steps around your room) are important for circulation and healing. Having a friend, partner, or reminder system in place helps encourage safe movement without overdoing it.

No matter how you birth...

1. Heavy-Absorbency Pads or Adult Diapers The postpartum bleeding can be heavy at first, so stock up on comfortable, breathable options. My favorite is the Rael Organic Disposable Underwear.

   
   

2. Stool Softener Stool softener can help reduce discomfort of bowl movements in the early days.

   
   

3. Easy-to-Access Clothing

   Nursing-friendly gowns, dresses, and tops (with loose pants) are key to feeling comfortable post-birth. (Bonus points for anything you don’t have to bend over too far to pull on!)
   

4. Nourishing Snacks and Water Bottle Postpartum hunger is no joke, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Easy (one-handed) snacks and staying hydrated are essential.

   
   

5. Support System Whether it’s your partner, family, a postpartum doula, or a meal train from friends — lean into support where you can.

   
   

6. Permission to Rest You don't need to bounce back. You deserve to recover, bond, and be cared for.

Your postpartum experience is unique — just like your birth. It’s okay if it’s messy. It’s okay if you need help. You’ve got this — and if you need a little extra encouragement or guidance, I’m here. 🧡

Be on the lookout for another blog post about nursing and baby care stations you can have setup before you go to the hospital that will get A LOT of use postpartum! 😊