Postpartum is such a raw, sensitive time. It can be a beautiful experience as you love and care for your newborn, but it also comes with a lot of hormonal and physical changes. While everyone’s postpartum experience is different, here are some tips and a shopping list for natural postpartum care essentials to help support your body after birth.
This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you choose to order through the links below at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business! The opinions below are my own and are not medical advice. Please speak to your healthcare provider regarding your specific situation.
My Birth and Postpartum Experiences
I am getting ready to have my third baby in a few weeks. My first birth was over 40 hours of labor and honestly a really difficult and traumatic experience. I am so grateful that my baby was okay after it all. Despite the difficulty, I was blessed to have minimal tearing and a smooth recovery.
My second birth was much easier and much less traumatic. I was induced at 39 weeks due to some health issues that I was diagnosed with, but it was a good experience overall. I knew how to prepare for recovery even more this time around, and the preparation paid off.
Importance of Preparing Natural Postpartum Care Essentials
Many hospitals and birthing centers may give you some of the items mentioned below. However, if you prefer more natural items or want to make sure that you have what you need at home—here are some natural postpartum items to purchase during your third trimester or shortly after birth.
Natural Postpartum Care Shopping List
Shop the individual links below or click here for a complete, all-in-one place list!
- Overnight Pads
- Lighter Pads
- Frida Disposable Underwear
- Padscicles
- Perineal Spray
- Peri Bottle
- Sitz Bath
- Tucks Pads
- Stool Softener
- Hemorrhoid Cream
- Pump
- Nursing Pads
- Nipple Cream
- Nursing Bras
- Pajamas
- Haaka
- Water Bottle
- Snacks
- Warming Foods
Click here to shop these natural postpartum care items and more!
Natural Postpartum Care Essentials Shopping List Explained
Pads
Whether you have a vaginal birth or C-section, it is normal to bleed for several weeks after birth. This is called lochia and is how your body gets rid of extra blood, tissue, and mucus after birth as your uterus heals.
I prefer to use organic pads like these because they do not contain pesticides, insecticides, or synthetic additives. They are better for your body and often more comfortable and breathable.
In my experience, the bleeding was the heaviest for the first 2-3 weeks. I used overnight pads during this time. Once the bleeding was lighter, I switched to lighter pads and then pantyliners.
Frida Disposable Underwear
You can purchase adult diapers to wear for the first few days postpartum when your bleeding is heaviest. I found that these were often uncomfortable. So this time, I am using Frida’s disposable postpartum underwear with pads. They are much more comfortable and easier to change.
Padscicles
In the hospital, I had ice packs to help with swelling and pain after birth. You can make your own to wear at home.
I used this recipe to make padsicles, and I used natural, healing ingredients like aloe, witch hazel, and organic essential oils. Once made, you keep the particles in the freezer until after birth.
Don’t have time or want to make your own? Frida mom has pre-made ice pads to support your postpartum healing.
Peri bottle
Most hospitals will give you a peri bottle to cleanse yourself after using the bathroom when toilet paper is too uncomfortable to use.
I prefer this peri bottle from Frida. I think this bottle is easier to use because it ends at an angle.
Pump
Whether you plan to breastfeed, pump, use formula, or a combination of the above, it can be helpful to have a pump on hand.
When my milk came in, I had an oversupply and was in a lot of pain. Pumping in scenarios like this is usually not recommended because it can make your body produce more milk. However, I did use this method to help ease some of the pain.
Most insurance companies cover breast pumps. I have a Medela pump as well as this hands-free one from Elvie. The Medela is not hands free, but it is very effective. I haven’t tried the Elvie yet, but I like that it will enable me to pump while still being up caring for my kids.
I personally did not use my pumps often because neither of my kids took bottles well. However, I am glad that I had one ordered prior to bringing my baby home.
Nursing Pads
Once your milk comes in, you may leak quite a bit until your body figures out how much milk your baby needs. I use a combination of disposable nursing pads and washable, reusable nursing pads like these.
I personally find that the disposable ones are more comfortable. However, I like the sustainability and cost-savings of the other ones.
Haakaa
A Haakaa is a manual, silicone breast pump that uses suction to release milk. When your supply is heavy the first week or two postpartum, you can try nursing on one side and using the Haakaa on the other to prevent waste.
You can save this milk to build up a milk stash in your freezer for later use!
Tucks Cooling Pads
Tucks pads have witch hazel which can help with postpartum healing and hemmroids. Additionally, they are cooling and can also help ease postpartum pain.
They are not all natural, though, so homemade padsicles are another option.
Stool softener
As your body heals, it can be helpful to have a stool softener on hand to help ease some of the discomfort when using the restroom.
You can purchase a stool softener like this or opt for a more natural option like this. Also, you can try eating fiber-rich foods, drinking lots of water, probiotics, or smooth move tea.
Hemorrhoid cream
Hemorrhoids are a painful and unfortunate side effect of pregnancy that many women experience. So, having a hemorrhoid cream on hand can help ease discomfort. Here is a natural option as well as a drugstore cream that has great reviews!
Water bottle
If you are nursing, it is really important to drink a lot of extra water to support your body and help with milk production. If you are not nursing, it is still really important to stay hydrated in the midst of caring for your newborn.
Therefore, a cute water bottle that is easy to carry around can remind you to stay hydrated throughout the day!
Snacks
When you are so focused on caring for your little one, you might forget to take care of yourself. So, stocking up on some healthy, pre-packaged snacks to keep next to your bed or different places you will hold your baby throughout the day can be helpful!
You can also pre-make and freeze lactation cookies like these to support your body as it begins to produce milk.
Nipple Cream
If you nurse your baby, this cream is really helpful if your skin is sore or cracked. It contains natural ingredients and is not irritating in my experience.
Perineal Spray
Many hospitals will provide you with Dermaplast which is a perineal spray to help with pain and healing. I like having this natural option at home.
Pajamas
Comfy pajamas or loungewear are pretty much all I wore for the first few weeks postpartum. Natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, and linen will hold up longer. If you plan to nurse or pump, choose pajamas that button or lift up.
Nursing bra
Nursing bras make nursing or pumping a lot easier. There are a lot of different styles to choose from! I like this style for lounging and this style for daily wear due to their ability to clip up and down.
Sitz bath
A sitz bath salt mix can be a soothing way to heal postpartum. This highly-rated mix contains organic herbs and oils.
Furthermore, you can purchase a sitz bath like this or wait until you are cleared for a regular bath and then use this mix in the tub.
Warming foods
Warm, nutritious foods like soups, stews, broths, cooked veggies, and lean protein can help your body recover postpartum. Also, choosing foods that are full of nutrients and easy-to-digest is a great way to support your body postpartum. This recipe book has recommendations on nutritious food for moms during the first 40 days postpartum.
Encouragement for Postpartum Moms
I encourage you, mama, be gentle with yourself. Give yourself some extra grace and care during those first few months postpartum. Your body has grown and nourished an entire human, and it will take time to restore and heal.
Click here to shop these natural postpartum care items and more!
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