In the weeks leading up to my daughter’s birth, I became obsessed with making my recovery as easy as possible for myself. And for me, that meant spending hours researching postpartum must-haves. I asked the women in my life who had recently become moms for their recommendations and read so many articles that scared me just enough that I decided maybe it was best that she stayed in my belly for the long-term.
I was planning on having a vaginal birth—and then, on a Sunday morning in June, my daughter came screaming into this world via C-section, and a few days later, I went home to two bathrooms fully stocked with Tucks pads, cans of Dermoplast and every product Frida Mom has ever sold. You know, to help me recover from the vaginal birth I didn’t end up having.
If I had known I’d be having that unexpected C-section, I could have prepared differently, and honestly, it would have made my entire recovery experience so much easier if I’d had the right products on hand.
Whether you’re getting ready for a scheduled C-section or want to prepare for whatever birth throws your way, these are the items that moms who have been through it before couldn’t have done without.
What to look for in C-section postpartum must-haves:
Vaginal births and C-sections are totally different, so it makes sense that different items would be helpful to have on hand while recovering. When thinking about what to buy to make recovering at home after C-section as easy as possible, there are three major factors to keep in mind:
- How your body will physically feel while healing. For example, you will come home with an incision on your abdomen that may be painful and sore to the touch, and it might hurt when you cough and sneeze. Keep in mind that your mobility will be limited at first, so you may need help getting around. You’ll also be recovering from major surgery while running low on sleep.
- Comfort will likely be a priority for you. Whether it’s what you wear or making sure you have certain items on hand that keep you as comfortable as possible while healing.
- Ease. You probably won’t be functioning at the same level that you do normally, so making even the small day-to-day details of your life as easy as possible will make a big difference when it comes to parenting, breastfeeding, and just being a human during your recovery.
The Best 8 C-Section Postpartum Must-Haves
Mother’s Essentials High-Waisted Tummy Compression Leggings
During those first weeks post-C-section, your incision site is going to be tender to the touch, and you may find that your lower abdomen is sore. Having comfortable pants to wear that won’t irritate your incision area is a must, and many moms rely on compression leggings to help feel like they’re “held together” after all their organs feel like they’ve been moved around (and sometimes, you might even feel like those organs are about to fall out. Wonderful). At the hospital, you’ll likely receive a medical-grade belly binder, but those can be uncomfortable for some.
“High-waisted compression leggings felt much better on my belly than the compression garment they gave me,” says Lexi Howland, mom of two.
What we love:
- These leggings offer solid support without being too tight.
- They’re not sheer, so they can be worn outside of the house.
- The fabric is thick but still soft.
What we would change:
- They only come in one length, so it can be hard to find a perfect fit.
Quick facts:
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colors: Black and gray
- Fabric material: 92% Polyamide, 8% Elastane; moisture-wicking
Buy now on Amazon; $20
Wirarpa Women’s High-Waisted Cotton Underwear
One of the most unfair parts about having a C-section? Not only are you recovering from actual surgery, but you are also dealing with a good bit of postpartum bleeding at the same time.
To help me through this bleeding period, I wore adult diapers for the first week or so, which are a lot more comfier than you might imagine. Once the bleeding slowed down, I switched back to my regular underwear which, unfortunately, felt very uncomfortable seeing as it rubbed up against my incision site causing irritation and pain .
Buying this high-waisted underwear was a game changer, not only because it was comfy, but it also helped with feeling supported in my lower tummy area.
What we love:
- The underwear feels supportive while also soft on the skin.
- They retain their shape, even after wearing it multiple times.
- They stay put while you’re wearing them.
What we would change:
- They shrink a bit when you wash them, so you may want to go up a size.
Quick facts:
- Sizes: XS-5X
- Colors: Various combinations, including nudes, blacks, and bright colors
- Fabric material: 95% Combed Cotton, 5% Spandex
Buy now on Amazon; $20
Extra Strength Gas Relief Softgels
Before you are released from the hospital, there’s a good chance that your nurse will remind you to take stool softeners — not only can birth cause constipation but so can the medications that are commonly used during and after your C-section.
However, there’s another over-the-counter medication that Howland recommends to help avoid a different tummy issue that can happen after surgery, simethicone (commonly known by the brand name Gas-X).
“After surgery, you get a lot of trapped gas and it can hurt really bad,” she said. “I took simethicone a lot to prevent it.”
What we love:
- This medication is easy to find and inexpensive.
- Taking simethicone as a preventative can help the uncomfortable gas pains.
- Most people who use simethicone for gas pain do not experience adverse effects.
What we would change:
- This medication comes in the form of softgels, but some people may prefer to take the chewable version.
Quick facts:
- Count: 200 softgels.
- Use: to relieve bloating and discomfort caused by gas.
- Packaging: Individually wrapped
Buy now on Amazon; $15.70
Amazon Basics 3-Tier Rolling Utility Cart
Getting around in the days after your C-section can be really hard. For the first week after I came home from the hospital, my husband had to help me up and down the stairs and even out of bed, which was really fun when I had to wake him up so I could pee in the middle of the night.
Whether you live in a one-level house or have stairs like I do, keeping a rolling cart nearby with all of your essentials — from diapers and wipes to a phone charger to snacks you can eat while holding a baby — can really help.
What we love:
- It’s easy to transport around the house without lifting anything heavy during recovery.
- It offers plenty of storage space to keep it easily organized.
- It can be used for other storage after the c-section recovery period.
What we would change:
- It can be a little loud when moving it—so be careful around your newborn or napping partner.
Quick facts:
- Colors: white, dusty pink, mint green, charcoal
- Features: three shelves with mesh bottoms, wheels
- Assembly: required, but quick and easy
Buy now on Amazon; $37
Frida Mom C-Section Recovery Band
While you’re recovering, you may notice that, no matter how careful you are, the area around your incision site can be really sore, and in some cases, you may even notice bruising on your skin. To help with this discomfort, mom of one Ashley Charms recommends using a cold pack on the area.
“Keeping this small, moldable ice pack on my scar while I was sitting down helped keep swelling down, and it put a barrier between me and my baby, or anything else I was holding,” she said.
The Frida Mom C-section Recovery Band can be worn around your waist and includes reusable hot and cold packs while also serving as protection over your incision against bumping.
What we love:
- Since this pack is reusable, it’s useful for postpartum recovery both now and in the future.
- It features a soft inner layer against your incision and a firm outer layer to protect it from contact.
- Since you can wear it, your hands will be free, rather than having to hold an ice pack on the site.
What we would change:
- It’s bulky, which means it’s not easy to hide if you wear it under your clothes while out and about.
Quick facts:
- Sizes: Elastic band adjusts from 22-44 inches
- Cleaning: Spot-clean only
- Features: Reusable hot pack to treat soreness and a reusable cold pack to treat swelling
Buy now on Amazon; $40
Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler
Whether you’re breastfeeding or not, as a new mom, you’re going to be bound to some couch or bed or rocking chair while holding your baby that makes getting up for a glass of water quite inconvenient.
It’s important to stay hydrated as your body heals from surgery (not to mention the pregnancy that came before it) and as you find yourself sitting in one place for a long time, you will also want a cup that will keep your drinks cold and will hold a large amount of liquid to minimize the time you spend going back and forth to the kitchen. Stanley tumblers have always been my favorite, and not just because they’re cute and trendy.
What we love:
- This tumbler holds 40 ounces of liquid, which will go a long way.
- The handle on the cup is really helpful, especially if you only have one hand available.
- It keeps drinks frozen forever — you can fill up your cup with ice water at night and expect it to still be cold and icy the next morning.
What we would change:
- These cups can be really heavy to carry around when they’re full.
Quick facts:
- Colors: vary, usually large variety of neutrals and bright colors
- Features: keeps hot liquids hot for 7 hours, and cold liquids cold for 11 hours
- Care: dishwasher safe, hand washing recommended
Buy now on Amazon; $44.95
ScarAway Clear Silicone Scar Sheets
Some moms totally embrace the scar left behind by their C-section, and some moms hope to make it less visible — whether or not you attempt to treat this scar is truly up to personal preference
From experience, I can confirm that the scar does fade with time, but there is a way to speed up the process, which I was really grateful to have during my fourth trimester. Using these scar sheets regularly will help make your scar less visible more quickly; you can expect to see results after 4-8 weeks of continuous use.
According to Mickey Karram, M.D., OB/GYN, silicone scar sheets like these are most commonly recommended for C-section scars. “They are safe to use after the incision has fully closed, which is usually a few weeks after the surgery. Silicone products are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers as they are applied topically and are unlikely to be absorbed into the bloodstream,” Dr. Karram says.
She also recommends using vitamin E oil after the incision has closed, which she says can “promote healing and reduce scar tissue.”
What we love:
- They’re comfortable enough to use overnight without them sticking to clothes or sheets.
- They can be cut to fit your scar.
- They’re water resistant, so you can use them in the shower.
What we would change:
- They can be really hard to peel off, which can hurt or be uncomfortable at times.
Quick facts:
- Count: 6 sheets, each of which can be worn up to 10 days
- Material: Silicone; self-adhesive
- How to use: After washing and drying the area, apply the sheet directly to the skin on the adhesive side. When it’s no longer sticky, replace with a new sheet.
Buy now on Amazon; $15
Laneige Lip Sleeping Masks
One of the fun gifts that comes with being postpartum is chapped lips. Between potential dehydration and all those hormone changes, you may notice that after giving birth, your lips are more chapped than before. And not only is that not quite the look that many of us are going for, but it can also be really uncomfortable. This mask is my holy grail lip product, and I kept it with me constantly while I was healing from my C-section to keep my lips soft and hydrated and still use it daily now, years later.
What we love:
- It’s meant to be used overnight but can be used any time of day to keep lips hydrated.
- The scent is very subtle, and there are no overpowering flavors.
- Just one container can last for months.
What we would change:
- It’s thick, so if you try to drink while wearing the lip mask, the product will transfer to your straw or cup.
Quick facts:
- Flavors: Berry, Caramel Apple, Gummy Bear, Mango, Peppermint, Pink Lemonade, Sweet Candy, Vanilla
- How to apply: A small applicator is included, though you may prefer applying with your fingers.
- When to use: Put the lip mask on before going to bed and leave on through the night.
Buy now on Amazon; $24
Adjustable Wedge Pillow
You’re not going to be resting as much as you should after a major surgery, because you just brought a newborn home from the hospital. So when you do rest, you should make it as easy as possible to relax and to stay stationary for as long as possible.
This wedge pillow is at the intersection of comfort and functionality. It will prop you up in bed, so you can care for your baby, read, or just have a better view of TikTok on your phone without hurting your neck, plus you can use it to elevate your legs, which may be necessary if you’re dealing with something like postpartum swelling. Being propped up like this will also help you reach what you need without straining too much from a nearby table or that rolling cart we were talking about earlier.
What we love:
- The pillow can be adjusted seven different ways.
- It can be used while you’re in bed sleeping, or hanging out on the couch awake.
- It’s ideal for sleeping on your back or your side.
What we would change:
- The pillow is very firm to provide support, so you may want to pile another, softer pillow on top of it for more comfort while you’re trying to sleep.
Quick facts:
- Size: 24″x32″x9
- Material: Memory foam, including temperature-sensitive white foam
- Features: Comes with a washable, sweat-free bamboo cover
Buy now on Amazon; $45
Grabber Pick Up Tool
It’s not very sexy to admit this — okay, no part of C-section recovery is sexy — but while you’re healing, you’re going to be too sore to reach too far out of your way to grab things, let alone get up and down to get something that’s just out of your wingspan (or to pick up that tube of diaper cream you just dropped at 2 am). And no matter how much help you have, there are going to be times when you need or have to get something yourself. It’s inevitable.
Enter: the grabber tool. Yes, it seems silly. Yes, people who come over to meet the baby might laugh at you. But also, it’s genius, and it will make your recovery so much easier.
What we love:
- The grip is easy to use without much effort as you use the tool to reach what you need in any direction.
- It’s foldable, so it’s easy to store until the next time you need it after you’re fully recovered.
- The jaw on the grabber can rotate a full 360 degrees, so you can even use it for hard to reach items.
What we would change:
- It’s a bit clumsy to use at first, so it might require a bit of a learning curve.
Quick facts:
- Size: 32 x 5 x 2 inches
- Color: Blue
- Material: Aluminum and plastic
Buy now on Amazon; $10
Frida C-Section Recovery Box
In the weeks before birth, you’re going to be stressed about a million little things — for me, it was the irrational amount of concern I felt about whether or not my dog would think I replaced her with a baby. If that’s the case, it could be helpful to grab a kit that has several recovery essentials all in one place, saving you time and money researching products in the process.
What we love:
- The box includes items you’ll use both at the hospital and at home, including a toiletry bag to put your hospital essentials in.
- It comes with essentials you wouldn’t think to need but will.
- The products can provide pain relief.
What we would change:
- You may run out of items like the mesh undies and maxi pads during recovery.
Quick facts:
- What’s included: Peri wash bottle, 4 disposable c-section postpartum underwear, 1 postpartum abdominal support binder, 10 skip the shower wipes, 3 silicone scar patches and comfy grips socks. All with a bathroom essentials toiletry bag.
- Size: Mesh undies are designed to fit a range of sizes
- C-section recovery band also sold separately
Buy now on Amazon; $89
One last thing: FAQ
How long does a C-section recovery last?
If I was the one answering this question when I was in the thick of my own recovery, my answer would be “forever,” but fortunately, it only feels that way while you’re going through it. Since your doctor knows your medical history, they will be the best person to answer this question, but generally speaking, recovery could take 4-6 weeks or longer.
“C-section recovery times can vary, and while many women may recover within 4 to 6 weeks, some individuals may find that it takes a bit longer to regain their strength and feel back to normal,” says Dr. Karram. “It’s important to remember that each woman’s experience is unique, and factors such as overall health, complications, and individual healing processes can influence the duration of the recovery period.”
What are the physical limitations of C-section recovery?
After coming home from the hospital, you’ll probably need some help getting around the house at first, especially if you have stairs. You’ll be told to rest as much as possible (and yes, I did struggle not laughing when the discharge nurse told me this) and likely advised not to lift anything heavier than your baby for the first weeks of your recovery.
There are a few activities that Dr. Karram recommends against doing right away, including high-impact exercise, submerging your incision site in water like a bathtub or pool, and even driving.
“You may be advised not to drive for at least two weeks, as the sudden movements and the need to use your abdominal muscles can be uncomfortable and potentially impair your ability to react quickly,” Dr. Karram says.
Is it safe to use over-the-counter medications and other wellness products while recovering from a c-section, even if I’m breastfeeding?
While many over-the-counter wellness products are safe during the postpartum period, you should check with your OB-GYN before starting beauty and wellness regimens or taking any medication while recovering.
What kinds of fabric should I look for when shopping for postpartum leggings and underwear?
Soft compression fabric can be helpful to make you feel more supported. “Compression garments provide gentle support to the abdominal muscles and can alleviate some discomfort,” says Dr. Karram. “Look for options made from soft, breathable materials like cotton.”
Dr. Karram also recommends looking for pants that aren’t tight around the waist, since “you’ll want to avoid any pressure on the incision area.”
When is it most helpful to use cold packs?
“Applying ice packs to the incision area for the first 24-48 hours after surgery can help reduce swelling and provide relief,” says Dr. Karram.
