In the same way your baby has to adapt to life outside the womb, you have to adapt to life as a new mother. You go through a very different, yet similar, transformation when you give birth. Not only is your body, mind and soul completely thrown for a loop, but you’re also tasked with caring for a whole other human during the process, which is undoubtedly difficult.
Unfortunately, you’re likely to find that well-meaning family and friends are generally more concerned about your new addition than your new identity. If you’re lucky enough to have mom friends, they’re probably your greatest ally and support system during this period of time. They’ll probably pamper you with questions over how you’re doing, feeling and adjusting—as well as coming up with a laundry list of suggestions for what you can do—and what you can stock up on—to help yourself during this challenging time.
Remember: There’s no right or wrong way to cope or heal during the postpartum period. The experience is unique for everyone and may be dependent on your recovery and birthing experience as well as the amount of support you have postpartum.
To help you not only recover, but thrive, in this new postpartum phase of life, we’re sharing some of the best self-care products we recommend for new moms.
What to look for in postpartum care ideas:
Postpartum care is all about what the mother needs during her recovery—not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. When selecting postpartum care products, consider the following factors:
Comfort: Look for products that prioritize comfort—this is key whether the mom experienced a vaginal or cesarean section delivery. Soft and breathable clothing and products can help mitigate irritation and discomfort. Also opt for products that allow the skin to breathe, reducing the risk of irritation and promoting faster healing. This is particularly important for areas that may be sensitive after childbirth.
Support: Products that provide additional support to the postpartum body can be beneficial. This may include postpartum support belts or bands that help with abdominal muscle recovery. If breastfeeding, consider products that enhance comfort during nursing. This may include nursing bras, breast pads, and lanolin cream to soothe sore nipples.
Safe: Choose products that are free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes and that are antibacterial and hypoallergenic. Postpartum skin can be sensitive, and avoiding irritants can help prevent discomfort and allergic reactions. If the mother has sensitive skin or a history of skin issues, it’s a good idea to choose postpartum care products that are dermatologist-approved to minimize the risk of skin problems.
The Best Self-Care Products For the Postpartum Period
Here are our picks for the postpartum self-care products that will make a huge difference during the postpartum period.
For the Breastfeeding Mom: Frida Mom Breast Care Self Care Kit
This 2-in-1 device serves as both a lactation massager and an instant heat warmer for your boobies—what a genius invention, right? It’s a game-changer for unclogging stubborn ducts to help cut down on discomfort and prevent infections like mastitis. It comes complete with hydration and lactation masks for your nipples and breasts, the massager and the instant heat breast warmers—all in one pretty package.
What we love:
- Relieves pain associated with breastfeeding
- Can help cut down on inflammation and infections
- Helps empty breasts during pumping sessions
What we would change:
- We wish the massager was a tad more powerful.
Quick Facts:
- Count: 9-piece set
Buy now on Amazon; $49.98
For Recovery From a Vaginal Delivery: Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads
If you experience a vaginal delivery, your hospital will probably supply you with some wet “medicated” pads doused in witch hazel—they work wonders to relieve the pain and swelling associated with vaginal births. You’ll need more once you go home and this brand is a best-seller. They’re great for soothing down there as well as your buttocks area if you’re so lucky enough to suffer from hemorrhoids (oh the joys). The witch hazel is pH balanced, hypoallergenic and dye-free.
What we love:
- They’re great for relieving discomfort following childbirth, rectal or vaginal surgery
- They are pH balanced, hypo-allergenic, and dye-free
- They stay moist for the long haul
- They’re easy to use—and can go right in your undies
What we would change:
- We wish they were a bit bigger.
Quick Facts:
- Count: 100
Buy now on Amazon; $7.68
For Snacks in the Diaper Bag: JUSTIN’S Classic Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Spread Squeeze Packs
Whether or not you’re breastfeeding, prepare to get hungry in this postpartum phase of your life. Your body just went through a major undertaking, not to mention the fact that you’ll be so focused on caring for your newborn that you might even forget to eat. Make sure you’re on top of your nutrition with these handy single packs of Justin’s peanut butter.
What we love:
- They come in single packs that are easy to eat from
- They’re free from harmful ingredients
- They’re packed with protein
What we would change:
- For the price, we wish there were more in the pack
Quick Facts:
- Count: 10
Buy now on Amazon; $13.50
For Added Support For Your Belly: Belly Bandit B.F.F. Premier Post-Pregnancy Belly Wrap
Remember to remove the societal concept of “snapping back” post-baby. Your body just went through so much over the last nine months to create life—and it will take a while until you feel like yourself again (and that’s totally OK!). If you’re looking to help strengthen your core muscles during this period of time, this belly wrap can come in handy. It’s designed to provide relief after aC-section and can be supportive for those breastfeeding.
What we love:
- Doctor-recommended
- Provides physical belly support during recovery
- Design is customizable
What we would change:
- We wish this was more comfortable to wear
- We wish it was less pricey
Quick Facts:
- Size: XS-XL
- Count: 1
Buy now on Amazon; $79.95
For Full Coverage: Bodily The All-In Panty: 5-Pack
Thong lovers might have to face the stark fact that it might be a while before they’re even tempted to put on a pair of their pre-baby underwear. For the time being, learn to love these full-coverage panties, which are high-waisted and made from a micromodal fabric that’s super smooth on your sensitive skin.
What we love:
- The high waist for C-section mamas
- The stretchy and forgiving micromodal fabric
- The wide range of sizes available
What we would change:
- We wish the back was a little less cheeky
Quick Facts:
- Size: S-3X
- Count: 1
Buy now on Amazon; $58
For Cozying Up on the Couch: Barefoot Dreams CozyChic™ Robe
Get ready to walk around in a robe for the majority of your maternity leave, because you deserve it. This robe by Barefoot Dreams was named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things for good reason. It’s just as soft as their infamous throw blankets yet it’s designed for everyday wear. It comes in three different colors and is made from some of the softest fabrics you’ve ever felt.
What we love:
- How soft and cozy it is
- That it’s designed to be extra big—and goes down below the knees
- The chic colorways available
What we would change:
- We wish it came in a few more sizes
Quick Facts:
- Size:1-3
- Count: 1
Buy now on Amazon; $135
For Staying Hydrated: Stanley The Quencher
If you don’t already own this viral tumbler, it’s time you invest in one for the postpartum period, when you’re always thirsty, but never seem to have water when you need it most. Carry this 40-ounce tumbler with you wherever you go and you’ll always have ice-cold water available to you—sippable through an easy-to-drink-from straw.
What we love:
- How much water it holds
- How it keeps the water ice-cold for so long
- How it doesn’t spill easily
What we would change:
- We wish it came with a butler who refills water on the reg
Quick Facts:
- Size: 14-64 oz
- Count: 1
Buy now on Amazon; $35
For the Pampering You Deserve: Honest Mama Body and Belly Bump Loe Bundle
The pampering you might want postpartum is a 90-minute full-body massage, but if you’re not able to make it to the spa quite yet, let this set from Honest soothe you. It’s designed for the pregnant or postpartum and comes with body oil and body butter. Take a warm bath while Dad takes over with the baby—and moisturize with these after.
What we love:
- How this is designed for mamas
- How the ingredients are natural and free from harmful chemicals
- The soothing scents of each of these products
What we would change:
- We wish it came gift wrapped
Quick Facts:
- Count: 2 products
Buy now on Amazon; $31.34
For food you don’t have to cook: Methodology
Is there a greater gift for a new mom than delicious, fresh and healthy food that she doesn’t have to cook? We’ll answer this one for you—no. This company delivers Michelin-quality meals (lunches, dinners and snacks) designed to deliciously optimize gut health right to your door. Each meal comes in reusable and fully recyclable glass jars and custom-made bento boxes that are lightweight, leakproof and microwavable.
What we love:
- How actually delicious this food is
- How easy it is to prepare and eat
- How good your body feels after eating it
What we would change:
- We wish it was (way) less expensive
Quick Facts:
- Count: 5 days worth
Buy now on Methodology; $18 per meal
For comfortable sleeping: Maternity Sleepwear Set
There are a lot of times you’re going to be uncomfortable in this postpartum period of life—sleep shouldn’t be one of them. That’s why we love this maternity sleepwear set from Kindred Bravely. The comfy ultra-soft fabric is great on your skin and the stretchy blend is perfect for breastfeeding.
What we love:
- It’s super soft and thick
- It’s stretchyIt’s great for both pregnancy and postpartum
What we would change:
- We wish there were more colorways
Quick Facts:
- Size: S-XL
- Count: 1 set
Buy now on Amazon; $45.99
For the coffee that takes you a full day to drink: Ember Mug 2
A rechargeable coffee mug that keeps your beverage the perfect temperature no matter how long it takes for you to drink it? Pure genius—especially for the new mom. While you might get distracted 100 times a day with something you need to do for your demanding newborn, you shouldn’t have to sip on cold coffee. This mug is a gamechanger.
What we love:
- It keeps your beverages the perfect temperature (not too hot or cold)
- You can customize the settings
- It has an autosense feature that shuts off when not in use
What we would change:
- You didn’t have to recharge so often
Quick Facts:
- Size: S-L
- Count: 3 items
Buy now on Amazon; $122
How does postpartum care change with the type of birth a woman has?
Postpartum care can vary based on the type of birth a woman has experienced— vaginal delivery and cesarean section (C-section). With a vaginal delivery, the women may have perineal discomfort or tearing, so products that provide pain relief and perineal hygiene are helpful. Postpartum care after a C-section involves monitoring and caring for the incision site—keeping the incision clean and dry, watching for signs of infection, and following any specific instructions provided by healthcare providers. Regardless of the type of birth you experienced, or even whether or not you gave birth to your child, it’s still important to incorporate self-care as you adjust to new motherhood.
When should you purchase postpartum self-care items?
It’s a good idea to start thinking about and planning for postpartum self-care items well before your due date. While you may not need all items immediately, having them on hand can help reduce stress and streamline your postpartum recovery. It might even be helpful to assemble a postpartum care kit with all the essential items you need or want to have with you for the postpartum period.
Are postpartum self-care items safe?
Postpartum self-care items are generally safe when used as directed, and many are specifically designed to support the recovery process after childbirth. However, it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients and materials used in these products, especially if you have any allergies, sensitivities, or specific health concerns. Always follow the usage instructions provided by the manufacturer and seek professional advice if you have any concerns about the safety of specific products.
