7 Must-Have Postpartum Care Items for New Moms
Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of the most magical and life-changing experiences. But let’s be real for a second—it’s also exhausting, messy, and requires a serious recovery period that for some reason moms don't talk enough about. From my 18 years of experience as a doula, I see it often when moms have bought ALL THE BABY THINGS, but nothing for their own recovery! So here is a list of the 7 MUST-HAVE postpartum products for every new mom!
In this blog, we’ll share with you our doula tips for the 7 must-have all-natural postpartum care items that can make this recovery time smoother and more comfortable. Plus, we’ll chat about how building a support team can make all the difference in those tender first weeks. So grab a cup of tea (or whatever's in reach!) and let’s dive into creating the ultimate postpartum care plan.
Why Postpartum Care Matters
After giving birth, your body is working hard to heal—and it deserves some serious TLC! From sore nipples, hormone shifts and a tender vagina, the postpartum period is a time of great physical and emotional changes. That’s why having the right tools and support in place is so crucial. Using all-natural postpartum care items ensures you’re giving your body the gentlest, safest support during this vulnerable time.
Ready to assemble your new Mom Recovery Kit? Let’s go!
1. Herbal Postpartum Baths
Ah, the soothing MAGIC of an herbal postpartum bath! Here's our Midwife and Doula pro tip - every mom that had a vaginal birth should take one herbal bath a day in the first week of recovery to speed up healing!
That's right. Dads, partners, mother-in-laws....draw this super-hero mama a herbal bath EACH DAY for a week! This ancient remedy has stood the test of time for good reason. Herbal sitz baths are specifically designed to soothe the perineal/vaginal area after childbirth, reduce swelling, and promote faster healing.
They’re perfect for moms recovering from vaginal births, especially those dealing with tears or stitches. And the best thing, you don't need to touch the area. The water soaks in all the right places! [Learn how to reduce the risk of tearing here]
How to use Herbal Postpartum Baths:
Take one cup of herbs and let steep in 6 cups of water for 15 minutes (or longer). Put the herbal tea in a sitz bath or a regular bath tub and soak your bottom for 15 minutes. This mix of calming herbs like calendula, lavender, and comfrey can make all the difference.
Bonus: it doubles as a rare moment of "me time" for new moms. These Postpartum Herbal Baths are SAFE for baby too, so if you want to have a nice soak together, bliss out in this herbal remedy together! Buy Postpartum Herbal Baths HERE.
2. Lots of "Girl Dinners"
When recovering from birth and learning to breastfeed, moms expend a lot of energy! Often times they forgo eating and focus on the baby's milk consumption only. Moms need to prioritize their nourishment and having a game plan is key.
Snack Tips:
Get friends and family to donate gift cards from Door Dash or Uber Eats for those times you are craving a meal but too sleep deprived to drive. Buy these snack trays ahead of time and have your mother-in-law cut up cheese cubes, veggies, add almonds and crackers for a quick protein snack pack. Way cheaper than the ones from the store and keeps you eating when you only have one hand available.
3. All-Natural Perineal Spray
Perineal sprays are the unsung heroes of natural postpartum recovery. A great perineal spray will give instant relief to soreness or irritation after vaginal delivery. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to use and you don't have to touch any tender areas.
Go-To Ingredients:
Look for sprays that feature witch hazel, aloe vera, and lavender essential oil. These ingredients work together to reduce inflammation, soothe pain, and reduces the risk of infection as it's naturally anti-bacterial.
Pro Tip:
Pop it in the fridge for an extra-cooling sensation. Trust us—your postpartum body will thank you. Use after each trip to the bathroom to speed healing quickly after birth.
4. Belly Wrap
Postpartum belly wraps are a lifesaver for tired abdominal muscles. Designed to offer gentle compression, they can support your core, improve posture, and even alleviate back pain. Plus, let’s be honest—sometimes it just feels nice to have everything a little more "tucked in."
Choosing the Right One:
Look for wraps made from organic cotton or bamboo to avoid irritation and promote breathability.
Fun Fact:
Wearing a belly wrap can be especially helpful for C-section recovery. It provides extra support to your incision area while encouraging healing.
5. Organic Nipple Balm (safe for baby without lanolin)
Breastfeeding can be an amazing bonding experience, but let’s not sugarcoat it: those early days can be rough. Cue organic nipple balm! This miracle product soothes cracked, sore nipples so nursing becomes more comfortable for both mom and baby.
What to Look For:
Choose balms made with safe, edible, all-natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and calendula. You don’t want anything you wouldn’t want your baby to ingest. Buy this baby safe Nipple Cream here.
How to Use:
Apply after every feeding to keep nipples moisturized and prevent cracks. Think of it as your breastfeeding sidekick—just without the superhero cape.
6. All-Natural Padsicles
Padsicles are the cool kid on the postpartum block (literally). These are frozen maternity pads infused with healing, all-natural ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera, and lavender oil. They’re perfect for soothing the perineal area
Quick DIY to make Padsicles:
Take large, unscented sanitary pads, spray a few times with Ease the Way Spray and wrap them in foil before freezing. Trust us—they’re a game-changer.
7. A Postpartum Dream Team
Let’s shift gears for a moment. All the postpartum must-haves in the world won’t matter if you don’t have a solid support team to back you up. In the first few weeks after delivery, your main job is to rest, recover, and bond with your baby. Here’s how to build a support system to make that happen:
Family & Friends:
Don’t hesitate to lean on loved ones. Whether it’s asking your mom to handle dinner, your best friend to manage laundry, or your partner to take night-shift duty, everyone can pitch in. (Tip: create a schedule so everyone knows how to help.)
Postpartum Doula:
Consider hiring a postpartum doula—an expert in newborn care and postpartum recovery who’s there to support YOU. Doulas can help with baby care, light housework, and even meal prep. They’re a lifesaver, especially for first-time moms or families without nearby relatives.
Know When to Ask for Help:
Whether it’s from a lactation consultant, therapist, or your OB-GYN, don’t hesitate to speak up if you’re struggling.
Tips for a Smooth Postpartum Recovery
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Rest, Rest, Rest: Prioritize sleep whenever you can. Nap when the baby naps, and let others handle the chores for now.
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Hydration is Key: Keep a water bottle and some organic postpartum tea on hand at all times. It’s easy to get dehydrated while nursing and healing.
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Nourish Your Body: Healthy snacks and nutrient-rich meals will fuel your recovery. Say yes to help from anyone who offers to cook!
- Say No to Synthetic Products: During this delicate time, stick to products with all-natural ingredients to avoid unnecessary chemicals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Skipping Self-Care: Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. A well-rested and healed mom can better care for her baby.
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Overdoing It Too Soon: Give yourself grace. You just grew and delivered a whole human. No need to play Supermom right away.
- Neglecting Mental Health: Baby blues are normal, but if feelings of sadness or anxiety linger, reach out for professional help.
Conclusion
Postpartum recovery is a journey, and having the right tools and support makes all the difference. From soothing herbal sitz baths to calming organic teas, these postpartum care items are here to nurture you through the process. And let’s not forget—surrounding yourself with a supportive team is just as essential as any product in your recovery arsenal.
Remember, this is your time to heal, rest, and adjust to the incredible journey of motherhood. Let these all-natural postpartum must-haves and the power of a loving support system carry you through with care and confidence.
At Baby Nest Birth, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Together, we can create a postpartum care plan that makes you feel supported and cherished, just as you deserve.
Here’s to smoother recoveries and joyful beginnings!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sherilee Peters, owner and creator of Baby Nest Birth Boutique. For over 18 years she has been passionate about bringing comfort and healing to moms with natural remedies (a wanna be witch doctor). She is a mother of two, creator of Birth Dates (a self-paced birth class for couples) Birth & Postpartum Doula, educator and certified placenta specialist in the Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR areas.
