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Giving birth is arguably one of the most incredible things the body can do. It never ceases to amaze me that we can grow a little human and bring them into the world – but let’s not sugarcoat it: the toll it takes on your body (whether you have a vaginal birth or a C-section) can be pretty brutal.
Postpartum recovery is different for everyone, and there’s no definitive list of things every new mum needs to buy. But a few thoughtful additions can make those early days feel a little more comfortable and manageable, from soothing soreness and supporting breastfeeding to making it easier to rest, hydrate and get around.
Here are some postpartum products that may be worth having on hand, depending on your birth experience and what works for you. Every product has been tested by a new mum during her own recovery and the early days of motherhood.
Remember, postpartum recovery varies, and you should follow advice from your midwife, health visitor or doctor, particularly when it comes to wound care, ongoing pain, heavy bleeding or breastfeeding difficulties.
Postpartum recovery
Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle
Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle
Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle
Frida’s Upside Peri Bottle is essentially a squeeze bottle you fill with warm water to rinse yourself while peeing or after using the toilet. Post-birth wees can really sting, so this is a lifesaver. You’ll also want to avoid wiping if you’ve had tearing, stitches or swelling, so this comes in very handy and feels much gentler.
Frida Mom Instant Ice Maxi Pads
Frida Mom Instant Ice Maxi Pads + Underwear
On that note, Frida’s Instant Ice Maxi Pads are a great postpartum addition because they help soothe soreness, swelling and general discomfort after birth – especially in those first few days when everything feels tender. You use them just like a maternity pad, but they’ve got a built-in ice pack that activates with a simple snap, giving you instant cooling relief for around 20 minutes without needing to put anything in the freezer first.
The bundle above includes the ice pads plus disposable underwear, or you can buy the pads separately here.
Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear
Frida Mom Postpartum Disposable Knickers
Frida Mom Postpartum Disposable Knickers
Frida’s Disposable Underwear is not only really convenient in those early postpartum days when bleeding is at its heaviest, but it’s also far more comfortable than regular underwear. They’re seamless, latex-free, gentle on sensitive skin and high-waisted for extra tummy support, which is especially nice if you’ve had a C-section. There’s also plenty of room to layer maternity pads, ice packs and all the other postpartum essentials you’ll likely be using.
Frida Mom Postpartum Pads
Frida Mom Postpartum Pads
You’ll likely want to line your disposable underwear, and postpartum is the time to prioritise the gentlest fabrics possible – especially if you’ve had stitches. Frida’s Postpartum Pads are made from bamboo and cotton, without any unnecessary extras or harsh ingredients. They feature six layers with maximum absorbency to help prevent leaks, while the extra-long design gives full front-to-back coverage for added protection and comfort. I was surprised by how long postpartum bleeding continued, so you’ll want to have a hefty stash on hand.
Frida Mom Labour and Delivery + Postpartum Recovery Kit
Frida Mom Labour and Delivery + Postpartum Recovery Kit
Frida Mom Labour and Delivery + Postpartum Recovery Kit
Frida’s Labour and Delivery + Postpartum Recovery Kit ticks a lot of boxes in one fell swoop, so if you’d rather buy everything together (and save a bit of ££), it’s a great option. It all comes packed in a handy toiletry bag ready to throw straight into your hospital bag, and includes loads of postpartum essentials: the peri bottle, four pairs of disposable underwear, four instant ice maxi pads, 24 witch hazel pad liners and witch hazel perineal foam. Plus, it also comes with a delivery and nursing gown with easy-access poppers for breastfeeding, as well as a pair of grip socks.
Breastfeeding
Momcozy Silver Nipple Shields
Momcozy Original 999 Silver Nipple Shields
Momcozy Original 999 Silver Nipple Shields
The early days of breastfeeding can be testing – there’s no getting around it, and there’s often a fair bit of trial and error involved – but once your body adapts and your baby gets the latch right, it can become one of the most rewarding bonding experiences.
A few products can really help ease the soreness that often comes with those early feeds, and Momcozy Original 999 Silver Nipple Shields are one of them. They help soothe cracked nipples and support the healing process, often providing almost instant relief. Designed with small airflow holes, they’re also naturally anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal.
Momcozy Breastfeeding Essentials Kit
Momcozy Breastfeeding Essentials & Postpartum Kit
Momcozy Breastfeeding Essentials & Postpartum Kit
When it comes to other feeding bits and bobs, the Momcozy Breastfeeding Essentials Kit has pretty much everything else you could need. You’ve got 40 disposable nursing pads to help avoid milk leakage, hot and cold breast pads to give some relief when your boobs are engorged and sore (the heat pads are also great for clogged ducts), plus a cooling nipple cream that’s 100% natural and lanolin-free (perfect for those with sensitive skin or allergic to lanolin). You’ll definitely want this on hand for cracked nipples, and the applicator makes it really easy (and less messy) to use. Top tip: start applying it before your nipples get sore to help avoid that super chafed stage altogether.
It also comes with six colostrum collectors. If you manage to collect some colostrum before giving birth, you can freeze it and take it into hospital with you. But don’t stress if you can’t collect any; it’s not essential, and not collecting any doesn’t mean you’ll have a problem with your milk supply. Then there’s 24 breast milk storage bags, which will come in handy further down the line if you choose to express – but honestly, you can cross that bridge when you come to it.
Lansinoh Washable Nursing Pads
Lansinoh Washable Nursing Pads
As time went on, I wanted a reusable alternative to disposable breast pads, and Lansinoh’s Washable Nursing Pads ticked every box. The part that sits against your skin is made from soft organic bamboo, so they feel really gentle on sensitive nipples, while the three-layer protection technology keeps leaks locked in – no wet patches in sight.
Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream
Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream
Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream
Hailed by mums far and wide, Lansinoh’s HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream is a postpartum staple for a reason. The thick texture gives seriously intense moisture when your nipples are cracked, dry or sore, while the 100% natural formula is gentle enough that there’s no need to wipe it off before feeding. It’s also one of those products you’ll end up using for everything (baby included), from dry lips to nappy rash.
Lanolin is a rich moisturising ingredient made from sheep’s wool, which is why lanolin creams tend to be thicker and more intensive, while lanolin-free formulas use alternative ingredients and are often preferred by people with sensitive skin or lanolin allergies. My preference was the lanolin formula as it really seeps into the skin, but see what works best for you.
C-section recovery
Frida Mom C-Section Silicone Scar Patches
Frida Mom C-Section Silicone Scar Patches
Frida Mom C-Section Silicone Scar Patches
If you’ve had a C-section, your care team will give you proper guidance on how to care for your wound, but something worth having on hand is the Frida C-Section Silicone Scar Patches. Once your incision has fully closed, silicone patches may be useful for supporting scar care as it heals and matures. These are made from medical-grade silicone to help protect and hydrate the scar, and each patch is long enough to cover the full incision. They’re reusable, waterproof and can help with redness, discomfort and that tight feeling around the scar, too.
Comfort at home
Momcozy Postpartum Belly Wrap
Momcozy Ergowrap Postpartum Belly Wrap
Momcozy Ergowrap Postpartum Belly Wrap
Post-birth, your stomach can (unsurprisingly) feel soft and a bit jelly-like after months of carrying a baby, which is why a lot of people find the extra support of a belly band helpful in those early days. This is where the Momcozy Postpartum Belly Band can really help, offering gentle compression alongside core and back support to make moving around feel a little easier. Featuring the brand’s Ergonest Support Structure, it’s designed to help relieve lower back pressure while supporting your stomach as your body recovers. It can feel especially supportive after a C-section too, and the soft, seamless fabric sits comfortably and discreetly under clothes.
Cushy Puff Pregnancy Pillow
Cushy Puff Pregnancy Pillow
The first pregnancy item I invested in was actually one of my most-used postpartum buys too! The Cushy Puff Pregnancy Pillow is worth every penny in my opinion. It moulds to your body and can be made shorter or longer, firmer or flatter, depending on your preference. Postpartum, it’s hard to get comfortable – you’re aching and sore in all sorts of strange places – and the Cushy Puff gives you the support you need in those moments. It can also be used as a feeding pillow – the versatility never stops! Plus it comes in a range of designs and colours.
Chelsea Peers Maternity Pyjamas
Chelsea Peers Maternity TENCEL Modal Midnight Leopard Print Short Pyjama Set
Chelsea Peers Maternity TENCEL Modal Midnight Leopard Print Short Pyjama Set
Maternity pyjamas are another pregnancy purchase that can come in handy postpartum. You’ll want to avoid anything with a tight or restrictive waistband (especially if you’ve had a C-section), so maternity pyjamas are likely what you’ll be living in during those early weeks. Chelsea Peers’ Maternity Midnight Leopard Print Short Pyjama Set is made from an incredibly soft modal fabric and has a relaxed fit that’s comfortable enough for sleeping, feeding and lounging around the house. Plus, the button-up top makes those middle-of-the-night feeds that little bit easier.
Shop the full maternity range here.
Frank Green Ceramic Reusable Bottle
Frank Green Customisable Ceramic Reusable Bottle - 1L
Frank Green Customisable Ceramic Reusable Bottle - 1L
The term ‘emotional support water bottle’ takes on a whole new meaning postpartum. If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll never experience thirst quite like it, so having a jumbo water bottle within arm’s reach is essential. Frank Green’s 1L Ceramic Reusable Bottle keeps your water cold for hours, while the handy carry strap is a lifesaver when you’re juggling a baby and about a million other things. The straw lid is another must-have, making it easy to stay hydrated one-handed while you feed.
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