Postpartum Essentials I Actually Used (From an L&D Nurse + Mom of Two)

No one really prepares you for postpartum.

You hear a lot about labor and delivery—but those first few weeks at home? That’s where you really feel it.

As a Labor & Delivery nurse and a mom of two, I’ve seen what helps… and what ends up shoved in a drawer.

So instead of a long overwhelming list, these are the postpartum essentials I actually used—the ones that made recovery easier, more manageable, and a little less stressful.

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💛 WHAT YOU’LL ACTUALLY NEED

1. Comfortable, High-Waisted Underwear

After delivery, the last thing you want is anything tight or irritating.

Whether you’ve had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, comfort here matters more than anything.

✅ What I used:

• Soft, high-waisted postpartum underwear → (What I used)

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2. Peri Bottle (Trust Me on This)

If you deliver vaginally, this is something you’ll use every single time you go to the bathroom.

Hospitals usually provide one—but having a better angled one at home makes a big difference.

✅ What I recommend:

• Angled peri bottle → (What I used)

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3. Pads (Not Just Regular Ones)

Postpartum bleeding is heavier than most expect—and lasts longer than a typical period.

You’ll want something:

• absorbent

• comfortable

• easy to change

✅ What to get:

• Postpartum pads → (What I used)

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4. A Comfortable Nursing Bra or Tank

Whether you plan to breastfeed or pump, having something soft and easy to use makes a huge difference.

You’ll likely wear this all day (and night).

✅ What I used:

• Nursing bra → (What I used)

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5. Nipple Cream (Even If You’re Not Sure Yet)

If you plan to breastfeed—even a little—this is something I always recommend having ready.

It’s one of those things you don’t think about until you really need it.

✅ What helps:

• Nipple balm → (What I used)

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6. Stool Softener (Underrated but Important)

This is one of those things moms don’t always plan for—but it can make a huge difference in those first few days.

✅ What to have on hand:

• Gentle stool softener → (What I used)

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7. A Good Water Bottle

Hydration matters more than most people realize—especially for recovery and milk supply.

✅ What I loved:

• Large insulated water bottle → (What I Used)

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🧠 WHAT YOU DON’T NEED (save your money)

There are so many “must-have” lists out there—but honestly?

You don’t need:

• complicated recovery kits

• tons of products

• expensive bundles

👉 Simple works better.

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💛 REAL TALK

Postpartum isn’t about having everything perfectly set up.

It’s about:

• feeling supported

• being comfortable

• and giving yourself time to recover

The right essentials help—but keeping it simple is what really makes the difference.

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If you want a simple checklist of exactly what to have ready before you come home, I made one you can follow:

👉 Download my Free Postpartum Essentials Checklist here

Here's The Link To My Full Postpartum Amazon List

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And if you want a deeper breakdown of what to expect—especially around labor, recovery, and decisions like inductions or C-sections—I put everything I’ve seen as a nurse into one guide:

👉 View my full guide here

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This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.