Postpartum Prep: What I Actually Used (and Loved) After Birth
A few products, comforts and simple practices that helped me feel more supported after birth.
Bringing a new life into the world is a beautiful and transformative experience, but it's also a time of immense change for your body. Looking back, I actually spent very little time preparing for postpartum itself. I didn't buy endless cute baby outfits, Bailey's nursery wasn't finished and I hadn't even packed my hospital bag when labour started. But despite feeling completely unprepared in some areas, there were a few things I did have ready that made those first weeks a little easier.
Postpartum recovery isn't discussed nearly as much as pregnancy or labour, but in my opinion it's just as important. In this post, I wanted to share some of the products I used and loved during my own recovery, along with a few simple self-care practices that helped me feel a little more comfortable, nourished and supported while adjusting to life with a newborn.
I've also included my free Mom-to-Be Self-Care Checklist, which covers everything from birth preparation and breastfeeding to postpartum essentials.
1. Maternity Pads
After giving birth, your body will experience postpartum bleeding (lochia), and maternity pads are definitely something I wouldn't skip. I tried my way through a few different cotton maternity pads during those first weeks postpartum and ended up liking these two options the most. I found it helpful having a good supply at home, especially in the beginning when the bleeding tends to be heavier and the last thing you want is another thing to think about.
Intl.: Cotton Maternity Pads here
Aus: Cotton Maternity Pads or at Coles, chemist warehouse these: Moxie Pads
2. Disposable Postpartum Underwear
I honestly loved disposable postpartum underwear during that first week. I received a few pairs from the hospital after giving birth to Bailey and ended up wishing I had bought more to have at home. They were comfortable, held everything securely in place and made using maternity pads and frozen witch hazel pads so much easier. I'll definitely be stocking up on them this time around.
I’ll try these and report back: Disposable Undies & Frida Mom Disposable Undies
3.Perineum Ice & Heat Packs
Taking care of your perineum is crucial, whether you have a vaginal birth or a C-section. After childbirth, many new moms experience soreness and swelling in the perineal area, and ice and heat packs can work wonders to alleviate discomfort. Ice helps with swelling, while heat can offer soothing relief as your body heals.
Intl. Amazon Link: Simple Perineum Ice Packs or Ice Packs
Aus: Perineum Ice Pack or a double pack here
4. Peri Bottle
I didn't expect peeing to sting quite as much as it did after giving birth, but my peri bottle quickly became one of my most-used postpartum items. Filling it with warm water and rinsing while going to the toilet made everything feel so much more comfortable and helped me avoid wiping an already sore area. I kept it in the bathroom for weeks and would definitely recommend having one ready.
Intl. Link: Peri Bottle
Aus Link: My Peri Bottle
5. DIY Witch Hazel Padsicles
Instead of using witch hazel wipes on their own, I found making my own padsicles much more useful. I simply poured witch hazel over maternity pads, popped them back into their wrappers and stored them in the freezer. Combined with disposable underwear, these were absolutely amazing during those first few days postpartum. They were cooling, soothing and one of my favourite little recovery hacks.
AUS Link: Witch Hazel
6. Comfy Cotton Underwear
I switched to regular full-brief cotton underwear from about the second week postpartum onwards and found them really comfortable. I actually bought them one size up and preferred them over anything tight or restrictive. Personally, I wouldn't have wanted anything putting pressure on my belly in those early weeks. Around weeks 3–4, I also enjoyed wearing a belly tube when moving around a bit more, as it gave me some gentle support.
7. Comfy Cotton Pyjamas
An absolute must-have for me. I had three different sets of soft cotton pyjamas and basically lived in them for weeks. Between feeding around the clock, contact naps and spending a lot of time resting at home, having a few comfortable sets to rotate through made such a difference. I wasn't interested in squeezing back into normal clothes straight away and honestly didn't feel the need to.
8. Stool Softener
The hospital gave me stool softeners, and thank goodness they did. I had my first bowel movement one day after giving birth and, not going to lie, it was much scarier in my head than it ended up being. Thankfully, it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected, and I think taking the stool softener made a huge difference. I also liked having chewing gum on hand, as it seemed to help get my digestion moving again after birth.
9. Meal Prep & Nourishing Foods
Probably the most important thing on this entire list.
I didn't have a perfectly stocked freezer full of meals, but having nourishing food ready to go makes such a difference. I loved warming meals, bone broth, soups, slow-cooked meats and comfort foods that felt easy to digest and satisfying. This time around, I'm planning to prep more intentionally, taking inspiration from both Traditional Chinese Medicine recipes and simple comfort foods.
One book I really enjoyed was The First Forty Days by Heng Ou. While I didn't follow everything to a tee, I found it inspiring and loved the emphasis on rest, nourishment and allowing yourself to recover slowly after birth.
AUS Link: Grab your Book copy here
Intl. Link: coming soon
This time around, I'm planning to document my meal prep process, share the recipes that worked well for us and slowly build a collection of postpartum-friendly meals here on the blog once I've actually tested them myself.
Final Thoughts: Take Care of Yourself, Mama!
Postpartum is messy, beautiful, exhausting and incredibly tender all at once. I don't think there's a perfect way to prepare for it, but I do think there are little things that can make those early days a bit softer. Hopefully some of these ideas help you feel a little more looked after, too.
If you're currently preparing for life with a newborn, I've also put together a free Birth Preparation Checklist with everything I personally like to think about before birth—from birth prep, postpartum recovery to breastfeeding supplies.
Much love,
Charlie
Note: *This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I only share products I personally use, love or would genuinely recommend.
