By Jessica Lopez
Welcome to the fourth trimester: a world of fluctuating hormones, adult diapers, nipple creams—and one brand new baby. You don't need us to tell you it is the best of times and it is the hardest of times. Having been through the fog of new motherhood ourselves, we know how unique and heightened the experience can feel—but we also know that there are certain postpartum recovery essentials that can help support your body during this time, not to mention ease your journey into motherhood.
Here are the postpartum must-haves every new mom should add to their postpartum recovery kit.
Comfortable Loungewear
Postpartum is a blurry-eyed cocoon of neck nuzzling, spilled milk, sleeplessness and learning. And while we like to think we will have time to get dressed and ready in the whirlwind, pajamas are often the reality. A word to the wise: To upgrade your comfort, invest in a cozy new robe , slippers to slink around in, nursing bras, and fresh pajamas with breastfeeding access, if applicable. We’re big fans of clothing that will help you feel a little luxurious during a time that can feel anything but.
Healing Aids
Things may be a little dicey down there after a vaginal birth. Perineal tears, also known as vaginal tears, are injuries to the tissue around the anus and vagina that can occur during childbirth. Recovery to this delicate perineal area can be uncomfortable or painful, depending on the tear's depth and length. The skin usually heals within a few weeks, but pain and discomfort may persist, especially when walking or sitting. Instead of an ice pack, consider cooling pads, like Frida Mom’s Instant Ice Maxi Pads ($20) (which are both cooling and absorbent, genius). Lola Pads ($8), a peri bottle, and witch hazel pads or a healing perineal spray, like this spray, are all great staples for perineal healing. Yes, it’s natural and your body knows how to heal itself, but we are also fans of any product that can aid in postpartum recovery and decrease discomfort.
If you’re recovering from a c-section, consider high-waisted postpartum underwear that won’t rub your incision.
Sitz Bath
The soothing steam of a sitz bath is another great way to expedite perineum healing and grant yourself relief in the days immediately following your delivery. Plus, it’s nice to steal away for 15 minutes of solo decompressing time. You can find countless options online and this Earth Mama Organic Herbal Sitz Bath ($10) is one of our favorites.
Postnatal Vitamins
You might have been told to continue taking your prenatals after giving birth, but the truth is your nutritional needs shift postpartum—and your postpartum care plan should include a comprehensive postnatal vitamin to specifically support this stage. Our Perelel Mom Multi Support Pack was formulated by a panel of leading OB/GYNs and maternal-fetal medicine doctors to support your nutritional demands postpartum and beyond. Every ingredient is backed by research and targeted to your exact needs. Each pack contains an Omega DHA+EPA to help combat postpartum anxiety and depression, and our much-loved Beauty Blend with added collagen to help rebuild skin tissue and fight postpartum hair loss. And you don't have to take our word for it: In a clinical trial with Mom Multi, 70% of participants had more energy and overall mood improvements, 77% had shinier hair, and 73% had brighter, more radiant skin and improved skin health.1
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Nipple Care
If you’re breastfeeding, your nipples may need special T.L.C. as you and your baby find your groove. Always keep your breasts clean and dry after feedings—and if you find yourself dealing with cracked or sore nipples, we recommend Silverette Nursing Cups and Motherlove Nipple Cream ($11).
Bedside Hydration
There is no time you will appreciate your bedside more than when you’re spending many hours per day in bed with a tiny human. Suddenly, it is the keeper of all things— vitamins, snacks, hair ties, socks and pumping parts. One of the most vital items of all is a giant water bottle with a straw. If you’ve ever spilled ice water on a newborn in the dead of night, you’ll get why the straw and lid are essential.
Better yet: Make it our Cellular Hydration Powder, a tasty drink mix formulated by doctors to deliver unparalleled hydration and radiant skin from the inside out—with postpartum moms in mind. Fun fact: Breastfeeding moms can lose up to 24 ounces of water daily through breast milk alone. And replenishing lost fluids isn't just about water, as we lose essential minerals along the way.
Cellular Hydration is low-sodium and sugar-free, but packed with an electrolyte blend, collagen and hyaluronic acid, and ingredients like sunflower lecithin—and it's pregnancy- and breastfeeding-safe.
Supplements
“After baby is born, we often forget about the important role of postnatal vitamins in supporting mom," says Dr. Sarah Oreck, a doctor of reproductive psychology. "Every type of support is essential during the motherhood transition." For those in the world of nutrition, it's important to fill in whatever gaps you may have during the postpartum period. Our Mom Multi Pack is formulated by top doctors to provide support immediately postpartum with all of the additional nutrients needed as your body recovers (hello collagen-based beauty blend!) as well as through the early years of motherhood (hello stress support blend!).
Emotional Support
And lastly, the most important essential of all: postpartum support. Whether it's the comfort of mom friends to text with granular dilemmas, a lactation consultant to ring with questions, family to pitch in with childcare so you can take a breather, or a night nurse to grant you space for sleep, only you can advocate for exactly what you need to survive—and later thrive, we promise—in your new role.
We want to hear your postpartum essentials! Shop the Mom Multi Support Pack and join our community on social or by subscribing to our newsletter below.
1Based on an 8-week independent study of 30 women, ages 25+ who have at least one child under the age of 5 years old.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.
