Postpartum looks different for everyone.
After going through it three times in three very different ways, I realized something pretty quickly…
it’s not always the big things that help.
It’s not always the big things that help.
It’s the small things you can reach for when you’re tired, healing, and just trying to get through the day.
This isn’t meant to be a perfect list. Just what actually helped me. What I reached for, and what made those early days feel a little easier.
If you’re preparing for postpartum or even going through it right now, I hope this helps you feel a little more supported and a little less overwhelmed.
💛Top Things I Reached for Daily💛
I’ve linked what I personally used or leaned toward throughout this post to keep things simple.
One thing I noticed more with each postpartum experience…
having things within reach matters more than you think.
And by my third, I started paying a little more attention to what I was using and choosing things that felt a bit simpler where I could.
Postpartum underwear / disposable pull-ups
These made those first couple weeks so much easier. I didn’t have to constantly think about leaks or changing.
→ I liked options like Rael or High waisted underwear.
Peri bottle (angled)
One of those things you don’t fully understand until you need it. It just makes everything feel more manageable when you’re sore.
→ Peri Bottle
Large water bottle with a straw
I kept this next to me all the time, especially while feeding. I didn’t always realize how thirsty I was until I finally stopped to drink.
→ I used a stainless steel water bottle
Long phone charger (10 ft)
Such a small thing… but you’ll use it constantly.
Comfortable nursing bra
Nothing tight—just something soft and easy.
→ Kindred Bravely or HOFISH
Bedside caddy or basket
Having everything in one place meant I wasn’t getting up all the time when my body needed rest, and then having a portable one is especially helpful when you’re moving between rooms.
Electrolyte packets
Helped me feel a little more balanced on the harder days.
→ Nectar or Re-lyte
Heating pad
For cramps, back pain, or just helping your body relax a little.
→ Heating pad
Burp cloths
The more the better on this one… I felt like I was always reaching for another. I started keeping them in multiple spots, so I didn’t have to think about it.
Red light therapy panel
This isn’t something everyone needs, but I wanted to include it because it’s something I use now for a back injury I’ve been working through after my third birth.
(It’s been a whole journey on its own—something I’ve shared more about here → [link])
Because of how much it’s helped me with inflammation and recovery, it’s something I’d personally use more intentionally during postpartum next time as well.
→ Hooga
What Actually Made the Biggest Difference
Looking back, it wasn’t having everything.
It was having a few things within reach things that made those long, quiet hours feel just a little easier.
Things that:
- saved me from getting up when my body needed rest
- helped me feel even slightly more comfortable
- took one small thing off my mind
That’s really what this list comes down to.
Not more… just better.
Healing Essentials
When your body is healing, even small comfort things can make a big difference.
Postpartum healing spray
That cooling feeling helped take the edge off.
→ Earth Mama
Pads (once things slowed down)
I liked switching to more breathable options as I healed.
→ Rael pads
Stool softener (gentle)
I’ll always say this one, don’t skip it.
Magnesium
Helped with digestion and also just calming my body a bit.
→ MegaFood
Witch hazel pads
Simple, but really soothing when you need it.
→ Tucks
Ice pads
Really helpful those first few days when everything feels more sensitive.
→ Reusable ice pack
Epsom salt
Nice once you’re ready for baths and want something more relaxing.
→ Postpartum Bath Soak
Comfort & Clothing
This part matters more than it seems.
When your body doesn’t feel like your own yet, being comfortable makes a difference.
I leaned toward soft, breathable pieces—things I didn’t have to think about.
Soft pajamas, oversized shirts, robes, nursing tanks… just simple, easy layers.
Reusable breast pads
Helpful for leaks, especially early on.
→ Breast Pads
Body Support & Recovery
Belly band (especially after a C-section)
Gave me a little more support when moving around.
→ Belly Band
Wedge pillow / support pillows
Made getting up and sitting down feel more manageable.
→ Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers
Compression socks
Helped with swelling in those early days.
→ Physix Gear
How I Set Myself Up (What Helped the Most)
One thing I didn’t fully understand the first time…
was how much setup matters.
By my third, I stopped trying to “figure it out as I go” and instead made small spaces that worked for me.
Nothing fancy, just simple things like:
- keeping a basket next to me with everything I needed
- having water and snacks already within reach
- setting up a small diaper station in more than one spot
- not expecting myself to move around too much
- keeping burp cloths in multiple spots because I was always reaching for one
It didn’t make everything easier…
but it made things feel more manageable.
Things That Made Life Easier
These are the kinds of things that don’t seem like a big deal at first…
but when you’re in it… tired, healing, holding your baby most of the day they make everything feel just a little smoother.
Straw water bottle or second water bottle nearby
So you’re not constantly reaching or getting up
Extra phone charger (in another room too)
Because somehow your phone is always just out of reach
Snack station nearby
This helped more than I expected.
Cooler bag (for bedside snacks, drinks, or storing milk if I pumped and didn’t want to get up right away)
Especially helpful during longer feeding stretches
🤍 If You’re Preparing for Postpartum
If you’re in this season or getting ready for it, you might also like:
→ My honest postpartum experience → [link]
→ What helped me through postpartum → [link]
One Thing I Learned
You don’t need everything.
But having the right things within reach…
things that make you feel even a little more comfortable…
can make postpartum feel just a little easier when everything is new and overwhelming.
Take what helps.
Leave what doesn’t.
And give yourself more care than you think you need 🤍
✨ Thank you for letting me share this part of my journey.
If you’re in this season right now, or getting ready for it, I hope this helped you feel even a little more prepared and supported.
With love,
Rachel (RaiRai 💛)
Note
This post may contain affiliate links. I only share things I personally used or found helpful during postpartum.
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