🌼 Not a perfect list — just what genuinely helped me through three very different postpartum experiences.
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.
Sometimes 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 💛
One thing I noticed more with each postpartum experience — having things within reach matters more than you think. 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 postpartum underwear.
Angled peri bottle One of those things you don’t fully understand until you need it. It just makes everything feel more manageable when you’re sore. I used an angled peri bottle and it made such a difference for those first bathroom trips.
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 and reached for it constantly.
Long phone charger (10 ft) Such a small thing… but you’ll use it constantly. Having a 10 ft phone charger meant it was always within reach no matter where I was sitting or resting.
Comfortable nursing bra Nothing tight — just something soft and easy. I loved HOFISH for something comfortable I didn’t have to think about.
Bedside caddy or basket Having everything in one place meant I wasn’t getting up all the time when my body needed rest. A portable diaper caddy is especially helpful when you’re moving between rooms.
Electrolyte packets Helped me feel a little more balanced on the harder days. I used Nectar and Re-lyte and kept them easy to grab nearby.
Heating pad For cramps, back pain, or just helping your body relax a little. I reached for my heating pad almost every day especially in those early weeks.
Burp cloths The more the better with these honestly. I felt like I was constantly reaching for another one, so I started keeping muslin burp cloths in multiple spots around the house without even thinking about it.
Red light therapy panel This isn’t something everyone needs, but I wanted to include it because it’s something I’ve personally been using while recovering from a back injury after my third birth. That recovery journey became a much bigger part of postpartum than I ever expected — I shared more about it in When I Couldn’t Lift My Baby: My Postpartum Back Injury. Because of how much it’s helped me with inflammation, pain, and recovery, it’s something I’d personally be more intentional about using during postpartum next time as well. I use the Hooga red light therapy panel.
What Actually Made the Biggest Difference
Looking back, it wasn’t having everything.
It was having a few things within reach 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, and took one small thing off my mind.
That’s really what this list comes down to.
Not more… just better.
Postpartum Healing Must-Haves
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 in those first few days. Earth Mama was the one I kept coming back to.
Pads (once things slowed down) I liked switching to more breathable options as I healed. Rael pads felt gentle and comfortable.
Gentle stool softener I’ll always say this one — don’t skip it. Have it ready before you even come home.
Magnesium Helped with digestion and also just calming my body a bit during a time that felt really overwhelming. I kept it simple with MegaFood.
Witch hazel pads Simple, but really soothing when you need it. Tucks were always within reach those first few days.
Ice pads Really helpful those first few days when everything feels more sensitive. I used a reusable ice pack and it brought so much relief.
Epsom salt Nice once you’re ready for baths and want something more relaxing. I loved this postpartum bath soak when I finally felt ready for that.
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.
I lived in a soft nightshirt those first few weeks and it made everything feel just a little more manageable.
Reusable breast pads Helpful for leaks, especially early on. I used reusable breast pads and was so glad I had them nearby.
Body Support & Recovery
Belly band (especially after a C-section) Gave me a little more support when moving around. After my C-section especially, a belly band made such a difference when I was trying to get up and walk.
Wedge pillow / support pillows Made getting up and sitting down feel more manageable. I used both a wedge pillow and a knee pillow for side sleeping and they helped me find positions that didn’t hurt.
Compression socks Helped with swelling in those early days. I used Physix Gear and noticed a difference right away.
How I Set Myself Up (What Helped the Most)
By my third, I stopped trying to figure it out as I went and instead made small spaces that worked for me. Nothing fancy — just 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, and keeping burp cloths everywhere because I was always reaching for one.
It didn’t make everything easier… but it made things feel more manageable.
I also talked more about preparing mentally and physically in How I Would Prepare for Birth Again.
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.
A second water bottle or straw water bottle in another room so you’re not constantly getting up. An extra long phone charger because somehow your phone is always just out of reach. A small snack station nearby — this helped more than I expected. And a small cooler bag for bedside snacks, drinks, or storing milk if you pumped and didn’t want to get up right away, especially during longer feeding stretches.
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 💛)
→ Postpartum Isn’t What I Expected
→ When I Couldn’t Lift My Baby: My Postpartum Back Injury
→ What I kept beside me during newborn nights
This post is based on my personal experience as a mom sharing what helped me through postpartum recovery. Every body and every recovery is different, so always talk with your provider about what is best for you.
This post may contain affiliate links. I only share things I personally used or found helpful during postpartum recovery.
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