Postpartum Recovery Checklist: Real Must-Haves & Why.

Alright now, if you haven’t read my hospital bag checklist blog, you can find it here. This blog post dives into creating your essential postpartum recovery checklist for when you finally come home from the hospital with your little one.

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. These are items I ACTUALLY used during my own postpartum recovery. I’m committed to being real, raw, and authentic, so I will only share advice and products that I have personally found helpful. While the exact items might not be available, the suggestions will be for similar and effective alternatives.

Postpartum Recovery Checklist: Comfort is Key

Robe:

Why: Honestly, comfort is KEY in those early days. A robe is perfect because it’s so easy to slip on and off, especially for those frequent bathroom trips (hello, newborn!) and middle-of-the-night nursing sessions. Plus, it just feels incredibly cozy and comforting when you’re running on minimal sleep. I have 2 of these. One in black and blue.
Link for Purchase: https://amzn.to/3FRZeCG

Dresses:

Similarly, dresses are just easy for postpartum life. You won’t have any restrictive waistbands digging into your healing body, whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section. Furthermore, they allow for much-needed airflow (hello, lovely postpartum night sweats!), and breastfeeding access is a breeze – just lift and latch. Trust me, simplicity is definitely your best friend right now. This one is very similar to the one I have now.
Link for Purchase: https://amzn.to/42g6AZw

Body Oil:

Why: Your skin might feel stretched, dry, and even itchy after pregnancy as your hormones regulate. A gentle body oil can help deeply moisturize and soothe your skin. Plus, taking a few moments to massage it in (if you have the energy!) can be a little bit of self-care when you desperately need it. This is light so it doesn’t bother my baby skin. I absolutely live off this body oil!
Link for Purchase: https://amzn.to/42d2Mau

Nursing Bra(s):

Whether you’re planning to breastfeed or not, your breasts may be tender, swollen, and possibly engorged as your milk comes in. Nursing bras offer gentle support without any uncomfortable underwire (ouch!), and they have easy access for feeding or pumping during those frequent nighttime wakeups. I personally have a few of these. But I listed the basic colors, you can choose your own colors.
Link for Purchase: https://amzn.to/4j9Gihn

Gentle Exfoliating Washcloth or Rag:

Why: Honestly, that first home shower I just wanted to scrub, from being in the hospital I wanted to feel extremely clean. It’s nothing like a home shower. A gentle exfoliating washcloth can help remove dry, flaky skin and just make you feel a little more human. Just be sure to be super gentle and avoid any areas that are still sensitive or healing, especially around a C-section incision. I personally like these because I can cut them to any size/length I need.
Link for Purchase: https://amzn.to/4j9GmO9

Nipple Balm:

Why: Oh honey, those first few weeks (and sometimes months!) of breastfeeding can be rough on your nipples. There pretty much a 24/7 all-you-can-eat buffet for a tiny, hungry human with a surprisingly strong suck. They can get sore, cracked, dry, and just plain angry. Nipple balm is like a soothing hug for your hardworking nipples. It creates a protective barrier, moisturizes to prevent cracking, and helps heal any existing tenderness. It’s a small investment for a lot of relief
Link for Purchase: https://amzn.to/4jpu5W3

Essentials for Healing Down There:

Peri Bottle:

Why: While I used the hospital one initially, I’ve researched and heard great things about this peri bottle. A peri bottle provides a gentle stream of water to cleanse your perineal area after using the restroom, which can be incredibly sore or have stitches that you definitely want to avoid irritating with rough toilet paper. Therefore, trust me I was scared to use toilet tissue, so I made sure I used this every bathroom visit.
Link for Purchase: https://amzn.to/42h9nBH

Perineal Healing Foam:

Why: Let’s be honest, your vagina just went through a major event! Whether you tore or not things are going to be sore and swollen. Perineal healing foam is like a soft, soothing cloud for down there. It often has ingredients like witch hazel to help numb pain, reduce swelling, and speed up healing. It’s a gentle, no-touch way to get relief after using the bathroom. Trust me, your tender bits will thank you for this little bit of heaven. I used the foam on every pad.
Link for Purchase: https://amzn.to/4cbr9de

Dermoplast (or a similar pain, burn, and itch relief spray):

Why: This stuff is GOLD. If you have any tearing or stitches, or even just general soreness, a numbing spray can provide instant relief from pain, burning, and itching. Especially the itching. My god when the stiches start to heal, they will itch. DO NOT SCRATCH! keep this within easy reach!
Link for Purchase: https://amzn.to/3FJJFxa

Pads (Heavy Absorbency):

Why: You’ll experience postpartum bleeding, and it can be heavier than a period, especially in the initial days and first few weeks. Stock up on super absorbent pads – the hospital usually gives you some, but you’ll need way more. Avoid tampons and menstrual cups at this stage to prevent infection and allow for proper healing.
Link for Purchase: https://amzn.to/3DSx3Db

Maternity Underwear:

Let’s be real, your regular underwear might not be your best friend right now. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, things around your waist and hips are likely to feel… different, and maybe a little tender. Maternity underwear, especially the high-waisted kind, are a game-changer. More importantly, they are usually designed to hold those giant postpartum pads securely and comfortably without any awkward shifting. Trust me, having underwear that actually works with your postpartum body and your giant pads is a small but significant win. Get lots of these. I personally went through a pack in about 1.5 weeks. I changed almost every bathroom visit.
Link for Purchase: https://amzn.to/42d4mJs

Epsom Salt:

Why: Sitz baths with Epsom salt can work wonders for soothing a sore perineum and helping with healing, whether you had stitches or just general tenderness. I personally did not want to always sit in the tub so I would add some to my peri bottle. Just make sure the water isn’t too hot!
Link for Purchase: https://amzn.to/43WfoVE

Ice Packs (A Lot):

Why: Down there is going to be… sensitive, to put it mildly. Ice packs help reduce swelling, pain, and discomfort. Stock up or get reusable ones – you’ll be using them frequently, trust me. You can even get specific perineal ice packs for better coverage. Also, later down the line it you get these below that come with a cover, I eventually used these to help when my baby was teething and just removed the cover.
Link for Purchase: https://amzn.to/4257Ux0

Medicated Pads (Like Tucks):

Why: Unfortunately, the pushing involved in labor can sometimes lead to the development of hemorrhoids or exacerbate any existing ones. These medicated pads offer almost instant cooling relief and are incredibly effective at reducing swelling and that oh-so-annoying itching. In fact, these were my absolute lifesaver after every bowel movement! Surprisingly, even long after you’re initially healed, I sometimes still experience a bit of discomfort seven months later, and these are still my trusted go-to for quick relief.
Link for Purchase: https://amzn.to/3DI2SP7

So, tell me – what are the postpartum recovery items you absolutely couldn’t have lived without? Did I miss anything crucial? Let’s create an even more comprehensive list for other new parents in the comments below! Your real and honest experiences are so valuable.

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