Postpartum Survival Kit
The stuff nobody tells you to buy. Because postpartum is harder than birth, and you deserve to be prepared.
The Reality
Everyone prepares for birth. Fewer people prepare for after. But postpartum is where the real work begins - and your body needs to heal while you're learning to keep a tiny human alive on no sleep.
This list is for your body. Stock up before baby arrives. Future you will be grateful.
Why this matters
Postpartum was harder than birth for me. Not because of pain - because of the combination of physical recovery, hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and identity crisis all happening at once. Having the right supplies doesn't fix everything, but it removes friction when you need it most.
Bathroom Essentials (Vaginal Birth)
Frida Mom Peri Bottle
Angled bottle for cleaning yourself after bathroom use. The angle is key - regular bottles don't work as well. Use warm water. You'll use this for weeks.
DoAlways Discreet Underwear (Adult Diapers)
Just do it. Way better than pads. You'll bleed for weeks postpartum. These are comfortable, absorbent, and disposable. No shame.
DoTucks Pads (Witch Hazel)
For hemorrhoids and general soothing. Layer in your underwear or use to clean. The cooling relief is real. Stock up.
DoDermoplast Spray (Blue Can)
Numbing spray for down there. The BLUE can - not the red one (red has different ingredients). Spray liberally. Instant relief.
DoStool Softener (Colace)
Start taking this BEFORE you think you need it. Your first postpartum bowel movement is... an event. Make it easier on yourself.
DoFrida Mom Postpartum Recovery Kit
All-in-one kit with peri bottle, disposable underwear, cooling pad liners, perineal foam. Good starter if you want everything in one box.
DoC-Section Recovery
High-Waisted Underwear
Underwear that goes ABOVE your incision line. Regular underwear will hit right on the scar. High-waisted mesh underwear is most comfortable.
DoAbdominal Binder
Compression wrap for your midsection. Provides support and can help with recovery. Hospital may give you one; if not, get one.
Do
Pillow for Breastfeeding
You'll need something to protect your incision while feeding. A regular pillow works, or the Boppy. Anything to keep baby's weight off your belly.
DoC-Section recovery timeline
C-section is major abdominal surgery. Expect 6-8 weeks before you feel mostly normal. Don't lift anything heavier than baby. Accept help. Take it slow. Your body did something incredible.
Comfort Items
Heating Pad
For afterpains (uterus contracting back down), back pain from feeding, general soreness. You'll use it more than you think.
DoNursing Nightgowns
Easy access for feeding, comfortable for sleeping. You'll live in these for weeks. Get 3-4 so you always have a clean one.
DoRobe (Front Opening)
For when visitors come and you want to feel slightly more put together without actually getting dressed. Front opening for feeding access.
DoWater Bottle with Straw
You need to drink SO much water, especially if breastfeeding. Get a big one with a straw so you can drink one-handed while feeding.
DoFood & Nutrition
Freezer Meals (Pre-Made)
Make or buy meals before baby arrives. You won't want to cook. Anything you can heat up with one hand is gold. Stock your freezer.
DoOne-Handed Snacks
Protein bars, cheese sticks, cut fruit, trail mix, lactation cookies. Things you can eat while feeding or soothing baby. Stock up.
DoMeal Delivery Service
Factor, Freshly, or similar. For those first weeks when cooking is impossible. Worth the cost for survival mode.
DoAsk for food
When people ask "what can I bring?" - SAY FOOD. Set up a meal train. Accept every offer. You're not being a burden; you're letting people help in a way that actually helps.
Mental Health Prep
This isn't a product list, but it's the most important prep:
- Have a therapist lined up. Even if you don't think you'll need them. Postpartum anxiety and depression are common. Having someone to call makes it easier to call.
- Tell your partner the warning signs. Baby blues (crying, mood swings) are normal for 2 weeks. Beyond that, or if you have scary thoughts, get help immediately.
- Lower your expectations. The house will be messy. You won't shower daily. The baby will cry and you won't know why. This is normal.
- Accept help. If someone offers to hold the baby so you can nap - say yes. If someone offers to do laundry - say yes. This is not weakness.
Crisis resources
Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773
Text "HELP" to 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
These exist because postpartum struggles are common. You're not alone.
The Non-Negotiable
Hire a postpartum doula
If you can only afford one thing, make it this. A postpartum doula helps with baby care, breastfeeding support, and gives YOU a break. Ours came twice a week and it saved my sanity. Worth every penny. See our full breakdown.
Shopping List Summary
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Frida Mom Peri Bottle | $15 |
| Adult Diapers (2 packs) | $30 |
| Tucks Pads | $10 |
| Dermoplast (Blue Can) | $10 |
| Stool Softener | $10 |
| Heating Pad | $25 |
| Nursing Nightgowns (3) | $90 |
| Large Water Bottle | $25 |
| Total Essentials | ~$215 |
Stock up before baby arrives. Future you will thank present you.
Not gospel
Every recovery is different. C-section vs vaginal, complications vs smooth, first baby vs third. Take what applies, leave what doesn't. And talk to your healthcare provider about anything concerning.