8 Postpartum Essentials We Couldn’t Do Without

Alexandra F.:  Comfortable, breathable undies you don't mind bleeding all over are postpartum must haves as you recover from any delivery, and you'll need them to hold those gigantic pads you'll be using for postpartum bleeding, too. I bought the cheapest pack of 100% cotton undies I could find at Target, but I've heard good things about this disposable underwear, too.

Alexandra F.:  Nursing pads are another postpartum essential (and breastfeeding must have) that will help keep your clothes dry in spite of those leaky breasts. I've tried several brands over the years and these are my favorite. They are thin and lightweight, super absorbent, and stay in place pretty well even if you don't use the adhesive (which I almost never did). Though I really wanted to like the reusable pads I got to avoid the waste of disposables, they just didn't work nearly as well and were a lot less comfortable, so I found myself always coming back to these.

Alexandra F.:  Check with your doctor before taking any medications, but this was one of those postpartum essentials I never knew I needed until I really did. The thought of having a bowel movement so soon after the physical trauma of child birth was honestly a bit terrifying; the hospital gave me this stool softener to ease the process, and it helped a lot.

Alexandra F.:  I used these multiple times a day for a few weeks after each of my deliveries, and would definitely recommend adding them to your postpartum supplies list. There are different witch hazel pads on the market, but these were the ones the hospital gave me and I liked them well enough that I kept using them at home.

Alexandra F.:  Epsom salt is great to have on hand at any time, but I first discovered it after giving birth as a soak for my sitz bath, as well as in the tub for various childbirth-related aches and pains. You can get big bags of it at Costco at a great price.

Alexandra F.:  You'll need a peri bottle to help clean up in the bathroom for a while after childbirth, and though the hospital will likely provide a basic squirt bottle for your postpartum needs, the design of this peri bottle is SO much easier to use!

Alexandra F.:  Ah, hemorrhoids. If these are an issue after delivering that bundle of joy, put a sitz bath at the top of your postpartum supplies list. If you don't get one from the hospital (I did for one of my four deliveries), you can easily find one online or at your local pharmacy. Personally, a simple seat with holes near the top for water overflow was all I needed, and extras like the bulb and hose for adding more warm water just weren't worth the additional cost and hassle.

Alexandra F.:  Heavy pads for vaginal bleeding are postpartum necessities, and I've always found these to be way more comfortable and absorbent than whatever the hospital gives me.