My Top 10 Postpartum Essentials – From a Doula & Mum of Two

As a birth doula and mum of two, I’ve had the privilege of supporting many beautiful postpartum journeys ,including my own. The early weeks after birth are raw, transformative, and deeply tender. They require care, rest, and support, not just for baby, but especially for you.

Whether you’re planning your first or navigating the fourth trimester again, these are some of my top 10 tried-and-true postpartum essentials that I personally recommend.

1. TOMS Pads or Cotton Sanitary Products

For those first few days and weeks of postpartum bleeding, I recommend using cotton-based sanitary products like TOMS Organic Pads or similar chemical-free options. They’re gentler on sensitive skin, more breathable, and free from unnecessary chemicals, which is so important when your body is healing. Softer materials can make a big difference in comfort, especially if there’s any perineal soreness or stitches involved.

2. Peri Bottle

A simple yet essential tool for cleaning after using the toilet, especially if you’ve had stitches or tearing. Fill with warm water and gently rinse while urinating to reduce stinging and support hygiene.

3. Witch Hazel Pads, Healing Spray & Padsicles

For soothing relief, witch hazel is a postpartum MVP. Keep it in the fridge and apply to pads, or use a spray (like the BodyICE Perineum Spray or Mere Soothing Peri Spray) to ease swelling and support healing.

Another favourite? Padsicles, essentially frozen maxi pads, often soaked with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or witch hazel. They provide a cooling effect and help reduce swelling, pain, and irritation in the perineal area. You can make your own at home or find ready-made versions online. Either way, they are a must-have for the early healing days.

4. SRC Recovery Shorts

These aren’t about “snapping back”, they’re about support, comfort, and healing. SRC Recovery Shorts are medical-grade compression garments designed to aid in core stability, improve posture, and reduce pelvic or lower back discomfort. I found them incredibly helpful in those early weeks when everything feels a bit loose and heavy. They offer gentle, targeted support while your body recalibrates and recovers.

5. Nourishing Snacks Within Reach

Think: bliss balls, nuts, crackers, dried fruit, protein bars. Keep a snack basket by your bed or feeding station. Your body is recovering and possibly feeding a baby, nourishment is non-negotiable.

6. Nipple Balm & Silverettes

Whether you’re breastfeeding or not, your nipples can take a hit in those first few weeks. A quality nipple balm (like Bare Mum Nipple Balm, pure mama nipple balm or Lansinoh) and reusable Silverettes can soothe and protect sore or cracked nipples.

7. A Good Water Bottle (With a Straw!) + Electrolyte Support

Hydration is absolutely essential in the postpartum period, especially if you're breastfeeding, healing from birth, or simply trying to stay energised through sleepless nights.

Having a large water bottle with a straw makes it so much easier to sip regularly, even when you’re holding or feeding your baby.

To support hydration even more, I highly recommend using an electrolyte sachet like Hydramama. These are formulated specifically for pregnancy and postpartum, helping to replenish essential minerals, support energy levels, and promote fluid absorption more effectively than water alone.

Keeping up your water intake can help with:

• Milk production

• Preventing headaches and fatigue

• Aiding digestion and tissue repair

• Supporting your overall mood and recovery

Make it a habit to drink every time you feed your baby, your body will thank you.

8. Postpartum Sitz Bath or Bath Herbs

A sitz bath can do wonders for perineal healing. Look for bath blends with calendula, chamomile, and lavender. In Australia, check out Bare Mum, Blissful Herbs, or DIY your own blend, soothing and soul-nourishing.

9. Supportive Clothes You Actually Want to Wear

Soft, loose-fitting, breastfeeding-friendly clothes that make you feel good. Think: oversized button-ups, high-waisted undies, stretchy leggings, and nursing singlets. Comfort and confidence matter. The Lullaby Cub, Moolk and kmart have some nice breastfeeding and postpartum friendly clothes.

10. Village Support — Not Just Products

Above all, the most important postpartum ‘item’ isn’t a thing, it’s support. Whether it’s your partner, your mum, a postpartum doula, or a meal train from friends, you are not meant to do this alone.

Your village can help in so many ways:

• Cooking nourishing meals

• Tidying the house or doing laundry

• Playing with or caring for older children

• Holding the baby so you can shower or nap

• Simply checking in on your wellbeing

Ask for help, rest often, and receive care like you would give your newborn. The fourth trimester is all about you bonding with your baby, being held and nurtured while your body and mind adjust to this huge transition.

Let people show up for you, this is a time to be supported, not stretched thin.

11. A Postpartum Caddy – Your Nappy/Feeding Station Lifesaver

In those early weeks, you’ll likely find yourself “nap-trapped” or spending long stretches feeding, often without time (or free hands!) to get up and grab what you need. That’s where a postpartum caddy comes in.

Set one up in your main feeding/resting area, and include essentials like:

• Nappies, wipes, and spare baby clothes

• Breast pads, nipple balm, burp cloths

• Water bottle, single handed snacks, tissues, hydramama sachets

• Lip balm, phone charger, hand sanitiser

• A book, journal, or headphones, tv remote

Having everything within reach can make those long feeds or cuddle sessions feel much more manageable, and help you feel nurtured, too. You might even want to set up more than one (e.g., one by the bed and one in the living room). My husband helped me a lot in those first few weeks making sure my caddy was always stocked for me.

It’s a small setup that makes a huge difference in feeling prepared, supported, and calm during those slow postpartum days.

Final Thoughts:

Postpartum is not just about “bouncing back.” It’s about slowing down, softening into your new role, and honouring your body’s journey. These essentials have supported me both as a mother and a doula, and I hope they bring you the same comfort and confidence.

Sending love to you wherever you are in your postpartum season. You've got this 💛

Warmly,

Chloe xx

Doula | Mother | Founder of The Bare Birth Co