The Postpartum Essentials I Actually Used (A Crunchy-ish Edit)

You spend months preparing for your baby.

The diapers. The outfits. The nursery.

But almost no one prepares you for what happens to yourself postpartum.

After my second baby, I figured out what I actually need postpartum to feel human again physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I live and die by the rule that I am a better wife, mother, and human when I take care of my needs first (ok maybe sometimes second – but taken care of none the less).

So this is my list of the things that actually mattered.

Cotton Diapers

We’re going to rip off the band-aid and get into the not-so-cute part of postpartum first…the adult diapers.

It’s much easier to just pull a diaper on rather than worry about leaks and positioning with a large pad (plus they’re just more comfortable)

When it comes to what comes in contact *down there* I am very conscious of what I use. Bleach and fragrance on traditional diapers/pads can be absorbed into the body and potentially disrupt your hormones.

Look for options that are made with 100% unbleached cotton.

These are the one’s I used postpartum: Rael Disposable Organic Cotton Diapers

Cotton Underwear

Once your bleeding slows and you transition to panty liners or nothing at all. Having COMFY cotton underwear is crucial (or at least it was for me).

This isn’t going to be your cutesy normal underwear, but rather something to still make you feel confident and most importantly comfortable as you’re still healing.

PSA to my c-section mamas: get the high-waisted ones and thank me later.

Vitamins

When it comes to vitmains I follow the K.I.S.S. method (a.k.a. Keep it Simple Stupid).

You don’t need to get down this rabbit hole of every single micronutrient and how it can improve your life drastically (they all claim that). Focus on the big stuff. That’s where you’re going to get the most ROI.

Your priority postpartum is nourishing yourself and your baby as much as possible.

Here are the big 4 I focus on postpartum:

• Prenatal – Continue taking into postpartum. It’s basically a women’s multivitamin and covers a lot of bases in one supplement.
• Omega-3 – Overall a good supplement to take for joint pain and dry skin which can be common postpartum. It also may help reduce postpartum depression. AND bonus: its been shown to help support the development of the brain and nervous system for breastfed babies.
• Bio-ADEK – I take this specific vitamin because it has a combo of vitamins A, D, E & K (again simplifying the routine as much as possible). This covers all of your fat soluble vitamins and is especially important postpartum in supporting bone health, immune function, mood regulation (!!!), and of course nutrient rich breast milk.
• Zinc – I specifically take this to support my thyroid as I have Hashimoto’s, but there are so many other great benefits to taking this postpartum including wound healing, immune function and potentially reducing postpartum depression.

Honorable mentions: Iron (if your prenatal doesn’t have it), Collagen Peptides, and Magnesium.

Always check with your doctor and dial in your routine for your specific needs!

Electrolytes (the DIY kind)

If you haven’t heard how much electrolytes matter, you’re hearing it now.

It doesn’t do you any good to chug a bunch of water if your body is not truly absorbing it, that’s where electrolytes come in.

The store-bought brands, whether that’s Gatorade, Liquid IV, etc., have a bunch of added sugars, artificial flavors and ingredients you don’t really need. And making your own at home is actually really easy. (Although if this is isn’t for you grab a Gatorade and calling it a day)

All you need is water, a quality salt, and a squeeze of lemon.

Does it taste like salty lemon water? Yes absolutely. Is it gag-worthy? No.

And you can work your way up with the salt content or add as much lemon as you need as you get used to the flavor.

Again were keeping it simple around here postpartum, there are a million recipes out there with 6-7 ingredients to make some healthy electrolyte drink at home. But I’m just making it easy and attainable to accomplish while caring for another human 24/7.

Tallow & Honey Balm

I use this on literally everything.

Diaper rash. Nipple butter. Baby eczema. Face Lotion. Scrapes. Sunburn.

There is truly nothing it can’t do and it’s a good all-in-one balm to have around.

Make sure you get a quality brand, I’ve bought my fair share of cheaper brands on Amazon and you can tell the difference in it’s effectiveness.

This is the one I use that I keep stocked at all time: VanMan’s Tallow & Honey Balm

Nursing Pads

This is one that I feel I left out of a lot of postpartum essentials lists.

If you plan on breastfeeding, you 1000% need nursing pads.

As your breastmilk is coming in and regulating, your breasts will leak as you’re feeding on the opposite side and in-between feedings. These are a live-saver.

I can’t tell you the number of times I was out in public with my first kid and leaked through my shirt. Not only do I hate smelling it and being wet, it made me want to leave wherever I was at immediately.

Pop these puppies in your bra and you’re good to go. No leaks, no wet shirts, no 17 loads of laundry, and no embarrassing moments in public.

Belly Binder

And last but most definitely not least, a belly binder.

While you’re pregnant your abs separate in order to accommodate the baby. A quality belly binder can help you feel supported, help with posture and back-pain, and help your abs as your body changes back to normal.

Invest in the quality one. You wont regret it.

After months of research I landed on this one: The MamaWrap

It was designed by a mother, for mothers. It’s more adjustable, more comfortable. and honestly just cuter.

Postpartum looks different for everyone.

But taking care of yourself is not optional, its imperative to your postpartum experience.

If I can leave you with any words of wisdom, it’s this: prioritize your own self care (no one else is going to), remember to K.I.S.S., and never EVER do something you can do while they’re awake, when they are sleeping.