Bringing home your baby is an unforgettable experience, but postpartum recovery is often overlooked in birth prep. Your body has just done something incredible, and now it needs time, care, and the right essentials to heal properly.
I learned firsthand how important it is to be prepared for postpartum before birth. After having my baby, I quickly realized I wasn’t just caring for a newborn, I was also recovering from labor and delivery, managing discomfort, and adjusting to my new reality. The best thing I did was set up postpartum recovery stations ahead of time so that everything I needed was within reach when I needed it.
Let’s walk through exactly what helped me and made postpartum recovery easier, including how I set up my bathroom and bedside recovery stations with must-have postpartum essentials.
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This article is for informational purposes only and is based on research and personal experience. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise routine, using a birthing ball, or making decisions about your pregnancy and birth plan.
Why You Need a Postpartum Recovery Plan
After birth, your body is healing, your hormones are shifting, and you’re adjusting to the demands of a newborn. Having the right postpartum essentials on hand can make a huge difference in your recovery.
- Supports faster healing by reducing discomfort and inflammation
- Makes daily care easier so you’re not scrambling for supplies
- Helps with hydration & breastfeeding by keeping everything within reach
- Allows you to focus on bonding with your baby instead of worrying about what you need
📌 Pro Tip: Set up your postpartum recovery stations before you give birth. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not waddling around looking for supplies.
How to Set Up Your Postpartum Essentials Stations
To make things easier, I recommend at least two postpartum recovery stations in your home:
- Bathroom Recovery Station – For perineal care, postpartum bleeding, and overall healing.
- Bedside/Nursing Station – For breastfeeding, hydration, and nighttime baby care.
If you have a two-story home, consider setting up one extra station on each floor so you don’t have to climb stairs unnecessarily.
Bathroom Postpartum Essentials Station
The bathroom will become your go-to space for postpartum healing. Stocking it with the right products will make every trip easier and more comfortable.
Must-Have Bathroom Recovery Essentials
- Peri Bottle (Frida Mom or Hospital Version) – Wiping is not happening after birth. A peri bottle lets you rinse off without irritation and helps keep things clean.
- Cooling Pads & Sitz Spray – Instant relief for perineal soreness and swelling. Witch hazel pads (like Tucks) and Earth Mama Herbal Sitz Spray help soothe stitches and swelling.
- Disposable Postpartum Underwear or Large Pads – Bleeding (lochia) lasts 4-6 weeks after birth, and trust me, you’ll want comfortable, high-waisted postpartum undies or thick overnight pads for the first few weeks. Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear is a lifesaver.
- Stool Softener – Postpartum constipation is real, and you do not want to strain after birth. Colace or Miralax come highly recommended, but I just used a Magnesium supplement towards the end of my pregnancy and beyond and found that helpful.
- Epsom Salts for Sitz Baths – Soaking in warm water with Epsom salts can help speed up perineal healing.
📌 Pro Tip: Keep these essentials in a small bin or basket next to the toilet for easy access.
Bedside/Nursing Postpartum Essentials Station
Since you’ll be spending a lot of time in bed, you’ll want everything you need within arm’s reach for feeding, hydration, and newborn care.
Must-Have Bedside & Nursing Essentials
- Large Water Bottle (with a Straw!) – Postpartum thirst is intense, especially if you’re breastfeeding. A large, insulated water bottle makes hydration easier. Stanley, Hydro Flask, or Simple Modern all work well.
- Postpartum Snacks (Easy One-Handed Options) – You’ll be hungry all the time in those first few weeks. Keep protein bars, trail mix, lactation cookies, or cheese sticks nearby for quick energy.
- Haakaa or Breast Pump – If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll want a Haakaa silicone pump to catch letdown milk or relieve engorgement. If you’re pumping, make sure your electric breast pump is set up and within reach.
- Burp Cloths & Extra Swaddles – Newborn spit-up happens all the time. Having a few burp cloths and extra swaddle blankets nearby will save you from unnecessary laundry trips.
- Nipple Balm & Breast Pads – If you’re nursing, soothing nipple balm (like Earth Mama or Lansinoh) helps with soreness. Reusable breast pads prevent leaks during letdowns.
- Phone Charger & Nightlight – Long nights with a newborn mean you’ll want your phone charged for feeding trackers, audiobooks, or scrolling during late-night nursing sessions. A dim nightlight is helpful for night feedings without disturbing your sleep cycle.
📌 Pro Tip: Use a small rolling cart or nightstand organizer to keep everything accessible and organized.
Other Postpartum Essentials You’ll Want
- Postpartum Belly Support Band – Helps support your core and lower back while your body adjusts postpartum. Belly Bandit and Frida Mom both make good options.
- Comfortable Loungewear & Nursing Bras – Soft, loose clothing is a must while your body heals. Look for stretchy nursing bras and cozy pajama sets.
- Postpartum Herbal Teas – Herbal teas like Traditional Medicinals Mother’s Milk can help with relaxation, digestion, and milk supply.
- Baby Carrier (for Hands-Free Soothing) – A soft wrap carrier (like Solly Baby or Ergobaby) lets you keep baby close while still being able to move around.
Be Prepared, Mama!
Postpartum recovery can be a lot to manage, but having your essentials ready ahead of time will make the transition so much smoother. The key is preparation, when everything is set up before birth, you can focus on healing, bonding with your baby, and adjusting to your new role as a mom.
The Ultimate Birth and Postpartum Prep Challenge
Feeling prepared for birth & postpartum doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Join the FREE 30-Day Birth & Postpartum Prep Challenge and take small, simple steps every day to get your body, mind, and home ready for a smoother birth, easier recovery, and confident postpartum experience.
Preparing for birth and postpartum does not have to feel overwhelming. That is why I created the Birth & Postpartum Prep Challenge – to guide you step by step with daily encouragement, simple tasks, and essential resources so you can feel fully prepared.
I will walk you through stocking your freezer, organizing your home, and setting up your postpartum essentials, so when baby arrives, you can focus on recovery and bonding instead of scrambling to get things done.
Join the challenge today and take the guesswork out of birth and postpartum prep!
And if you want more pregnancy & birth prep tips, make sure to follow me on @motherofajourney on Instagram and TikTok!
