My Must-Have Essentials for the First Two Months Postpartum as a First-Time Mom

Entering motherhood is a joyous and overwhelming experience, marked by a whirlwind of new responsibilities and emotions. As a first-time mom, navigating the initial postpartum period can be challenging, requiring a mix of preparation, patience, and support. To make this transition as easy as possible, having the right postpartum essentials is vital. I wanted to put together this blog post to share the things I personally found most essential for the fourth trimester for both me and for baby. With so many products on the market to choose from, there really is something for everyone. These are my favorites that I will be using again with my next pregnancy and found essential to this postpartum period.

Silverette Nursing Cups and Nursing Pads

Investing in supportive and comfortable products and pads is a game-changer for new moms learning to breast feed and preparing your body for it. With so many products on the market the big deciding factor for me was to use all things with natural products. Being I would be breastfeeding, I didn't want any ingredients or chemicals that could possibly affect the baby. These essentials are not only about physical comfort but also about proper breastfeeding management. Comfortable silverette nursing cups provide the necessary support to ease some of the discomforts associated with breastfeeding. Dealing with milk leaks and sore nipples is a common challenge for new breastfeeding moms and this is where I found a mix of disposable and reusable pads both came in clutch for me.

Silverette nursing pads are a mama’s secret weapon for pain-free breastfeeding and pumping. The original 925 silver nursing pads are designed and handmade in Italy, Silverette® are FDA-registered, and designed with your comfort in mind. They are easy to use and made of high-quality, natural materials, so you can feel confident that Silverette pads are the safest choice for you and your baby. I used these immediately and still do today. They help calm my nipples after feeding and protect them from sticking to clothes and nursing pads.

Nursing pads, on the other hand, are also crucial for managing milk leaks. Without them, you might find yourself dealing with embarrassing milk stains at inconvenient times. I have been very blessed in having an abundance of milk, and the ability to work from home, but that had led to a lot of leaks around the house. Disposable nursing pads are there for convenience while reusable nursing pads are great for an eco-friendly option. They both help absorb leaks and keep your clothes dry, while silverette's provide relief from soreness. Nursing pads come in various materials, catering to different preferences and sensitivities, while silverette's help soothe and heal cracked or irritated nipples. Reusable nursing pads are great for an eco-friendly option and can be used again and again. I use these often and love that I can wash them and use again, and that they are soft and hold lots of milk. The downside of these are they can tend to smell a little if you use them for a full day from the milk absorbing in them and they move around if you are wearing them in a nursing friendly top or dress or if your bra isn't fitted tightly enough. I like these but if I am wanting something that stays in place for when going out in public, I opt for the disposable nursing pads for convenience, placement and lack of smell. They absorb the liquid milk into them and form a gel like consistency inside the pads. Both are great options, and I would recommend keeping both on hand if you plan to nurse. Combining nursing pads and silverette's keeps you prepared and comfortable, ultimately making the breastfeeding experience more enjoyable.

Essential nursing supplies can make a significant difference in your breastfeeding journey. Nursing pads manage leaks, while a good-quality nursing pillow provides support during feeding. I will link the two products I have below. I found a nursing pillow as a good product to have, especially to better bear the weight of the baby, however, with having a c-section I didn't find it comfortable in my incision area withing the first month. Stocking up on nipple cream helps alleviate soreness and prevent cracked nipples, ensuring a more comfortable experience. I personally only used a lanolin nipple cream the first few days while in the hospital that they gave me, however, I felt more comfortable with just using the silverette's being baby boy was nursing and I didn't want him taking in anything. The nurses in the hospital did assure me that the cream was safe, but it's my opinion that sometimes one person's view on what is safe isn't always another person's.

Disposable Underwear & Pads

Postpartum bleeding can be heavier than a normal period, making high-absorbency pads essential and underwear you are comfortable in a necessity. You'll need underwear that is specifically designed to manage the unique postpartum flow when adding a pad, providing both comfort with a high waste line with a snuggly fit to help you feel secure while also giving a wide area to add large pads that are very much needed to new moms. By having a stock of high-absorbency pads, you can confidently manage postpartum bleeding, keeping you focused on recovery and your newborn. This disposable underwear allows for you to stay focused on recovery and on your newborn, and to not have to keep up with the constant laundry you would have. I went through 2 boxes of these and my maternity underwear in between to help give me the added support on my tummy for the first 6 weeks. I still am using my maternity underwear as they feel more comfortable around my c-section and when I wear my waist trainer.

Heavy absorbency pads are necessary for managing the heavy postpartum bleeding that many new moms experience. These pads provide ample coverage and security, helping you feel more comfortable and less concerned about leaks. The variety in sizes aligns with changing flow levels, allowing you to choose the right pad for each stage of your postpartum recovery. Heavy absorbency pads ensure you are well-equipped to handle postpartum bleeding with confidence and ease. Comfort and protection in pads are crucial for new moms, as postpartum bleeding is often heavier and different from a regular period. These pads offer a combination of softness and high absorbency, ensuring they provide comfort while preventing leaks. Having a variety of pad sizes on hand helps accommodate the changing flow levels typical during postpartum recovery. From heavy flow in the initial days to lighter flow as weeks go by, having the right size pad ensures you stay comfortable and protected. Postpartum bleeding was much longer than I ever thought, as I was almost 6 weeks to the day which is normal and expected. Having these pads and disposable underwear helped me feel secure, clean and are definitely on my necessity list as a first-time mom. Whether you have a vaginal or c-section birth you will need these, and you will bleed. You are bleeding because your placenta was delivered as well as the baby and that is an open wound inside of you that is healing for quite some time.

Choosing hypoallergenic options can make a significant difference in your comfort level during the postpartum period. I always choose pads made from organic cotton and that are fragrance-free to avoid irritation, but I especially use them now when my body is going through so much change, and because I may be more sensitive.

Hydration and Nutrition

Keeping well-hydrated and nourished is essential during the postpartum period. Your body needs adequate water and nutrients to recover and produce breast milk. Having water, healthy snacks, and easy-to-prepare meals within reach can help maintain your energy levels and overall well-being. Nutritious snacks can come in handy during middle-of-the-night feedings, ensuring you have the energy to care for your newborn. Always keep a large water bottle nearby to remind you to drink fluids. I would try and drink a glass of water at each feeding and refill, so it was ready for the next time and in between. This kept me plenty hydrated and set a goal for me. Have healthy snacks like almond or oat bars, fresh fruit, or yogurt at hand. Nuts and seeds are great for a quick protein boost. Fresh fruits like bananas and apples are also quick grabs and are great fruits to have when breast feeding (research this, not all fruit and veggies are as beneficial). Whole grain crackers and cheese also give a satisfying snack. Add in salami or other delicious deli meats you had to do without for nine months to help give you additional protein. These are all great for easy snacking, and once again I linked my favorites below.

It is also important to prepare or purchase easy-to-heat meals for quick but nutritious eating. During my third trimester I prepared breakfast casseroles, soups, enchiladas, stews and pastas and froze them. These were all meals that were easy to make and freeze and I made sure to add in additional veggies where I could to help with healing and milk supply. I highly recommend having foods on hand ready to heat especially the first few weeks after having baby. You will be tired and adjusting to this whole new life the last thing you want to do it cook, but you'll still need to be eating nutritious meals to heal your body. I also recommend hot meals like soup and stews. I felt these meals healed me from the inside and soothed my body even though it was a hot summer in Texas. Proper hydration and nutrition set the foundation for a smoother and more energized postpartum recovery for me, and I know it will for you as well.

Comfortable Clothing

Comfort is paramount when it comes to postpartum clothing. Loose-fitting, soft fabrics like cotton or bamboo are highly recommended for maximum comfort. Easy-access clothing options, such as button-down shirts or nursing tops, make breastfeeding simpler and more convenient when out in public. Additionally, stretchy leggings or maternity pants with supportive waistbands provide a comfy yet supportive fit for your changing body. Having a cozy robe or lounge outfits can be a great addition for easy, comfortable wear at home. Opting for comfortable clothing can greatly enhance your postpartum experience, making it easier to focus on yourself and your newborn.

My personal favorites for recovery are comfortable nursing sleep dresses. These are a lifesaver during the postpartum recovery period, especially the first few weeks when I was healing from a c-section and preeclampsia. These dresses are designed with easy-access openings and clips for hassle-free breastfeeding, making feeding sessions convenient and stress-free. They also have a flowy bottom, so I didn't have to worry about anything around my incision being too tight. The dresses I have been wearing on repeat still today are all linked below. I also added in some pajamas I personally added into my rotation after the first month when I was more healed. These pj's were nice because they were still able to hold my Hakka into place when feeding.

Support System

Having extra help and support during the first two months postpartum is invaluable. An extra pair of hands, whether from a partner, family member, or professional caregiver, can provide much-needed assistance with various tasks. Additional support can help with household chores, baby care, and providing the mother time to rest and recuperate. Planning and organizing help in advance will ensure a smoother and more manageable postpartum experience. I was blessed enough to have my husband home for 4 weeks and my mom stayed with us 8 weeks. My mom flew in and arrived 2 weeks before our baby boy was born to help prepare the house and 6 weeks after to continue helping clean, cook, do the laundry and take her turn holding her first grandchild. Having them both with me was so essential in my recovery especially ending up back in the hospital a second time a week after birth with complications from preeclampsia. If you don't have family or friend support, I highly suggest hiring a doula to help with that support. I know the Doula we hired for our predelivery classes offers this service. They sometimes help with the household chores to reduce stress, assistance in baby care to give mom breaks, and many other things. This may not provide the emotional support and companionship like a family member would, but it will still help with reduced stress allowing for focus and bonding with your new bundle of joy. By having extra help on hand, you can navigate the challenges of the postpartum period with more ease and peace of mind.

Breastfeeding Cups

While some essentials are critical, there are also nice-to-have items that can further enhance your postpartum experience. There were 2 types of "cuppies" as I call them that I used to assist in my breastfeeding and store up milk supply. The first I used was Medela Therashell's for the first 4 weeks of breastfeeding when your body is regulating your milk supply and you don't want to over produce (or if you do want to so you can stock up for going back to work maybe then disregard this). I loved these because they caught the milk on one breast while baby fed on the other. They also had little air holes on the top to provide air to your nipples for added healing. After 4 weeks I changed to this shell Hakka, and I also have the regular silicone one, but for me it slips off and baby has also kicked it off a time or two as well. For less milk spill the shell nicely slips into my bra or nursing top/dress and stayed in place while also suctioning to retrieve more for me to freeze for a backup supply.

Items I Found Useful for Baby

Coterie Diapers & Wipes

Finding diapers that both your baby likes and have all the chemicals or lack of chemicals you're looking for is important. I knew I wanted the cleanest, most natural ingredients before baby ever arrived and so I started looking for the best diapers and wipes I could find that also didn't cause any discomfort for baby. Coterie's products when looking at reviews were once referred to as the Roll's Royce of diapers, and for great reason! They have the cleanest ingredients while also absorbing more for longer between diaper changes. This means that those critical longer night sleeps for you and baby are made more possible! All of their materials that come in contact with your baby's skin are dermatologist tested, proven hypoallergenic, and free of 200+ irritants. The Apex technology they use is softer, while the elastic leg cuffs help protect against blowouts and chaffing. The diaper is free of fragrance, lotion, latex, rubber, dyes, alcohol, heavy metals, parabens, phthalates, chlorine bleaching, VOCs, optical brighteners, and 200+ other potentially harmful chemicals. It’s hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, and third-party tested by independent labs making them a one of our must-haves. For more on coterie diapers and a discount on your first purchase use code WARREN20.

4Mom's Bassinet

There really are many options for bassinets and as a first-time parent picking one is very overwhelming. You don't know your little one yet, and aren't sure what they will take to best in their brand new environment. We knew we needed a small bassinet near our bedside as baby's room is upstairs and we wanted him right near us once he arrived. I found 4mom's bassinet highly recommended online and noticed that it has a lot of features others didn't. Some of those feature that are included are 5 speeds, and 4 white noise options. This will help you find the ultimate soothing combination to help comfort and support your baby through every nap and night. They also have an app so you can set them for a period of time, and it will turn off on its own. This comes in handy at night especially when baby has just barely drifted off to sleep, but you don't want the movement to immediately stop to wake them. I normally set ours for 30 minutes, because they say it takes them 20 minutes to fall into a deep sleep so the extra 10 ensures they are asleep and gives an opening in case they woke back up. This allows us to go to sleep right away and not stay up to turn off the movement. You can of course keep the movement on all night, but I don't want our little one to get totally used to the fact that he will always be rocked to sleep 24 hours a day.

Kyte Sleep Sacks

Another essential for us during sleep time was a sleep sack. Swaddling wasn't a favorite for our little one. After the first few days home we realized he was spending the first 30 minutes of being in his bassinet trying to get his hands free to help sooth himself to sleep. Once we took the swaddle part off of the sleep sack/swaddle from Kyte Baby he slept right away and for much longer. If you aren't sure what your baby will like I recommend the sleep bag swaddlers, because they give you the option to remove the swaddle part right away or as baby uses their hands to sooth themselves. Once you know baby likes a sleep sack better or is ready to transition, they have this option as well. The best part about Kyte sleep sacks and sleep bag swaddlers is they come in 3 TOG (or Thermal Overall Grade), which is a rating system that measures warmth and calculates how quickly a fabric uses heat. It is the standard when choosing the appropriate sleeping bag for your baby, depending on the ambient temperature in your nursery. They recommend a heavier TOG during cooler months and a lighter one during warmer months. you can find more on their website as well as appropriate sizing for your little one.

Incorporating these nice-to-have items can elevate your postpartum comfort and overall experience and were all essential for me. I hope these wonderful products have also helped you in your journey, or in your future journeys. Becoming a mom is the most rewarding and beautiful experience but can also be overwhelming. Learning as you go and finding support from other mom friends that provide suggestions on what has worked for them is so important. So, from one new mom friend to another, I truly hope this blog helps and congratulations on your new little one. Remember, you're a great mama!!