Mama Mosaic

The first days postpartum can be a whirlwind—equal parts incredible, exhausting, and overwhelming. While most hospitals provide several postpartum items, I found that some were helpful while others weren’t.

Being prepared for postpartum recovery at home is just as important as packing a hospital bag. Of course, you can’t plan for every possibility—emergency C-sections and unexpected complications happen. But having certain necessities ready to go, whether in your cart or on a wishlist, can make those early days easier, giving you one less thing to think about when you’re deep in recovery.

Adult Diapers: A Must-Have

Hospital-provided postpartum underwear is a great starting point, but trust me—you’ll need more. I got adult diapers from Amazon, and they were lifesavers in the first few weeks. They offer better coverage and convenience compared to bulky pads alone, giving you a sense of security when everything feels unpredictable.

Pads & Underwear Choices

Once I transitioned out of adult diapers, I relied on pads and regular underwear. While Frida briefs work well for many, I personally didn’t find them as comfortable. It’s worth testing a few different options to find what works best for you.

Cooling & Pain Relief Essentials

The hospital supplied ice packs, but they weren’t particularly absorbent. I found that the Frida Mom disposable ice packs provided both cooling relief and better absorption.

For those recovering from tears, icing is incredibly helpful. I also tried homemade padsicles, but they were too icy for me. If you want an alternative to disposable ice packs, Lansinoh Hot & Cold pads are a great option—they’re reusable and can be warmed or cooled depending on your needs.

Sitz Baths: Don’t Be Intimidated

I purchased a sitz bath before birth, but I hesitated to use it at first. Looking back, I wish I had started sooner. If you have any level of tearing, a sitz bath is a game-changer for healing. And while many recommend adding salts, you don’t necessarily need them for it to be effective.

Peri Bottles Make a Difference

Hospitals provide basic peri bottles, but brands like Frida make an upside-down design that’s much easier to use. Don’t skip getting a better peri bottle—it will make your recovery smoother.

Witch Hazel & Pain Relief Sprays

I experimented with several postpartum pain relief products, including Frida Mom Witch Hazel Perineal Cooling Pad Liners, Frida Mom Witch Hazel Perineal Healing Foam, and Dermoplast Spray. Truthfully, I’m not sure how much any of them truly reduced my pain, but they were worth trying to see what worked for me.

Donut Pillows: Useful, But Only for a Short Time

I purchased the Frida Mom Donut Pillow, but I only used it for the first two weeks. If you don’t want to invest in one, sitting on a soft pillow in the car may be enough.

Protecting Your Bed (and Your Peace of Mind)

Even before giving birth, I invested in a mattress protector—just in case my water broke at home. But it ended up being even more useful postpartum when adult underwear wasn’t enough protection. For extra security, I layered pet potty pads between the sheet and the mattress protector.

Invest in Your Recovery

Postpartum recovery is no joke—your body has just gone through an intense trauma, and healing takes time. Give yourself grace.

Beyond physical recovery items, I also relied on Tylenol and ibuprofen to manage pain. When my discomfort wasn’t subsiding, I made sure to follow up with my OB at 2-, 4-, and 6-week check-ups. Listen to your body, ask questions, and advocate for your recovery.