Top 10 postpartum products for new mothers and birthing people
Photo by Austin Wade on Unsplash
As if growing a human wasn’t enough to think about, you also have to sift through a sea of products that you may or may not actually need. With all of the gazillion products out there, how is a person supposed to know where to begin, or what/who to believe?
After years working as a postpartum doula in the homes of new parents just like yourself, I’ve picked up a thing or two.
Allow me to share my “desert island” products for new mothers and birthing people. (Why do I use the term birthing people? Because language matters. People matter. And not all who birth babies identify as mothers. I use both terms because I believe that everyone on this journey deserves to be honored and respected. That’s why.)
All of these products are selected for the comfort and ease of the mother/birthing person. Some are more functional than others, but they all have one thing in common: people love them.
Lastly, I’m all about transparency and want to be sure you know that I use affiliate links on this website. Everything was hand-selected and none of my content is sponsored, so you can rest assured I’m suggesting these products because I’ve tried and love them. All prices are listed based on the date this post went live and could, of course, fluctuate.
Silverettes; image via www.silveretteusa.com
What are these little robo-boob-looking-things you might ask? According to their website: “Silverette® are the original silver nursing cups designed to soothe and protect nipples during the pregnancy and breastfeeding journey. Silver – a naturally antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial metal – contains potent anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to soothe and prevent soreness and pain during the breastfeeding journey.” No one seems to understand how they work SO well, but let me tell you, they truly are magic for sore nipples.
Price: $59.90 via Silverettes website
Dupe: $36.50 via Amazon here
Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands-Free Nursing Sports Bra image via www.kindredbravely.com
As a postpartum doula, I spend a lot of time folding other people’s laundry. Let me tell you, I can tell a Kindred Bravely product by touch — they’re SO well made. Pretty much any of their products are sure to please, but their nursing bras are the cream of the crop. The best part? No switching bras to pump — they’ve got a built in pumping feature that makes life oh-so-convenient (and comfy!)
Price: $49.99 via www.kindredbravely.com.
Discount alert: Enter the code LibbyM15 for 15% off your order
Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Adult Robe image via Amazon.com
This robe is my personal go-to gift for new mothers and birthing people. It feels like an actual hug — SO buttery soft and plush — it’s exactly what you want to be wrapped in during those middle-of-the-night feeds
Price: ranges from $96.98 - $125 via Amazon
Dupe: this one from Target is not too shabby and only $25
4. Anything by Frida Mom.
Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Kit image via Amazon.com
If there is one company out there that has absolutely nailed their product design, it’s Frida Mom and Frida Baby. Their products consistently raise the bar and generate 5 star reviews. In fact, starting today, I will now be referring to them as “5 Star Frida”. Some favorites within their range:
Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit. $49.98 via Amazon.
Frida Mom C-Section Recovery Kit $78.95 via Amazon
Frida Mom 2-in-1 Postpartum Perineal Ice Maxi Pads $19.97 via Amazon
Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle $12.79 via Amazon
5. Ready-to-Eat Meals.
Image via www.thistle.co
One of the most important (and most difficult) things to do after having a baby is staying nourished. When we’re sleep deprived and busy caring for a newborn, the last thing we want to do is cook, so think ahead about how you’re going to tackle meals. Whether you prepare and freeze meals before you have baby, have friends and family setup a Meal Train, or request people donate to a meal delivery service fund like Daily Harvest or Thistle, it’s an important aspect of your journey that should not be overlooked. We recommend Daily Harvest and Thistle because unlike other meal delivery companies, there is no preparation required (other than heating up or blending). Both companies also offer specialize in plant-based options, which make them suitable for a variety of dietary restrictions. The only downfall with Thistle is that their delivery locations are limited to large US cities at the moment.
Prices vary.
Discount alert: this link will save you $120 on your first orders with Thistle.
Haakaa Manual Breast Pump image via Amazon.com
Haakaa really changed the game when it comes to manual hand pumps and milk collection products. Their silicone pump is easy-to-use, easy-to-clean, and easy-to-pack. We do recommend more heavy duty pumps if people are trying to create a milk stash, but for travel or catching letdown, the Haakaa is, by far, our numero uno.
Price: $12.94 via Amazon
Uggs Ansley Slippers image via Amazon.com
Not only is this a comfort thing, it’s also a safety thing. When you’re tired and you just gave birth, your spacial awareness of your body can be all out of whack. Having slippers with good traction is a game-changer — especially if you live in a home with stairs. Given the fact that I’m a postpartum doula and wear slippers to work means that I’ve tried a lot of different kinds and would now consider myself a “slipper snob”. The Ugg Ansleys have held up 3x longer than other brands I’ve tried, and they still look great. Definitely not a bargain purchase, however, I can attest they are worth the hype.
Price: $99.95 via Amazon
The First Forty Days image via Amazon.com
There’s a reason that this book makes all of the “best of” lists: it’s fantastic. The recipes and sentiment are beautifully curated, and you feel nourished simply flipping through the pages. Bonus points if someone else prepares the recipes for you so you can take a nap.
Price: $17.89 via Amazon
Ice Roller image via Amazon.com
The level of sleep deprivation that new parents are up against is simply brutal. During those early days (and nights) there’s not much you can do about it other than ride the wave. One of my favorite ways to ride the wave is with an ice roller. It only takes a minute to help wake your face up, and bring your circulation to life, and quite honestly, it just feels good when you’re exhausted.
Price: $18.99 via Amazon
10. Support.
Image via Annie Sprat on unsplash.com
Are good products important? Yes. Is support from family and friends even more important? Y-E-S. If you have friends and family nearby, think ahead about how they might be able to help you. The dishes, laundry, and diapers never stop, so there will always be something they can lend a hand with. If you do not have any support available to you, consider hiring a postpartum doula. There are often doulas who are completing their certification programs and will support families for free or reduced rates, so it’s worth asking around. For many people, the hardest part is asking for, or receiving help, but please rest assured, no one is meant to do this alone.