Postpartum recovery is something no one fully prepared me for.

So, as your internet big sister, this is your honest, slightly TMI, real-life list of what actually helped me heal after birth (not the aesthetic version), but the real one I wish I had before having my baby.

I had a first-degree tear and expected recovery to be much harder, but having the right essentials made a huge difference in comfort and healing.

Padsicle “Sandwich” (My #1 Must-Have)

This was hands-down one of the most helpful things I used during the first couple of weeks.

Layer these things in your underwear in this order:

• Pad

• Perineal cold pack

• Witch hazel pads

• Spray Dermoplast (optional but yeah, really nice)

The cooling + soothing combo made such a difference. I had minimal itching early on, and this helped keep everything comfortable.

👉 These were some of the most helpful things in my postpartum recovery and I’ll definitely be using them again for baby #2.

• [Amazon Link: Perineal Cold Packs]

• [Amazon Link: Witch Hazel Pads]

Perineal Cold Packs

These were a lifesaver.

My biggest tip:
👉 Take as many as you can from the hospital before you leave.

I used them constantly (around 5-6 per day) and ended up giving extras to another mom later.

🛒 Backup option for home:

• [Amazon Link: Perineal Ice Packs]

Witch Hazel Pads + Numbing Spray

I used:

• Tucks pads

• A gentle numbing spray, like Dermoplast

These helped with:

• soothing

• reducing irritation

• overall comfort

👉 These made a noticeable difference in my comfort during recovery and were things I reached for multiple times a day.

• [Amazon Link: Tucks Pads]

• [Amazon Link: Perineal Spray]

Disposable Postpartum Underwear (First Week Essential)

For the first week (especially overnight) this just made life easier. I didn't have to worry about leaks or ruining clothes.

My experience:

• Heavy bleeding for 2–3 days

• Then mostly lighter spotting for ~4 weeks

👉 Honestly, this made those first postpartum days feel a lot more manageable and less overwhelming.

• [Amazon Link: Disposable Postpartum Underwear]

Organic Cotton Pads (When Healing Progresses)

Once things calmed down, I switched to:

• Rael pads

They felt so much more comfortable, fewer chemicals, and less irritating.

👉 After trying all the options, this brand was the one that actually worked consistently for me.

• [Amazon Link: Rael Organic Pads]

Gentle Feminine Wash

In the shower, I used The Honey Pot Company sensitive foaming wash. It helped me feel clean without irritation.

Pro tip: use it after all of your other shampoos and soaps, so as not to disturb your sensitive vaginal PH balance. Also, only use it the labia area, not inside or around your vulva!

👉 A simple shower essential that I genuinely found helpful during postpartum recovery.

• [Amazon Link: Honey Pot Sensitive Wash]

What No One Told Me (4 Weeks Postpartum)

Here’s the part I didn’t expect…

Around week 4, I started experiencing:

• itching

• hemorrhoids

For me it was not immediately postpartum, but later, and I heard some women can experience it anytime post partum.

What helped:

• staying consistent with gentle care

• using a stool softener like Dulcolax when needed

🛒 Shop here:

• [Amazon Link: Stool Softener]

What postpartum essentials should you have ready?

If you’re preparing for birth, I recommend having these postpartum essentials ready at home:

• Perineal cold packs

• Witch hazel pads

• Disposable postpartum underwear

• Gentle feminine wash

• Nipple balm

These simple postpartum recovery items made a huge difference for me.

Final Thoughts

Every postpartum experience is different. For me, the first few days were the hardest, but the small, practical things made a huge difference in comfort and recovery. With baby #2 coming, I’m keeping it simple and only using what I know actually works.

Save This for Later

If you’re preparing for postpartum, save this now so you’re not figuring it out while exhausted.

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