15 Products for Easier Postpartum Recovery, From a Labor & Delivery Nurse

You’ll get free stuff from the hospital after birth, including a peri bottle: a small squirt bottle that you fill with water to clean yourself after you use the bathroom and change your pad. But FridaMom’s version is a step up. “It’s angled, and it has a one-way air valve for continuous, gentle water pressure,” Teen says.

“Tucks are great for healing and preventing hemorrhoids after you give birth. And, unfortunately, hemorrhoids are a common occurrence. Some women prefer to apply witch hazel to a wipe or cotton ball, but I totally love the Tucks pads for convenience,” Teen says. Some hospitals may give you some upon discharge, but not all do, plus you’ll want extras at home anyway.

This bundle includes a perineal spray, a perineal balm and an herbal sitz bath (among other soothing goodies)—all of which Teen recommends. The spray offers immediate cooling comfort and includes a touch-free bottle that’s easy to aim. The balm is made from organic herbs and can be used a few times a day, while the sitz bath sachets can be used either as compresses, padsicles or in the bath.

Postpartum constipation is (unfortunately) pretty common post-birth. You’ll want to have some suppositories on hand for relief when you need it. “If you get to the point where you are so constipated you need a suppository, trust me, you don’t want to drive all the way to the drug store for that a few days after you have a baby!” Teen says.

“Don’t forget some good, heavy-flow pads,” says Teen. These oversized pads are good for both daytime and overnight and offer good leak protection.

“A good nipple cream is a must for the early weeks of breastfeeding. Motherlove’s is my favorite! Keep it in a little breastfeeding essentials basket and apply after every feed,” Teen says.

Nursing bras are designed with fold-down cups to make breastfeeding easier. “These are my super, all-time favorite from Kindred Bravely. They are so comfortable and they seriously last,” says Teen. They’re also made from ultra-soft fabric and are wireless and seamless.

Teen—and many other breastfeeding parents—rave about this tiny pump. “This little handheld breast pump is awesome!” she says. “It can catch your letdown when you’re nursing on the other side and is perfect for reducing engorgement when your milk first comes in without accidentally creating an oversupply. Love love love my Haakaa!”