4 postpartum essentials you didn’t know you needed (until now!)

Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in. 

Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, the postpartum period is *a lot*. You’re exhausted, overjoyed, stressed about whether your baby is eating enough, and well, basically all over the place. Thinking about yourself is probably the last thing on your mind. As a mom of three who’s been through it three times, I’ve learned that skipping self-care doesn’t do anyone any favors.  In fact, taking care of yourself helps you recover faster and show up fully present for your baby. If you’re in the thick of it, I’m sharing the 4 postpartum essentials that don’t always make the “top lists”—stuff you might not have thought about, but that can seriously make life a little easier and help you feel more like yourself again.

1. Book a session with a pelvic floor therapist 

I’m embarrassed to admit, but I didn’t even know what pelvic floor therapy was until after my third baby and an emergency C-section. Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized type of physical therapy focused on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles—the muscles that support your uterus, bladder, vagina, and bowels. During pregnancy, the added weight and pressure from a growing baby can put a lot of strain on these muscles, and labor and delivery can make the pelvic floor become weak, stretched, or injured. 

Booking a session with a pelvic floor therapist can be incredibly helpful for postpartum recovery. These specialists can help you rebuild strength, reduce pain or discomfort, and improve bladder and bowel control (issues like leaking or constipation are very common after giving birth). It’s something I truly wish I had known about sooner.

Pro tip: Origin offers both in-person and virtual pelvic floor therapy sessions, and they’re covered by insurance.

2. Groceries right to your door 

I’ve always loved grocery shopping—the rhythm of walking up and down the aisles, choosing from hundreds of options, and carefully picking out the freshest produce is actually calming for me. I wouldn’t want other people picking out my strawberries because what if they missed a moldy one at the bottom of the pack? But one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a Type-A parent is the value of letting go of control. And honestly, letting go of grocery shopping during the early postpartum months was everything.

Using grocery delivery services saves me hours of wrangling the baby into the car, driving, and hopping between multiple stores. It’s convenient, a huge stress reliever, and one of the best ways to reclaim a bit of sanity in those chaotic early months.

Pro tip: Hungryroot offers personalized grocery delivery AND meal plans.

3. Buttoned nightgowns

Buttoned nightgowns quickly became one of my favorite postpartum discoveries. If you’re breastfeeding, having easy access without having to awkwardly lift or tug at clothing makes a huge difference (especially for middle-of-the-night feeds). They’re also a huge comfort if you’ve had a C-section and want to avoid waistbands or any pressure on your midsection (and honestly, they’re just more comfortable no matter how you delivered). Beyond practicality, buttoned nightgowns feel a little luxurious—sleepwear that can help you feel a bit more put-together during a time when every day can feel like a blur.

Pro tip: My favorite one has gotten me through three postpartum recoveries.

4. Snacks on snacks on snacks

Sure, your baby might be the one crying for milk every couple of hours, but you’re just as hungry. Postpartum recovery is no small feat, and your body is working overtime to heal, replenish nutrients, and keep up your energy. Whether you’re breastfeeding (which burns a surprising amount of calories) or simply navigating the sleepless, round-the-clock demands of newborn life, keeping easy, nourishing snacks on hand can be very helpful. Think grab-and-go snacks like granola bars, trail mix, and cheese sticks, or whatever feels comforting and satisfying in the moment.

Pro tip: Mamala Organics are shelf-stable pouches made with functional ingredients (like omega-3 fatty acids and fiber!) to support postpartum nutrition and recovery.