Let’s be real—when I was pregnant, I spent SO much time preparing for my baby’s arrival that I completely forgot to think about what I would need after birth. I was so caught up in the excitement of meeting my little one that it never crossed my mind how much my body would need some serious TLC while recovering and learning how to breastfeed.

Thankfully, a good friend of mine saved the day with a “mommy survival kit” at my baby shower. Little did I know that this thoughtful gift would be a total game-changer during my first week at home. If you’re expecting, do yourself a favor and stock up on these postpartum lifesavers—you’ll thank yourself later!

1. Cooling Pads

I had no idea these even existed until the hospital handed me one. And wow—what a relief! When I got home, I was beyond grateful to find a pack waiting for me (thanks to that survival kit!). This would have been at the top of my list if I had known what a perineal pad was beforehand. After pushing out a tiny human, trust me, you will want these.

2. Breast Ice Packs

Ohhh, the sweet relief these bring. I would pop these ice packs in my bra whenever I could take a break from feeding, and let me tell you—I even fell asleep with them on! The best part? I could take them out right when the baby started crying and pop them back in the freezer for the next round. It’s such a simple yet amazing way to ease the discomfort!

3. Postpartum Diapers

One word: LIFESAVER. Please do yourself a favor and get these before you go into labor. The hospital ones are a joke—uncomfortable and just plain annoying. If I ever have another baby, I will be bringing my own. These diapers were way easier to manage than the mesh underwear and bulky pads they give you at the hospital. Honestly, I’ve even considered using them during heavy periods at night because they’re that comfy and discreet.

4. Nipple Cream

If you’re planning to breastfeed, this is an absolute must. I stocked up like crazy, thinking I’d need it for months, but in reality, you’ll likely only need it for the first couple of weeks while you get into the swing of things. So, one or two tubes should be plenty. Your nipples will thank you.

5. Hydrogel Pads

I had never heard of these before, but WOW—what a difference they make! These little miracle workers provide instant cooling relief and can be worn for several hours. If you’re dealing with sore, cracked, or just plain tired nipples, hydrogel pads are a total game-changer.

Take Care of Yourself, Mama ❤️

To all the newly postpartum mamas out there—please, please remember to take care of yourself. Even just a few minutes throughout the day can make all the difference. The newborn stage is no joke, especially when you’re running on zero sleep and learning everything from scratch. But trust me, it does get easier, and you will find your groove. Be kind to yourself, give yourself grace, and know that you are doing an amazing job. You’ve got this! 💕