Most mamas are familiar with the three trimesters of pregnancy, but what about those intense weeks and months after childbirth? The postpartum period is often called the fourth trimester, and it’s a critical time for mama and baby.
As a new mom, you may find yourself struggling with breastfeeding and/or pumping for your newborn around the clock, the up-and-down-and-all-around roller coaster of postpartum hormones, your cramping and changing body post-childbirth, and the severe level of mental and physical exhaustion from lack of sleep.
It’s true; postpartum is hard.
Luckily, we have our cute little bundles to show for it. One sweet coo or gassy smile from them, and all of the hardships are worth it. And there are products available that can make the fourth trimester and postpartum period more comfortable for mama. Check out my top five tried and true postpartum product picks below.
1. Dwell & Slumber House Dresses
Comfortable loungewear is absolutely necessary during the fourth trimester both for your healing postpartum body and for all of the physical work that goes into caring for a newborn. In my not-so-humble opinion, the fewer buttons, waistbands, and zippers, the better! This is why I LOVE Dwell & Slumber’s house dresses. You can wear them throughout your pregnancy and well after your baby is born.
Speaking from personal experience, I lived in mine during my third trimester and for several months after I brought my son home, especially because these gowns make breastfeeding so easy. Simply unsnap, feed your baby, and tuck the girls back in. And perhaps the best part is that these can be styled up or down and worn outside of the house. A good friend of mine even wore her dresses to work in the last weeks of her pregnancy.
Of course, comfort is king while you’re recovering from pregnancy and childbirth, but it doesn’t hurt that these come in many stylish options and in buttery-soft fabrics that feel amazing on your body and come in sizes that flatter all body types. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wear one of mine for three days straight.
Even better, all of Dwell & Slumber’s house dresses are ethically made in California under fair labor standard to be both bump- and nursing-friendly.
2. Snoogle Body Pillow
Most pregnant women can relate to the feeling of not being able to get comfortable in bed no matter how you lay. We’re left tossing and turning, depriving ourselves and our partners of some much-needed rest before baby makes their debut. But if you’re like me, you could use some extra support after baby arrives, too.
That’s why I loved my Snoogle Body Pillow. I used it throughout my pregnancy, especially in the third trimester when I was constantly uncomfortable, but I also used it for a few months after my son was born, too. It offered back, neck, and pelvic support, all while providing cushioning between my knees. I even caught my husband “snoogling” with this pillow a few times because it’s so dang comfortable. The best part is it comes with a slipcover that’s machine washable and a breeze to clean.
3. Tuck’s Medicated Cooling Pads
You know what no one talks about relating to pregnancy? Hemorrhoids. Yep, I went there. They’re a very uncomfortable reality for many postpartum mamas. That’s where a product like Tucks comes to the rescue. These medicated cooling pads are made with witch hazel and provide immediate relief to common hemorrhoid symptoms like itching and burning. Make sure to toss these in your hospital bag as you prepare for baby’s arrival, and keep some handy once you get home. Trust me, you’ll use them.
4. Lansinoh Nipple Cream
Many mamas swear by this popular purple tube. In fact, you probably got a sample of it at the hospital after you delivered your baby. Nipple cream is essential for breastfeeding and pumping moms. Anyone who’s nursed knows the pain of cracked and dry nipples.
Lansinoh uses a special refining process to create 100%-natural Lanolin that’s hypoallergenic, colorless, odorless, and paraben- and additive-free. Plus, it’s safe for both mom and baby. The best part? You can use it beyond your nipples on areas like dry lips, cuticles, heels, or elbows. It has a thick consistency that can be awkward to spread at first, but it allows a little bit to go a long way.
5. Waterproof Mattress Pad
Along with those pesky hemorrhoids I mentioned above, you know what else no one tells you about the postpartum period? Just how much you’ll sweat; especially at night. I was notorious for soaking my sheets those months after my son was born.
These waterproof mattress pads are wonderful because you can just remove a layer instead of having to change the entire bed in the middle of the night. Plus, they’ll add an extra layer of protection for your mattress. The best part is these pads are comfortable, meaning they’re not crinkly, crunchy, or plastic-y. You can also use them for a long time (aka when it’s time to potty train your little one).
6. Kindred Bravely Labor & Delivery Gowns
These Kindred Bravely gowns are great for labor and delivery, as they provide more coverage than a normal hospital gown. They’re also perfect for nursing your little one during the postpartum period. They open in the front with velcro and completely unsnap so you can have easy access when breastfeeding. Not to mention they have two front pockets to hold any items like your phone, chapstick, nursing pads, or other essentials.
7. Bamboobies Nursing Pads
Nursing pads are a lifesaver when it comes to leakage. These washable ones from Bamboobies allow you to stay covered without having to continually buy new ones. The box comes with four pairs, so you always have a set to use even when you’re washing them. The heart-shaped pads are thin and discreet for daytime use and light leaking, and the circle pads are more heavy-duty for heavy leaking and overnight protection.
Did we leave out anything? Let us know in the comments!
