Pregnancy Products The Best Postpartum Products Make Recovery a Little More Bearable By Maya Polton Maya Polton LinkedIn Maya has more than 15 years of experience in digital media and communications and specializes in writing about family, food, and lifestyles. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 11, 2022 Medically reviewed by Tosin Odunsi, MD, MPH Medically reviewed by Tosin Odunsi, MD, MPH LinkedIn Twitter Tosin Odunsi, MD, MPH, is a board-certified obstetrics and gynecology physician and founder of The Mentorship Squad to promote diversity in medicine, a community of Black and Latinx women seeking mentorship along their journey to becoming U.S. physicians. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Family / Amelia Manley Whether you want to stock up before your due date or you’ve already given birth, having postpartum products on hand will make your recovery easier. Recovery can vary widely person to person, but most postpartum recovery periods take anywhere from six to eight weeks. Plus, many postpartum products can also be used during pregnancy, but you’ll just want to double check with a healthcare provider first. Whether it’s perineal products, scar care, or nipple cream, if the item is helpful, you’ll use it regularly and speed healing. We carefully considered purpose, usefulness, design, value, and quantity when reviewing products. An obstetrician-gynecologist on our Review Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding what to look for in postpartum products, how long you should rest after giving birth, and when it's safe to resume everyday activities like taking a bath and driving. Here are the best postpartum products for your fourth trimester. Our Top Picks Best Peri Bottle: FridaBaby Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle at Amazon Jump to Review Best Underwear: Thinx Postpartum Set at Amazon Jump to Review Best Nipple Cream: Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter at Amazon Jump to Review Best Postpartum Pads: The Honey Pot Clean Cotton Postpartum Pads at Amazon Jump to Review Best Clothing Set: Storq 3-Piece Lounge Set at Storq.com Jump to Review Best Kit: FridaBaby Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit at Amazon Jump to Review Best Perineal Care: Dermoplast Pain, Burn & Itch Relief Spray at Amazon Jump to Review Best Stool Softener: Colace Clear Stool Softener at Amazon Jump to Review Best Hemorrhoid Care: Motherlove Rhoid Balm at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Best Peri Bottle FridaBaby Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon The FridaBaby Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle ranks high on our list because this peri bottle is way better than the one provided by the hospital thanks to its unique design. Designed to make postpartum healing cleaner and easier, this peri bottle allows recovering users to gently and easily cleanse their healing vagina via an upside down design. The bottle holds 10 ounces, comes with a waterproof storage bag, and is even available in two color options: pink and gray. Price at time of publication: $16 Best Underwear Thinx Postpartum Set Amazon View On Amazon The early postpartum days are usually an exhausting blur. After wearing disposable underwear from the hospital, transition to this helpful postpartum set from Thinx. A stylish and comfortable set is helpful since postpartum bleeding can last up to six weeks. Included are five pairs of absorbent underwear in three styles with two levels of absorbency. Inclusive sizing ranges from XXS to 3XL, so most postpartum bodies will find a pair that fits. Reusable and machine washable, these will eliminate the need for a last-minute run to the store for more maxi pads. Price at time of publication: $35 The Best Pairs of Maternity Underwear for Pregnancy and Postpartum Best Nipple Cream Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter Breastfeeding Cream Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Buybuy BABY Sore nipples are a common postpartum ailment. Ease the dryness and pain with this 100% organic nipple butter that’s made without petroleum, parabens, or lanolin. There’s no need to wash it off prior to feeding your baby and the natural cream isn’t likely to stain bras or clothing. Users love how a little goes a long way and appreciate that the multi-use formula is also helpful for dry lips, hands, elbows, and other dry spots. Price at time of publication: $13 The Best Nipple Creams to Soothe Your Skin Best Postpartum Pads The Honey Pot Clean Cotton Postpartum Pads Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Thehoneypot.co Get some comfort, relief, and peace of mind from The Honey Pot’s postpartum pads that are 100% natural and made with herbal-infused clean cotton that’s free of chlorine, perfume, dyes, or any synthetic materials. The Black-owned company's feminine care products provide a natural, cooling sensation that is made to reduce any odor or discomfort. These 33-centimeter long winged pads will keep you dry and protected. Price at time of publication: $8 The 9 Best Pads for Postpartum Bleeding of 2023 Best Clothing Set Storq 3-Piece Lounge Set Courtesy of Storq View On Storq.com Made to adapt to a changing body, this luxurious three-piece set is well-suited for both before and after the baby arrives. Nursing and C-section friendly, the set includes a loose, boxy tank top that has an easy access button placket, loose-fitting pants, and a belted robe/jacket. Inclusive sizing ranges from XS through 3X and the set is available in four neutral colors. Price at time of publication: $145 The 19 Best Places to Buy Maternity Clothes in 2023 Best Kit FridaBaby Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit Amazon View On Amazon Make every trip to the bathroom more comfortable with this helpful recovery essentials kit. Stored in an easy access caddy, each product is made for postpartum relief for the perineal area. The recovery kit includes four pairs of disposable underwear, four instant ice maxi pads, 24 perineal cooling pad liners, perineal healing foam, and a toilet-top storage caddy. Price at time of publication: $47 Best Perineal Care Dermoplast Pain, Burn & Itch Relief Spray Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart A best-seller for good reason, seasoned parents are probably familiar with this trusty spray bottle. Made to provide immediate pain relief and postpartum care, Dermoplast is a no-touch spray, so applying the fast-acting spray won't irritate sensitive spots. Once postpartum care needs fade, store the Dermoplast in your medicine cabinet for relief from minor cuts, burns, scrapes, sunburns, or insect bites and stings. Price at time of publication: $7 Best Stool Softener Colace Clear Stool Softener Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Constipation is quite common after giving birth, whether you have a vaginal delivery or a C-section. To find relief, staying hydrated and eating well can help. In addition, a stool softener may be recommended by your medical professional. This low-strength and dye-free formulation is a safe, gentle option that is free of any laxatives. Price at time of publication: $9 Best Hemorrhoid Care Motherlove Rhoid Balm Amazon View On Amazon View On IHerb View On Motherlove.com Unfortunately, hemorrhoids are quite common during both pregnancy and postpartum due to consistent and excessive pressure. Motherlove’s balm is all-natural (and comes in an eco-friendly glass tub), so you won’t have to waste time reading confusing labels. The organic balm is made with only six ingredients including olive oil, beeswax, witch hazel, and calendula. Price at time of publication: $13 The 11 Best Stretch Mark Creams for Pregnancy of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Final Verdict Stocking up on postpartum products before the baby arrives is a smart move. While parents-to-be might be overwhelmed, the Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit (view at Amazon) has small amounts of well-loved, useful products that will be a great starting point. If you’re looking to give a gift, the Storq 3-Piece Lounge Set (view at Storq) is a less intimate, but very thoughtful present. What to Look For in Postpartum Products Quantity While it may feel never-ending, the postpartum time frame usually lasts a few weeks. You may want to stock up on small amounts of a variety of products since it’s hard to predict what you may need. Sample packs, starter kits, or smaller quantities can be useful since some items may be a lifesaver while others may never get used. Once you find the product that works for you, stock up on it so you won't have to worry about running out. Efficacy For many people, focusing on healing your body will speed along your recovery process. While caring for a baby can be consuming and overwhelming, choosing the right products can make the healing process easier and more bearable. Whether it’s perineal products, scar care, or nipple cream, if the item is helpful, you’ll use it regularly and speed healing. Speak with your doctor about any questions. Frequently Asked Questions Is it safe to take a bath postpartum? It is safe to take a warm bath after giving birth vaginally to help ease pain, but you should avoid using soaps, oils, and salts to prevent infection. After a C-section, you may need to wait until your incision is healed, and your doctor can provide more guidance for when it is safe to take a full bath. How long should you rest after giving birth? You should give yourself at least six to eight weeks or longer to recover from birth. Your total recovery time depends on your individual experience and whether you had a perineal tear, episiotomy, or C-section. Your doctor can give you a more accurate timeline of how long you will need for your body to fully recover. How long do you bleed after giving birth? You will likely notice heavier bleeding the first few days after giving birth, and it can last up to six weeks. If you concerned about the amount of bleeding you are experiencing, always reach out to your doctor. When can you start driving again after giving birth? If you have given birth vaginally, you should wait at least a week to drive a car, and around two to three weeks after a C-section, when you are able to lift objects again (like a car seat). Of course, your doctor should give you the okay before you get behind the wheel. Why Trust Verywell Family Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. Postpartum recovery was a whole new world Maya knew nothing about after her first kid. She was quite thankful for disposable underwear and was much more prepared when her second and third kids arrived. 1 Source Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Postpartum recovery. American Pregnancy Association. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit