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Now that I’m officially in the fourth trimester (aka the postnatal period) with baby number two, there have been a number of go-to items in my home care kit that I haven’t been able to do without. Luckily, a lot of what I stocked up on came from the hospital before we were discharged.
Having a second baby has definitely given me the foresight to know what I’d need during recovery and those beginning months of breastfeeding. Prior to leaving the hospital I made sure to ask my nurses for various items I knew I’d need like those fancy hospital-grade mesh underwear and pads as well as tap into the resource that was the lactation specialist for my breastfeeding/pumping needs. There’s a ton of postnatal guides out there, and I suppose I’m adding one more to the conversation, but in my experience I never needed as much as I thought I did – just a few basics.
Today I’m sharing exactly what I’m using for my home postnatal care and the products I swear by!

- Ingrid & Isabel Afterband Support Belt | Target
Any kind of support/compression band is going to be your friend during this time – especially if you delivered via c-section. There’s a ton on the market (and I used the Belly Bandit with Greyson and didn’t much care for it), but this simple one from Target has been great so far! - Ingrid & Isabel Compression Cami | Target
I bought this cami when I was still pregnant and needed to support my third trimester belly. Although it’s designed as a maternity support cami, it’s continued to be a great top. - Maternity Joggers | Amazon
I pretty much wore these nonstop during my pregnancy and am considering on stocking up even now. These joggers are lightweight, comfortable, and affordable! Just like the cami, they are great for wearing at the hospital after delivery and continue to be useful now that we’re home. - Stool Softeners
That first post-delivery poop is terrifying, but a necessary thing your nurses and doctors want to see as a part of your recovery from delivery. Stool softeners are great in loosening up things down there and makes it much more comfortable – use your peri bottle with warm water, too.
* Not sure if every hospital does this, but I didn’t realize that I was being charged $2/pill when my nurses came around with Motrin, a prenatal vitamin, and stool softeners for the 3 days I was in the hospital. I thought it was included…so, I highly recommend you purchase your own and add it to your hospital bag – or check with the hospital to see what they charge for! - Buck Naked Women’s Mesh Underwear | Duluth Trading Co
My husband introduced me to this brand because their underwear is great for traveling with. Simply pack a few and hand-wash them! They air dry so quickly and are just an overall great pair of underwear! Now, these are pulling double duty as being a great option now that my bleeding has begun to slow down – and the pads fit perfectly. - Medela Hands-free Nursing Bra
I didn’t have one of these nursing bras when I had Greyson and I’m kind of kicking myself. This time around I made sure to pick a pair up and I’ve loved the convenience of being hands-free when pumping. In fact, I’m able to write this post, drink my coffee, and pump all at the same time. - Up & Up Nursing Pads | Target
Don’t buy into the idea that you need name brand things for something that’s disposable – like nursing pads. I’m not rich enough to own the Willow pump which collects milk that these pads would absorb (ensuring you never waste a drop of the liquid gold). So, it’s disposable pads for me…and this target brand is the more affordable option.
Free from the Hospital
Prior to being discharged be sure to request a restock of the items you’re using the most for your postnatal care. Nurses are aware that you’re going to snag these to take home, so just be open about what your needs are – I’ve never been turned away from asking for more pads, underwear, or samples.
Some items you can take home with you are:
- Mesh Underwear
- Peri Bottle
- Pads/Cooling Pads – these have great absorbency so stock up!
- Anti-Itch Spray/Witch Hazel, etc.
- Disposable Bed Pads – these are great for laying on your bed at home if you’re worried about bleeding. I also recommend purchasing a waterproof mattress cover.
- Nipple Shield – my lactation specialist gave me one when I had difficulty getting Olivia to latch on. So, ask yours if they have one for you to use during your stay!
- Nipple Cream Samples – be sure to snag a few of these before heading home. A little goes a long way!
Additional items to ask about…
- Either apply for your insurance-covered breast pump early so it arrives before your due date or inquire about the hospital providing you one before you leave. My lactation specialist was on it and was able to secure me a pump via my insurance when the one I requested never showed up.
- Additional pump bottles or accessories.
- Medela Micro-Steam Bags – these have been great for sterilizing my pump parts, bottles, and nipple guard. The NICU provided us with a box to use (we also gave birth during a snowstorm that knocked out the power/water which made washing these things difficult).
