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 Shop my favorite postpartum must-haves that have been proven to be invaluable to my past clients. 



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for mama

postpartum must haves

After giving birth, you will likely have a sore pelvic floor. For postpartum recovery, I recommend using bath herbs to soothe wounds, aches, and pains, reduce swelling, and heal tears and perineal bruising. These herbs are also effective for hemorrhoids.

My favorite sitz bath soaks are Herblore Postpartum Sitz Bath, Earth Mama Organic Herbal Sitz Bath, Wish Garden's Afterbirth Sitz Bath, and you can buy locally at The Scarlet Sage Boutique in San Francisco. Simply fill your foldable sitz bathtub, add the soak, and sit for about 20 minutes. Your pelvic floor will thank you!

Sitz bath
tea

Tea can be so helpful for many things, especially for a recovering new mama. I recommend Herblore's Red Raspberry Leaf Tea or their Pregnancy Tea. This tea is made to help tone the uterus, which is perfect for healing after giving birth.

 I also love Pink Stork's Postpartum Recovery Tea which helps support physical and emotional recovery.  Oat Mama's Postpartum Healing Tea is another favorite! Their tea helps promote calmness, and hormone balance. I give all three a two thumbs up! 👍🏾👍🏾

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Staying well-hydrated is crucial for maintaining your milk supply, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for the standard eight 8-ounce glasses daily, but avoid overdoing it. Drinking more than this won't increase your milk supply and may actually decrease it.

Remember to keep a water bottle you like nearby and refill it throughout the day to stay hydrated. Some favorites are Hydroflask, Bink, and the hospital water bottle you come home with. 




water bottle

After giving birth, you will experience lochia, which is vaginal bleeding from the shedding of the uterus lining. This can last anywhere from two to six weeks. Please avoid using tampons during this time.

I highly recommend that expectant mothers prepare padsicles to aid in healing once they return home. Additionally, you can purchase herbal-infused postpartum pads for the days when a padsicle or cold compress is no longer necessary. I also suggest getting TUCKS medicated cooling pads. Lining your postpartum pad with these will significantly relieve discomfort.

pads 
Tinctures

I had to put something on the list for Dad (they make some for moms too!)

The Lalabu Dad Shirt offers a convenient and comfortable way for dads to bond with their newborns promoting emotional connection and soothing the baby. It features a built-in pouch, making it easy to carry the baby hands-free while providing a secure and cozy environment.

The shirt is stylish and practical, allowing dads to remain active and mobile while keeping their baby close. Additionally, it supports early infant development by encouraging regular, close interaction between father and child.




Tinctures are amazing and fast working since it doesn't depend on the digestive process to work. The alcohol in tinctures means that medicinal plant ingredients get absorbed directly into your bloodstream. In bypassing digestion, tinctures work faster and more efficiently.

These tinctures that I love from Herblore and Wishgarden Herbs help with postpartum baby blues, postpartum depression, after birth contractions, postpartum itchiness, postpartum recovery,  and much more. Check them out!

dad shirt

These products are favorites among postpartum moms! Hot and cold therapy can significantly aid in recovery. Lansinoh offers hot and cold postpartum pads  and breast therapy packs for new mothers, which help with healing and soothing aches and pains. Bamboobies also offers a reheatable microwave version made out of flaxseeds, so no stove required. 

Additionally, the Bümmaa Original Postpartum Pillow provides great perineal pain relief if you're feeling sore from hemorrhoids, episiotomy, lacerations, stitches, etc.

For a disposable option, these postpartum perineal ice maxi-pads are a great option. 

heating/cooling packs
underwear

It’s inevitable. Your breasts will undergo many changes during pregnancy and especially postpartum.

Besides comfort, other features to look for when choosing postpartum bras are pumping capabilities, sleeping bras, easy access for nursing, compression, bigger cups sizes, and support level. You will want to make sure it makes you feel sexy! I’m sharing our favorite and the best nursing bras that will work for moms during their postpartum journey. 

My absolute favorites:

Davin & Adley, Sugar CandyThe Dairy Fairy, Bodily, Kindred Braverly, Bravado Designs.

After giving birth, your body undergoes many changes, especially during the first few weeks of recovery. Selecting the best postpartum underwear shouldn’t be overwhelming.

Postpartum underwear is crucial for new mothers as it provides the support and comfort your body needs, along with essential protection during the postpartum period. I have you covered from compression styles, plus size, high waisted, disposable, c section approved. Check these out! 
These are my absolute favorites: 

Davin & AdleyBodilyKindred Braverly, Bravado Designs, Nyssa Care, Upspring C Panty, and Always Discreet

nursing/Pumping bras + Tanks

Discover the best maternity and postpartum clothes, from stylish dresses to cozy robes. These garments provide comfort, support, and practicality for new and expecting moms, ensuring you feel your best throughout pregnancy and beyond.

These are some faves! Angel Maternity have fabulous robes, clothes, and sleepwear that you can also match with your baby! 
Hatch and Pink Blush have beautiful maternity clothes made for nursing and pumping mommies that last

maternity clothes and Gowns/Robes
bottom Spray or Foam

Disposable breast pads are convenient but can sometimes be uncomfortable and itchy. I recommend trying Bamboobies and Kindred Braverly, brands that offers soft, organic, washable, and reusable nursing pads — they’re my favorite! Additionally, instead of letting milk from your other breast drip and soak into your nursing pad while nursing, you can use a milk catcher to save it. Those drops add up quickly and can be a valuable addition to your milk collection!

Herbal perineal spray, Sitz Bath Spray  or healing foam is an essential postpartum recovery item for every new mom who has had a vaginal birth. These products offer healing and relief without harsh chemicals, and application is as simple as a quick spray.

And if you need some major relief down there, I also suggest using Dermoplast Pain Relieving Spray a few times a day. This postpartum recovery essential can help your pelvic floor heal. It’s slightly numbing, easy to use, and offers instant relief. New moms swear by it!

nursing pads 

Do you know the cesarean rate in the United States is at 32.1%? Nearly 1 in 3 births, so it's crucial to have effective products for post-surgical healing.

A highly recommended an all-natural skin and scar balm that can significantly aid in cell regeneration and wound repair. These versatile balms are not only beneficial for C-section scars but also works well on other surgical wounds, old scars, stretch marks, inflamed rashes, and burns.

It's an essential part of postpartum recovery for anyone who has undergone a C-section!
Here are my favorites:
Earth Mama Skin and Scar Balm + Earth Mama Belly Oil +Earth Mama Belly Butter Bundle, Motherlove Pregnant Belly Salve, Motherlove Pregnant Belly OilMotherlove C- section Cream, Pure Shea or Cocoa Butter


healing salves and oils
peri Bottle

Facing your first bowel movement after childbirth can be daunting, almost like giving birth again. To ease this process, start taking a stool softener, such as Colace, once your baby is born. Continue this for about a week and focus on consuming easily digestible foods. If you develop postpartum hemorrhoids, applying a soothing balm like Motherlove's Bottom Balm (previously named Rhoid Balm but both names are still in production )or Preparation H Lidocaine Cream can offer significant relief. Additionally, using a Squatty Potty in your bathroom can help reduce strain and make the experience more comfortable.

In the initial days after childbirth, urination can be painful, particularly if you have stitches. Using a peri bottle filled with warm water during bathroom visits can help reduce the sting and maintain cleanliness.

While hospitals typically provide a basic peri bottle to take home, I recommend the one from Frida Mom. Its angled design allows for easier use without the need to lean awkwardly or struggle to aim. This feature makes the process much more convenient. Plus, it can double as a portable bidet for future use!

stool softener

"Mommy’s wrist" or "mommy’s thumb" is officially known as de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a type of tendonitis in the wrist common among pregnant women, caregivers of young children and breastfeeding. This condition causes pain on the thumb side of the wrist, which worsens with thumb movement, making activities like opening jars, turning doorknobs, and lifting children difficult.

To alleviate this, you need a splint that supports and immobilizes both the thumb and wrist (thumb spica splint). My favorites are the Armstrong Thumb Spica Splint and the 3pp Ez Fit Thumb Spica Splint.

To check if you have "mommy’s wrist," perform the Finkelstein’s Test. Here’s a link to a YouTube video showing how to do it.

Wrist Splint
CaboCréme

Having a meal delivery service really takes the stress for the first few weeks while baby is here. You get already prepared for snacks, breakfast, and dinners. 

My local favorite meal delivery services: Milky Oat (You will never find any refined sugars, seed oils, gluten, preservatives, peanuts, dairy, or genetically modified ingredients on their menu, ayuverdic-inspired), Kitchen Doula (have gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian options), The Foodie Doula (mindful of gluten and dairy allergies)

My favorite meal delivery services that are not local: Mama Meals (gluten free, ayuverdic/chinese medicine inspired), Chiyo (curated gluten free and dairy free meals), Spoonful of Comfort (Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available too! Also a great gift to give to another mother), Splendid Spoon (100% plant based and whole foods, and gluten free), Ilana Meals (gluten free, dairy free, and a vegan menu)

Another tip if you want to avoid a meal delivery service, start preparing meals that can be frozen a month or so before baby comes to have food ready to grab for the freezer to reheat!

Use coupon code BRIANA at Mama Meals for $20 off your first order of $200+

Use coupon code BRIANA15 at Kitchen Doula for 15% off your order

For mothers who do not plan on breastfeeding and wish to dry up their milk supply, Cabocreme's Regular and Extra Strength products helps reduce milk production and ease the discomfort associated with weaning.

Together, these products offer comprehensive support for transitioning away from breastfeeding or stopping breastmilk production.

meal train or prepared frozen foods

for mama

breastfeeding must haves

A breastfeeding stool, often overlooked, can be an essential tool for new mothers aiming for a comfortable and successful breastfeeding experience. One of the primary benefits of a breastfeeding stool is that it helps to achieve optimal positioning.

Proper positioning during breastfeeding is crucial not only for the baby to latch correctly but also to prevent common issues like nipple pain and back strain for the mother. By elevating the legs, a breastfeeding stool aligns the baby’s mouth with the nipple, promoting a deep latch and efficient milk transfer, which can significantly enhance the overall breastfeeding experience.

Breastfeeding stool
breastfeeding pillow

Breastfeeding pillows are indispensable for nursing mothers, providing crucial support to the back, neck, spine, and arms. They are among the top essentials for successful breastfeeding. The main purpose of these pillows is to position your baby close to your body and breasts, ensuring a proper latch and enhancing your comfort.

They are especially beneficial for mothers recovering from a C-section, as they shield the incision site and prevent direct pressure, aiding in faster healing. Some highly recommended options include Boppy, Clutch Pillow, Double Blessings (for twins), and My Brest Friend (twins and plus size option). Another tip, DO NOT buy these on Amazon, a lot of them are counterfeit or have the basic ones for purchase -- buy direct to ensure you're getting the real deal. 

It's crucial to track your baby's feeding schedule and duration. Pediatricians often ask about your baby's feeding frequency and the number of wet and dirty diapers each day. With "mom brain" in full swing, you might forget these details, especially if your baby isn’t producing enough diapers. You could also lose track of when you last fed your baby and which breast you used.

While jotting this information down in a notebook is helpful, using a mobile app is much more convenient, especially when you're on the go. It's easy to forget or misplace a notebook, a common issue for many moms I've worked with. Additionally, some apps allow family members to log feedings, ensuring accurate records. I recommend using Breastfeeding Central, Baby Connect, Huckleberry, Babyfeed Timer, Baby tracker by Nara, and Nursing Timer

breastfeeding/ Tracking APPs 
CArt

A breastfeeding cart keeps all your nursing essentials organized and easily accessible, making feeding sessions smoother and more comfortable. It allows you to have everything you need, like burp cloths, nipple cream, and snacks, within arm's reach. A dedicated cart can also be moved around the house, providing flexibility to nurse wherever you are. Check out this video and this video to learn how to set up your breastfeeding cart efficiently.

nipple cream

You have to protect yourself from getting chapped or cracked nipples from breastfeeding. The way to do that is to use some nipple cream, butter, paste or gel between nursing sessions.

After testing many, these four are my favorite nipple recovery dressings:  Medihoney Paste, Medihoney Gel,  Motherlove and Earth Mama (vegan option). These are a must! Combine these with soothing hydrogel pads or nipple silverettes in Regular or XL - now you're in heaven!



Milk Savers + Haakaa

When your baby nurses on one side, the other breast often leaks. Given my experience with mothers facing milk supply challenges, conserving every drop is crucial. The Haakaa, Haakaa Ladybug and Milk-Saver from Milkies are fantastic tools for this purpose. Many mothers have been distressed by spilled milk or insufficient production, but these products help you collect and save as much milk as possible. They're definitely must-haves for breastfeeding moms!

I believe every mom should feel at ease breastfeeding wherever they are. If using a cover makes you feel more confident nursing in public, then it's worth having one!
 
You shouldn't feel the need to hurry home, hide in a room or bathroom, or resort to pumping every time you're out and your baby needs to eat. I recommend nursing covers from Milk Snob, Bébé au Lait, Lookee Lookey, and Itzy Ritzy -- and they're all multipurpose. Win Win!

nursing cover
lactation tea + Supplements

Lactation teas and supplements are excellent for breastfeeding moms, offering support by helping to boost milk supply with natural ingredients like blessed thistle, and fennel. These products not only enhance lactation but also provide essential nutrients and hydration, making them a simple and convenient way to support a breastfeeding journey naturally.

For mothers experiencing a drop in milk supply due to illness, returning to work or school, or surgery, specific teas can help increase both the quantity and quality of milk. While not every breastfeeding mom needs these herbs to establish a good supply, they provide a valuable alternative for those seeking extra support. My favorite brands are Mrs. Patel's, Legendairy Milk, Herblore, and Wish Garden Herbs, and Motherlove.  

Tip: avoid products with fenugreek! It can cause milk to drop in some people. 

breast pump

It’s not always possible to nurse your child directly, which makes having a breast pump essential for breastfeeding mothers. Whether you need to rest your nipples, catch up on sleep, run errands, or let your partner help with feedings, a breast pump ensures your baby can still receive breast milk. Thankfully, breast pumps allow mothers to provide milk even when they can’t nurse. My top picks include the Spectra S1 Plus Breast Pump, Willow Pump, and Spectra Synergy Breast Pump. Additionally, a hospital-grade breast pumps like the Medela Symphony are available for rent at the hospital if you prefer not to purchase one.

Once you’ve finished pumping, proper storage of your breastmilk is essential. 

These bags are convenient for saving larger quantities for future use or emergencies and make it easy to donate any extra milk. Breast milk storage bags are a must-have for any breastfeeding mom. Some great options include Medela Pump & Save Bags, Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags, Nanobébé Storage System, Fairhaven Storage OrganizerFreeze it Flat, Zip Top Breast Milk Storage Set, and Junobie.

My favorite storage bottles are the ones that come with your pump! Just buy extras on Amazon.  


Breastmilk Storage Bags + Bottles
Lactaction COnsultant

A lactation consultant can significantly improve your breastfeeding journey if you're facing challenges. If you have serious issues, schedule a visit with a local IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). They can either see you in their office or come to your home for a personalized consultation. Additionally, joining a local La Leche League group can provide valuable support and advice.

Major Tip: See a lactation consultant at 36 weeks! It's important to address any potential issues before the baby arrives. Breastfeeding is a skill that requires practice, and early guidance can help you feel more confident. With an IBCLC's help, you may also be able to start expressing milk early to boost your supply levels.

breast massager

Breast massagers with heat are beneficial because they help improve milk flow by gently stimulating the milk ducts and reducing engorgement. The heat feature can aid in softening the breast tissue, making it easier for milk to be expressed and relieving discomfort associated with clogged ducts.

Using a massager before pumping or breastfeeding can increase milk production and ensure a more efficient and comfortable feeding or pumping session.

Additionally, the soothing warmth can provide relaxation and alleviate tension in the breast muscles, enhancing the overall breastfeeding experience.

My favorites are: La Vie Warming Massage Pads, and the La Vie Warming Lactation Massager

The Medela wipes and sanitizing spray are excellent options for quickly cleaning your pump both at home and while traveling. These products are designed to be efficient and convenient, allowing you to sanitize your pump parts without the need for water, which is particularly helpful when you're on the go. The wipes are strong yet gentle, effectively removing residue, while the spray ensures thorough sanitization, giving you peace of mind that your pump is clean and safe for your baby. Additionally, their compact size makes them easy to pack in a diaper bag or luggage, ensuring you have a hygienic solution wherever you are.


Pumping Wipes & Sanitizing Spray 

Better Village is a platform that helps expectant parents gather community support for postpartum care costs. You can add me to your registry by visiting the Better Village website, creating a registry, and selecting postpartum doula services. Share your registry with family and friends to help fund the essential support you'll need during the postpartum period.

be her Village 

My Favorite Registry Creators

This one is for those obsessed with social media!

Amazon's baby registry is a fantastic option because it offers a vast selection of products with the convenience of Prime shipping, ensuring quick and reliable delivery. Additionally, it provides perks like a generous completion discount, free 365-day returns, and access to customer reviews, making it easy for parents to find and receive everything they need.

AMAZON BABY REGISTRY 

BEST REGISTRY FOR ACCESS

Babylist is a great baby registry option because it allows parents to add items from any store, giving them the flexibility to choose exactly what they want from various sources. Additionally, Babylist offers features like group gifting and cash fund options, making it easy for friends and family to contribute to larger purchases or non-traditional gifts like experiences or services.

babylist

BEST REGISTRY FOR ITEMS

GET THE FUNDS FOR A DOULA!

PROUD PARTNERS WITH

DoulaMatch is an online platform that connects expectant families with professional doulas in their area. By entering your location and due date, you can browse detailed profiles, read reviews, and find a doula whose experience and services align with your needs.

Doula match

My Favorite Provider Search Sites

search from a wide range of health Professionals and providers. 

Bornbir is a digital platform designed to connect families with trusted, vetted birth and postpartum professionals. By answering a few questions about your needs, the platform matches you with experts who offer personalized support, helping you navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood.

Bornbir

FIND PROFESSIONAL HELP

NewMom.me is an online resource hub tailored for new and expecting mothers, offering expert advice, curated product recommendations, and community support. The platform helps moms navigate the journey of motherhood by providing trusted information and connecting them with helpful resources and services.

Newmom.me

FIND A PERINATAL PERINATAL PRO

FIND A DOULA

PROUD PARTNERS WITH

Postpartum Books I Love!

If you're looking for a new Postpartum book, say less!

Breastfeeding Books I Love!

top picks for breastfeeding wisdom and support

Infant Development Books I Love!

top picks for sleep, milestones, and infant development