Having a peri bottle like the Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle by your side in the bathroom is so important. You will definitely get this at the hospital, but you may like a different one that is easier to use. This peri bottle is shaped in a way that allows you to cleanse your vaginal area easier after each time you use the bathroom. This is crucial to have, and you may want to have more than one (one for each bathroom in the house).

Related: 11 Natural Postpartum Recovery Tips For Healing After Childbirth

There are so many pads to choose from, but the best pads for postpartum recovery are the Stayfree Maxi Overnight Pads with Wings for Women that protect you for up to 10 hours.

You want to have multiple sizes on hand for the various flow of bleeding that occurs each day. You want to be comfortable, so having the right size pads makes all the difference.

You will probably receive this in the hospital, so you can wait to get yours at the hospital or you can stock up early to have some on hand. This is a great product that cools and numbs you before you go to the bathroom. It will make for a more comfortable bathroom experience.

This is something that is quite popular among new moms recovering from childbirth. I don’t have experience firsthand using this exact perineal spray product by Earth Mama, but it has excellent reviews and is very popular among postpartum moms. This is a great option if you are looking for a natural product to help with your healing. 

Having extra mesh panties will help decrease the amount of laundry you need to do and also avoid dealing with the mess that may be left behind after childbirth. These are just more comfortable altogether. If you are moving away from mesh panties, be sure to have a full stash of dark colored extra big panties. You’ll be changing these quite often, and you’ll need something large enough to put the longer pads in.

Having a pad specifically for postpartum recovery is a game changer. These pads by TUCKs are medicated and are specifically meant for those with hemorrhoids or other conditions which cause vaginal pain, such as tears and episiotomies. These pads are calming and soothing for swollen areas.

Hemorrhoids are common for postpartum women due to the straining that takes place. Have hemorrhoid cream easily available in your postpartum recovery kit just in case you so happen to need it. It’s always good to be prepared.

Some hemorrhoid creams that are safe during pregnancy and postpartum include Preparation H, Anusol, Tucks, Activv Life Fissure and Hemerrhoid Control and H-Salve.

If you are having trouble going to the bathroom after childbirth, which most women often do, be sure to have your choice of laxatives in your postpartum recovery kit. There’s no reason for you to struggle and be in more pain; so take the recommended amount of laxatives according to the bottle’s directions.

There are many products to choose from. Colace is a safe option, but always check with your doctor before taking a new medication. 

Another alternative to help with constipation is exercise. I recommend trying gentle walking during the first 6 weeks but after you are cleared to workout at your 6 week postpartum check-up, try this 30 Day Postpartum AB Workout.

Related: 30 Day Postpartum Ab Workout Challenge + Calendar

You might be experiencing pain off and on during postpartum recovery, plus you’ll have postpartum uterine contractions that are uncomfortable to tolerate. You may also have pain from swelling or vaginal tears. Have your medicine of choice on hand.

Get a small sized heating pack, like the Gentlepak Perineal Pack, that can easily be stored in your postpartum recovery kit for those moments when you need pain relief in your pelvic floor area. Having it stored in the postpartum recovery kit will allow you to easily grab it whenever you need it.

You may just prefer a cold pack instead of a hot pack. At the hospital, they provide cool pack pads that can be cracked to activate the cooling sensation. I recommend stocking up on these at the hospital if they allow. You will probably want to use these for the first 7-14 days.

Things can get quite messy, so if you need a quick clean-up of your hands, have antibacterial hand wipes available. Overall, it’s just good to keep the spread of germs down to a minimum during this messy time.

Toilet paper might not cut it for you since things might be sensitive down there. Have bathroom toilet wipes available to make for a smoother wipe after going to the bathroom, especially if you have stitches from your episiotomy. Make sure you choose a brand such as Cottonelle that is natural and less irritating and is also flushable.

You can’t go wrong with a bit of hand sanitizer stashed nearby in your postpartum recovery kit. You just never know when you need to get a quick pump before you reach or the next thing.

Isn’t it the worst when you run out of toilet paper and you’re stuck sitting there? You definitely don’t want to be running around the house looking for this during your postpartum recovery. Have an extra roll on hand as a backup.

What basket isn’t complete without some tissues?! If you are like me, you want to have it all there, all in one place ready for whatever might come your way. Make it easier for yourself and put a small travel pack of tissues tucked inside your postpartum recovery kit. 

Things might get a little messy, so keep some paper towels and some cleaning spray in your kit so your husband can feel better about using the toilet after you are done. You never know what mess you might leave behind, and it might end being a big one. Make it easier to clean up when you have all the products you need right there beside you in your kit.

Maybe your bleeding got a little out of hand this time and you need some extra shorts to slip on after you’re done in the bathroom. This happens quite a bit, but you don’t want to be running around the room while you are still bleeding a good amount. Have 1-2 pairs of extra elastic dark colored shorts to cover up on your way out of the bathroom.

You may be sitting at the toilet and realize you leaked a bit through your nursing bra. This is quite normal. Easily grab a new bra in your postpartum kit so you can change it before returning to your baby. 

While you’re at it, be sure to place new nursing pads in your bra so that you don’t have another leaking accident again. Leaks will happen frequently throughout the day, but save on the amount of laundry you need to do by just placing these nursing pads within your bra.

While you are in the bathroom and have everything on hand, take the time to use the nipple cream that you like the best. This will help to prevent the cracking of your nipples, and it will dramatically decrease the pain you might have while nursing.

A sitz bath may not fit in your postpartum recovery kit, but I want you to have it nearby. This is a great way to soothe the lower half of your body and facilitate the healing process.

Having a donut cushion is a great way to relieve the pain you have in your pelvic and vaginal region after childbirth. Taking the pressure off will allow you to relax and be more comfortable, especially if you have hemorrhoids or increased swelling.