The best postpartum recovery products

• These postpartum essentials will help ease the transition from hospital to home during the first phase of the fourth trimester.
• We've selected five affordable, widely available basics that address a new mother's most pressing needs: vaginal care, breast engorgement, and bowel health.
• This article was reviewed by Julia Simon, MD, who is an assistant professor with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UChicago Medicine.
• See more: the best breast pumps and nursing bras you can buy.

Postpartum is rough. But what's worse than that? Ugly surprises. My job as a certified postpartum doula is to make sure no one says, "Why didn't anyone tell me?" It's my job to talk about unmentionables, and what's better, to give recommendations for products that will help soothe and speed up your recovery.

The products shared here are a culmination of my day-to-day work, witnessing the needs of postpartum bodies, including my own, and continually testing products to find things that work and are worth the money. In addition to my own expertise, I sought insight from Molly Petersen, a certified lactation counselor at Lansinoh, and Dr. LaTasha Perkins, MD, a practicing family physician in Washington, DC.

• Best heating/cooling pad for engorgement: Hilph Boo Boo Buddy Ice Pack
• Best spray for perineal relief: Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray
• Best sitz bath for vaginal care: Frida Mom Sitz Bath Tablets
• Best wipe for hemorrhoids: Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads
• Best stool softener for regularity: Colace Regular Strength Stool Softener

Prices and links are up to date as of 5/08/2020.