Postpartum Survival Guide: The Raw Honest, List of Must-Haves No One Warned Me About

I just got off the phone with a friend who’s expecting. I asked her how she’s doing, and I loved how open and real she was about what she’s experiencing. It hit me in that moment how we, as women, don’t talk enough about what to expect.

It took me straight back to when I was pregnant with my first son. Apparently, my body decided to skip morning sickness but gave me the worst case of bowel movements instead. I’ll never forget being at my favorite mall when it hit me. I bolted to the restroom, praying I’d make it in time. (Don't worry, I did!!)

The moment I became a mother — 2007

My sister just had her first son a year earlier, so I called her right after and said, “Why didn’t you warn me about this?!” She laughed and said, “Because it’s embarrassing and no woman wants to share that!”

Ethan and I First-time mom, scared, excited, and with a heart full of love. 2007

Fast-forward to my second pregnancy. After giving birth, I was in excruciating pain down there from pushing an almost 9 lb baby out of me. In the crazy mess of raising three preteens, I completely forgot to have a care package ready for myself.

Instead, I had my partner and his parents. His mother told them to go buy hemorrhoid spray to help numb the pain. Watching two nervous men frantically trying to help me was adorable and hilarious.

They came back with an armful of sprays and pads, telling me someone at the drugstore helped them pick everything out.

Those experiences, things I didn’t know to expect, made me want to share in that moment with my friend what to prepare for. And it made me realize I need to share it with you too, because it truly takes a village, and we’re all in this together.

So here it is the raw, honest list of postpartum must-haves no one warned me about.

My Top 10 Must-Haves

1. Big, high-rise panties

Forget anything cute. You need soft granny panties that can hold a maxi pad like a champ.

 Think of these as your temporary superhero cape, unflattering? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely. And don’t worry, you won’t be in them forever.

2. Heavy-duty pads or adult diapers

Postpartum flow is its own thing, and regular pads just don’t cut it. These give you the backup you need so you can focus on baby snuggles instead of bathroom runs.

Not the cutest look, but definitely the most practical one.

3. Peri bottle / Toilet bidet

Peeing after birth? Trust me, a gentle rinse makes all the difference. You’ll thank me later!!

These are actually easy to install and can be found on amazon.

4. Witch-hazel pads (Tucks)

Definitely one of my top favs! Pop a few on your pad to help soothe your lady parts.

Cooling, soothing, lifesaving.

5. Hemorrhoid cream

Even if you’ve never had hemorrhoids, postpartum can hand you surprises.

Now you see why my sister didn’t want to share her experiences. I'm putting myself out here. This is the raw truth; I’m preparing you for.

6. Cold packs

Your freezer is about to become your new best friend.

To help with pain and swelling. Pro Tip: You can make your own in freezer bags.

7. Stool softeners

We don’t sugarcoat here, your body’s been through a lot. Be gentle on yourself, take the softeners, and skip the hard pushing.

8. Vitamins

The best route to recovery is giving your body the essentials it needs. Whether it’s from whole foods or supplements, make sure you’re nourishing yourself so you can heal, rebuild strength, and keep your energy up.

9. Ask for help (and use grocery delivery apps & cleaners)

Line up friends and family ahead of time for the first month or more. Whether it’s errands, cooking, or a little cleaning, it all makes a difference. And when people can’t step in, let technology fill the gap. Grocery delivery apps and cleaning services save time, energy, and sanity. Time is precious and you’re only one person, so reaching out for help is one of the smartest things you can do during this stage.

I was fortunate to have my parents help with my first son, and my partner’s parents with my second. Always grateful to them and humble enough to know when I can’t do it all.

10. FLOESSA™

FLOESSA It’s not just a breast pump — it’s a category-defining innovation created to solve 35+ breastfeeding challenges and support moms and babies everywhere.

FLOESSA is more than just a product. It’s a movement to give mothers flexibility, privacy, and confidence to feed their babies on their own terms.

It’s about reclaiming time, reducing stress, and protecting that sacred bond between mother and child.

 And that’s why I invented FLOESSA™: to make feeding easier, faster, and more dignified.

This isn’t just a product plug, it’s survival. Because even with all the other tricks, feeding was still one of the most challenging parts for me. The latch issues. The constant bottle prep. And juggling life, errands, the home, my children, while having to stop constantly for feeds. The stress of trying to manage public feeding without feeling exposed during what should have been a private, sacred moment with my baby. I lived all of that.

Nice-to-Have (That You’ll Be Grateful For)

• Sitz bath with Epsom salts, game changer for healing

• Numbing spray for stitches or tearing (Loved this! I bought at least 5!)

• A soft pillow to sit on (not the rock-hard donut kind)

• A nightlight so you’re not flipping on floodlights at 3 a.m.

• Snacks you can eat with one hand (protein bars, fruit, trail mix—whatever your favs are)

• Extra-long phone charger (babies are basically shackles, in the cutest way)

• A feeding pillow (your arms will thank you)

• An abdominal binder if you’ve had a C-section

• Silicone sheets or scar gel once your incision is healed

  
  

Breast & Engorgement Survival Kit

Okay, ladies, our bodies are magical. Except when your milk comes in and your breasts feel like two super soakers ready to go off at any second.

Here’s what actually helps:

• Cold packs after feeds, warm compress before feeds

• A couple of supportive nursing bras that give support + easy access

• Nursing pads (for those surprise leaks)

• Nipple Sheilds/Covers

• A good nipple balm (pro tip from my lactation specialist: use your own milk to keep nipples moisturized and let them breathe—it worked like magic!)

• Hydrogel pads straight from the fridge = heaven

• Lecithin supplements if you’re clog-prone (check with your provider)

  
  

Pro tip: Warm before, cold after. And if your breasts feel like they’re on fire and you’re running a fever, don’t ignore it—call your doctor.

FLOESSA: Your Postpartum Must-Have

FLOESSA is a direct-feed breast pump system that lets moms:

• Stop wasting time prepping bottles

• Feel more confident handling public feeding challenges

• Get extra support if your baby struggles with latching (especially NICU/preemies)

• Reclaim a little bit of freedom in the chaos of postpartum

Postpartum is already a lot.

Your feeding solution shouldn’t add to the load. 

FLOESSA exists because us moms deserve better.

If you’re expecting, set yourself up now.

Stock your bathroom, your freezer, and your nightstand.

When the sleepless nights and leaky days hit, you’ll thank yourself for being ready.

And remember, you’re not just taking care of a baby, you’re healing too.

Give yourself grace. Take the help that’s offered. And know you’re not alone in this.

Want to see what FLOESSA can do for you?

👉 Join the FLOESSA Demand List and help bring better postpartum solutions to life.

Mamas — if this list helps you, share it with your girlfriends too 💛.

We don’t talk enough about what really happens postpartum, and the more we share, the more supported we all feel. It truly takes a village.

Jorjito and I Just when you think your heart can’t love anyone more than your first, it makes room for another. 2017

Want to see what FLOESSA can do for you?

👉 Join the Wait List: Contact Us | Floessa and help bring better postpartum solutions to life.

Disclaimer:

All photos shown are for demonstration purposes only.

I am not a medical professional—this post reflects my personal experiences as a mom and is shared for informational purposes only.

It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every birth and recovery is different, so please consult your doctor or healthcare provider about what is right for you.

FLOESSA™ is shared here as part of my personal journey and invention, not as medical advice or a substitute for professional care.