If you’re like most mothers, there were certain things that never occurred to you until your baby was born. You likely strolled through the baby aisles countless times during pregnancy, but ignored a few of the more – ahem – personal items.
Perhaps you didn’t know, or maybe you thought some things wouldn’t apply to you. Whatever the case, there are many things that new moms seem to be surprised about: how our body works AFTER baby. No, the weirdness doesn’t end once your little one is out of you.
Actually, your postpartum days are just the beginning of the new you.
I’m going to give you some tried and true advice on some must have items that new mothers should seriously think about having on hand.
Here are my top New Mom Must Haves:
- Maxi Pads
Whether you have had a vaginal delivery or a Cesarean, there will be some bleeding afterward. It could last weeks. I’m talking up to 6-8 weeks. The more rest you get, the quicker your body can heal, and the sooner the bleeding should stop. However, the fact is that you WILL need pads for this.*Freezing a little bit of water or witch hazel on some maxi pads and using them after the birth can feel DIVINE on swollen lady parts!
*Maxi pads are also great stuffed in your underwear to cushion a C-Section scar that is healing. It provides a little buffer between your scar and your pants or skirt when it’s tender and new. - Breast Pads
I never thought I would need breast pads, but I remember scrambling to find some a few days after the birth of my daughter. I was leaking all over the place! I would nurse on one side, and the other would let down and soak my shirt within seconds.Find a brand that you like. I liked the ones in the purple box, but I also know that cloth breast pads can be great, too. I had to wear them around the clock for about 6 months with my first child to avoid soaking my clothing and the bed. When my second came along, I had to wear them for a shorter amount of time. It depends on you and your body! - Coconut Oil
While other folks will recommend lanolin for breast feeding sores and tender spots, I recommend coconut oil. It has antibacterial properties, is safe for baby to ingest, just like lanolin, and it provides a good layer of protection for your breast tissue.Coconut oil absorbs into the skin, but it can feel greasy. Keep this in mind when putting it on so you don’t get oil stains on your favorite clothing. A small piece of fleece can make a great barrier between the application of coconut oil and your garment.*Coconut oil also makes a wonderful diaper cream for babies that get rashy and irritated, so it’s a multi-use product!
*Keep in mind that coconut oil changes from solid to liquid at about 76 degrees, so you might want to store it in the fridge or in a cool room away from windows. - DulcoEase® Pink™
Yes, you read that correctly. Stool softener. Scoff now, but I’m telling you, things don’t work as smoothly in the first week following labor and delivery. In fact, your last couple of months of pregnancy might have caused you some discomfort in this area as well. I assure you, you *will* be terrified of your first couple of bowel movements. There, I said it. Vaginal delivery or Cesarean, both create a sense of paranoia that you might break something when you ‘go’.3. Claims you can use: Prevents and Relieves constipation, stimulant free,comfortable relief, #1 OB/GYN recommended stool softener ingredient, from theMy doctor recommended this brand to me during my pregnancy and following my last birth, but be sure to get your own doctor’s blessing if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
DulcoEase® Pink™ is stimulant free (super important in those crazy first postpartum weeks and months!) and prevents and relieves constipation.

Every new mother’s toolkit should include DulcoEase® Pink™, the #1 OB/GYN recommended ingredient* for going #2. So if you are pregnant or breast feeding, ask your doctor if you should think Pink. Find savings on DulcoEase® Pink™ at www.MomsTalkDulcoEase.com!
*Among stool softener ingredients
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of DulcoEase® Pink™. The opinions and text are all mine.