10 New Mom Essentials That'll Save You Postpartum

Choosing a pediatrician, registering for newborn essentials, figuring out a birth plan — there's a lot to think about as you approach the end of your pregnancy. But here's something you may not be considering: your recovery. The postpartum period is tough on the body, and you'll need to have a few products on hand to help you through it. We enlisted a group of new moms who called out the essentials that saved them during the whirlwind that is the 'fourth trimester.'

Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray ($12.99)

File this one under 'things no one told you you'd need'. But trust us — you're going to want something that'll relieve the ow down there after the fact. This spray does the trick without any nasty additives.

The endorsement: 'I liked using because it was soothing and I liked that it was a natural product. I have even sent the product to friends who have had babies or expecting a baby!' - Anita M.

Plant Therapy Essential Oils (prices vary)

It might sound a little earthy crunchy, but some women find diffusing essential oils helps restore their energy, balance, and relaxation—all things you'll want during the newborn phase.

The endorsement: 'I suffered from postpartum depression with my first child before I was using oils. With my second child, I applied and diffused oils often and have never felt better! I was able to stay focused, ward stress, and help the babies sleep better by diffusing various oils throughout the day.' - Courtney H.

Aromatherapy Associates Polishing Dry Brush ($32)

Stretch marks, cellulite, loose skin — they're all par for the course for so many new mamas. It's all normal, but dry brushing may help you feel a bit smoother around the midsection. If nothing else, it's a relaxing ritual you can add to your day-to-day life!

The endorsement: 'Dry brushing my skin before I showered each day (or more accurately, if I showered each day) gave me a few necessary minutes of self-care and came with some amazing health benefits: may even help diminish the look of cellulite. One can dream, right?' - Jenna M.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($166) and Advanced Pigment Corrector ($92)

Don't be alarmed if your skin goes through some changes in the post-pregnancy period — one mama swears by this skin-saving combo to get her complexion back in check. Vitamin C, the rockstar ingredient in the C E Ferulic is a game-changer when it comes to evening out your skin tone — and the Advanced Pigment Corrector contains a blend of exfoliating acids to get your skin glowing.

The endorsement: 'During pregnancy, I got severe dark spotting on both cheeks that was impossible to cover even with the heaviest makeup. The week after I gave birth my mom gave me these two products and I can't believe how much they've helped my skin. Even my dermatologist was shocked that my dark spots had improved so much without a chemical peel.' - Courtney F.

Camelbak Eddy water bottle ($16)

Hydration is SO important after you give birth...and a l ow-maintenance water bottle that can easily be held with one hand? Game-changing.

The endorsement: 'I was so incredibly thirsty for months after giving birth, so this bottle was a lifesaver. No spill, no mess and so easy to grab and drink out of. I literally just left this lying in the bed or on the couch with me at all times.' - Kari T.

Maia Moda Gaia Dress ($145)

Think you can't wear a dress and breastfeed in public? Think again. This number makes it easy peasy.

The endorsement: 'These dresses are really lovely...you can be stylish and motherly at the same time.' - Jacqui S.

Daily Harvest meal plan (prices vary)

Trips to the grocery store can get WAY harder with a newborn in the mix, so food delivery could be a total lifesaver — especially when you know everything you're getting is clean and healthy. One mom swears by Daily Harvest's lineup.

The endorsement: 'For me, the hardest thing about the early postpartum days wasn’t taking care of the baby, it was keeping up with everything else. Meal delivery takes the grocery shopping and prep out of the equation.' - Jacqui S.

Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream ($9.39) and Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy ($13.99)

Planning to breastfeed? If so, you'll want some nipple-soothing products on hand. You'll thank us later.

The endorsement: 'I absolutely loved . They have it in small travel-sized portions as well as larger containers. Plus, it is vegan so you don't have to wipe it off your nipples after nursing - so good when you are overwhelmed by everything newborn.' - Shannon F.

Lou & Grey Bounce Upstate Sweatpants ($69.50)

New moms deserve to be comfy, but they also deserve that little bit of luxury. These sweats deliver on both counts.

The endorsement: 'These are the best sweatpants and can even look put-together enough for a trip to the grocery store or doctor. Comfortable clothing is a must after pregnancy, and these were my top choice.' - Kari T.

Mamas, we want to hear what you loved in the postpartum period! What were your fourth-trimester must-haves?