From Hospital Bag to Postpartum Care: What You’ll Need After Birth
Hi, I’m Ada, founder of My Baby Nest, mum to a cheeky little boy, and firm believer that the real “fourth trimester” should come with a support team, snacks, and a nap schedule (for you, not just baby).
Most people talk about what to pack before birth — the hospital bag, the baby clothes, the car seat (all important, of course). But no one really prepares you for the hours, days, and weeks after.
I thought birth was the hard bit, but postpartum is where the real recovery begins.
So let’s talk about it. From healing and hormones to leaky boobs and midnight tears (happy and hormonal ones), here’s a list of what you’ll actually need to feel supported after baby arrives.
💆♀️ 1. Postpartum Pads & Disposable Underwear
Bleeding after birth is no joke and those free hospital pads? Not it.
You’ll want soft, thick, leak-proof pads and high-waisted underwear that’s kind to stitches or C-section scars.
✅ Already included in our hospital bags, so you're covered from day one.
🚿 2. A Peri Bottle
This little thing is a lifesaver. If you’ve had a vaginal birth (especially with tearing or stitches), using toilet paper is a hard no. A peri bottle helps you rinse gently and stay clean without irritation.
Even if you had a c-section, you will still bleed and it will be hard to bend down. So, a peri bottle is still a must!
✅ Also included in our Ultimate Hospital Bag, because no one told me the first time, and I won’t let that happen to you.
💧 3. Water, Snacks, and More Water
Hydration helps with healing, milk supply, and energy. And you’ll be shocked at how much you can eat (and how fast).
Have a big water bottle with a straw nearby at all times, and keep snacks where you feed baby. Think granola bars, trail mix, oat biscuits… yes please.
🧴 4. Nipple Cream & Breast Pads
If you’re breastfeeding, your nipples will need some TLC.
Even if you’re not, your milk might still come in, and that can get leaky fast.
✅ We include Lansinoh nipple cream and a pair of breast pads to get you started.
🧘♀️ 5. Supportive Postpartum Belly Wrap
It’s not about snapping back, it’s about feeling supported.
A gentle wrap can help with posture, abdominal support, and just holding everything together while your body heals.
✅ Yes, it’s in the bag.
Our Belly Wrap is kinder as it wraps and moulds perfectly to your body, avoid the hard and stiff corsets that are so frequently sold to women.
🧼 6. Toiletries That Make You Feel Human Again
That first shower after birth feels holy. Having your own shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, toothbrush… it’s magic.
Don’t rely on hospital handouts as you won't get anything so pack your own and make that first shower feel like a spa moment (even if it’s 2 minutes with a baby on your boob).
✅ All our bags come with a mum-safe, green tea fragranced and argon oil toiletry set — because you deserve to feel fresh.
🤍 7. Comfy Clothes You Can Feed In
Button-down pyjamas, nursing bras, soft dressing gowns, anything that’s easy to move in and kind to your recovering body.
You’ll live in these for a while, so make sure they’re soft and practical.
💗 8. Emotional Support + Real Talk
This one’s not a product, but it’s essential.
You need people around you who get it, who will ask how you are, not just the baby. Whether it's a WhatsApp group, your midwife, or our growing My Baby Nest community, lean in. You don’t have to do this alone.
From Hospital Bag to Motherhood — We've Got You
At My Baby Nest, we started with hospital bags because that’s the moment everything changes. But we’re not stopping there. We’re here to support you from bump to baby and beyond.
That’s why our Ultimate Family Nest includes everything you need for birth and postpartum recovery! Everything has been curated by mums, for mums.
You’re not just buying a bag, you’re joining a movement of women who refuse to do this unprepared and unsupported.
With love,
Ada x
Founder, My Baby Nest
💼 Want to feel fully supported before and after birth?
👉 Shop our Ultimate Hospital Bag
🍼 And join our community through our newsletter to hear about our upcoming postpartum kits!