When preparing for birth, many women are bombarded with checklists for the baby — onesies, prams, nappy bags. But as a midwife and a mum, I can tell you this: the person who needs just as much care (in fact, even more), is you.
The postpartum period — the “fourth trimester” — is raw, beautiful, messy, and often overwhelming. And yet, so few mothers are given the tools to support their own healing. That’s why I’ve created this guide: to help you (or someone you love) prepare a postpartum recovery hamper that truly supports the body, mind, and spirit after birth.
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LLet’s walk through the essentials — the ones that genuinely make a difference.
1. Reusable Perineal Ice Packs 🧊
Whether you have a vaginal birth or C-section, your perineal area will be tender. Reusable ice packs help reduce swelling, ease pain, and speed up recovery. Look for contoured designs that stay in place comfortably. These are especially helpful in the first 3–4 days postpartum. Find our must have ones from Bare Mum here.
2. Motherhood & Postpartum Herbal Bath Soak 🌱
Julie Bell from Blissful Herbs is our trusted go to when it comes to herbs for motherhood and postpartum! Herbal soaks are more than just relaxing — they’re healing. Our herbalist-formulated bath blend includes herbs like calendula (for skin healing), lavender (for calming), and chamomile (to reduce inflammation). Soaking daily or every other day in the first week can help with perineal stitches, tearing, hemorrhoids, and mental grounding. Find our Blissful Herbs collection here
3. Salves, Balms and Elixirs 🌸
From cracked nipples, red bums, chapped lips and tight, itchy skin - our salves and balms are all small batch created and are lanolin-free, made with natural ingredients that protects skin and soothes irritation without harmful chemicals. We have a huge range of natural care items for pregnancy, birth, postpartum and breastfeeding periods.
4. Postpartum Briefs & Disposable Undies 🩸
You’ll bleed for weeks after birth — this is totally normal. Comfortable, high-waisted postpartum briefs help hold pads in place, support your belly, and avoid irritating stitches or C-section scars. Pair your Postpartum Recovery Briefs with a Perineum Cool & Warm insert for max comfort and recovery. For those first few hard days after birth, I used disposable undies that supported my abdomen, and kept my perineum wound dry and clean.
Tip: Pack at least 3–5 pairs in your hospital bag.
5. Reusable Organic Breast Pads 🎋
These are one of my absolute favourite items! I used mine over and over again! Breastmilk leaks are real — even if you’re not breastfeeding. Disposable pads can be rough or sweaty. Reusable organic ones are soft, breathable, and environmentally friendly. Throw them in the washing and use them again and again. When my daughter had to spend time in the Special Care Nursery (SCN) I wore them close and left them in the cot with her when I couldn't be with her, so she could smell my scent.
Bonus: they can double as cooling pads when kept in the fridge! Simply wet with distilled water and put into a zip-lock bag and sit in the freezer until frozen, then place onto breast as needed.
6. Perineal Wash Bottle 💦
It’s hard to wipe after birth — especially with stitches. A peri bottle lets you rinse gently with warm water to stay clean without pain. It will also help to ease the burn and sting of those for few weeks of wees! Simply spray on whilst on the toilet and once the flow starts to soothe.
7. Refreshing Face Spritz or Aromatherapy Candle 🪷
Your nervous system is going through a lot. Calm it with natural aromatherapy — mist your pillow, spritz your face when time doesn't allow for showers, or light a calming candle. These small rituals help ground you in your new role as a mama.
8. Affirmation Cards 🧘🏼♀️
Postpartum healing is more than physical. Encouragement cards or affirmations offer emotional grounding in a time that often feels overwhelming and blurry.
Include 1–3 cards in your space or in a hamper as a gentle emotional touch.
9. Nourishment & Snacks (soon available online!) 🍉
Quick, nourishing snacks are a must — especially when you’re cluster feeding and can’t make a full meal. Look for lactation cookies, electrolyte sachets, or protein bites.
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Want to skip the guesswork? Choose from one of my gift hampers for motherhood.
Or shop our bestselling Postpartum Gift Hamper here complete with FREE shipping!
If this list feels like a lot, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I created For The Mama.
As a midwife and mother, I’ve seen how many women are left underprepared — or gifted impractical, pretty-but-useless boxes. I wanted to create truly helpful, midwife-approved hampers that include everything supportive items that mums and mums-to-be actually need. Each and every hamper lovingly packed with warmth and intent, by a local mum who’s walked this path too.
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You deserve care, too. Your healing matters.
And the more you’re supported in postpartum, the more empowered you are to care for your baby.
Browse our collection here or reach out if you’d like help creating the perfect gift.
With love,
Brooke – Midwife & Founder of For The Mama Collective ✨💗
