Motherhood is not for the faint of heart — and that’s why women do it, right? The postpartum recovery period is no basket of sunshine either. We all get through it because we have to, because that’s life, and because your beautiful baby makes everything worth it.
Luckily, there are a variety of products to make the newborn-mom life easier. We’ve put together a collection of the best-rated products on Amazon for that new-mom stage: pads to make learning to breastfeed less painful, postpartum underwear that’s good for your vagina, and stretch mark creams for helping your skin recover from growing an entire human.
5 Best Products for Making Breastfeeding Less Painful
Breastfeeding is not like breathing — sometimes it is not even like riding a bicycle. No matter how many babies you have breastfed, every time is different. No one gives birth knowing exactly how to breastfeed the best way.
The breasts have to get used to their new job while you and your baby learn the best positions and holds for successful breastfeeding. Your nipples can become bruised and swollen. As you begin to lactate more successfully, the breasts themselves will feel swollen and sore. In some cases, the breasts may become engorged or develop problems like a blocked duct or mastitis, all of which can be quite painful.
Leaking may not be physically painful, but it can certainly be embarrassing. We’ve also hunted down the best option to solve that problem too. These five products come highly recommended for relieving the range of learning-to-breastfeed discomforts that can arise.
Most Miraculous Nipple Creams
1. Organic Nipple Butter Breastfeeding Cream by Earth Mama
This Lanolin-free cream is safe to use while you breastfeed and is great for dry skin. It also doesn’t have that sticky consistency you often find in products that claim ultra-moisturizing abilities. Nipple Butter is 100% organic and is made of ethically sourced beeswax and traditionally soothing herbs.
This product is ranked #10 in Amazon’s baby section and is ranked #1 for nipple therapy products. It’s also not just for nipples! You can use it on any dry, cracked skin desperate for moisture — your own or your baby’s!
S c 5.0 out of 5 stars
Definitely a necessity for a breastfeeding mom!
This stuff made SUCH a difference in breastfeeding for me! I breastfed my first child and used all the lanolin for weeks as I cried because of the pain of having cracked nipples. I can barely remember when they healed but it felt like forever. With my second child I purchased this before she was born and by the end of my first week breastfeeding her using this nipple butter I was no longer in pain even though I experienced the same cracks as I did with my son, they healed much faster. I still have plenty left over -if there is any concern that this is so expensive for such a small amount- it’s more than enough!
2. Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding
Lansinoh Lanolin is a clinically tested staple frequently recommended by doctors. You’ll probably get a sample while you’re in the hospital working with a lactation consultant. Lansinoh Lanolin uses a proprietary purification process to make sure the product soothes and prevents soreness and cracking from breastfeeding while still being 100% natural — it’s hypoallergenic and has no additives, preservatives, parabens, fragrance, or taste. All that adds up to mean you don’t have to wipe off your already sore nipples before breastfeeding.
TJ’s Wife 5.0 out of 5 stars
This was recommended by a friend
This was recommended by a friend, but I didn’t think it was going to be much different than Vaseline. Boy was I wrong. This stuff is AMAZING! It gives IMMEDIATE relief and lasts forever. The best part is that you don’t need to use a lot at all! My nipples are so sore but as soon as I put this on it somehow goes away! The weird thing is that it doesn’t just take away the surface pain, it clears some of the “aching” too. I’m so happy with this!
Fastest, Most Soothing Gel Pads
3. Medela Soothing Gel Pads for Breastfeeding
These gel pads come in a pack of four. Medela’s Tender Care HydroGel Pads provide cooling relief for the sore nipples that result from nursing and pumping. These gel pads provide instant relief when they come into contact with your breasts. The uniquely shaped design ensures they are easy to use and contour to your body with a full fit. They’re also discrete, so you can wear them for a few minutes after breastfeeding or tuck them inside your bra for hours of relief. You can reuse each pad over and over for 24 hours.
Lu 5.0 out of 5 stars
Lactation Specialist Recommended
These were recommended to me by the lactation specialist at the hospital. At first the baby wasn’t latching properly and my nipples were extremely sore and irritated. I had to stop breastfeeding in order to allow the proper healing. After a few days of using the patches and pumping, I was able to latch the baby again and now I am breastfeeding exclusively. Patches work miracles.
4. Lansinoh Soothies Breast Gel Pads for Breastfeeding and Nipple Relief
These two-pack boxes of Soothies are essential for the early days of breastfeeding. Each pad comes with a plastic holder, so you can keep the gel pads in the fridge for enhanced soothing and healing. Cooling relief is provided instantly, and many moms find the circular shape is more effective for sticking to their bodies.
Soothies breastfeeding pads can be reused over the course of 72 hours. The safe, absorbent gel also helps prevent leaks. Soothies Cooling Gel Pads should not be used in combination with other breastfeeding nipple creams.
Elizabeth Sewell 5.0 out of 5 stars
Have these on hand before baby arrives!
These are literally so soothing! They were a huge help for comfort so I could sleep at night with my first — at night there was nothing to distract me from nipple tenderness/pain (I had cracking and bleeding with her — not fun!), which distracted me from sleep. Even with my second baby, with whom nursing has gone exceptionally well, these eased soreness from sudden round-the-clock breastfeeding with a tiny mouth that first week or so. These are my go-to baby shower gift now!
They are not meant to contain leaks, though they absorb some milk. I would not go in public with only these and not a regular nursing pad too. (I like Lansinoh for disposables and Bamboobies for washable.)
Compared to Medela hydrogel pads, I prefer these. Their fabric backing makes them more comfortable inside a bra, and the boob side seems to stick less/peel off more easily. However, the Medela hydrogels are less expensive, so for extended use (if your baby has latch issues and your nipples are really suffering) those are also a viable option. PS don’t forget to call your lactation consultant if you really need help!!
Least Wasteful Lactation Leak Stoppers
5. Elvie Catch Secure Milk Collection Cups
To take breastfeeding accessories in a different direction, these Milk Collection Cups are a great resource for moms who tend to produce a lot of milk or have to go to work. Instead of pads that soak up leaking breastmilk, these silicon cups stick to your breasts and collect up to an ounce on each side. They sit flat against the breast, inside the bra to catch natural letdown that occurs throughout the day.
For women who struggle to pump, two ounces of breast milk is a serious collection. No wasted milk, no leaking through your pads and onto your shirt, and they are dishwasher safe!
Emily Miller 5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect for catching letdown!
These were really easy to use as a first time mom breastfeeding. I had the haakaa recommended to me to catch my letdown while I fed, but as a new mom I was NOT graceful at breastfeeding. Add on top of that a squirming baby and I had issues getting the haakaa to stay on well with just suction. This cup fits perfectly in your bra and has a low profile so you don’t have to worry about trying to breastfeed around it. I plan on using this when I go back to work and might not be able to pump as soon as I need to in case I leak. It’s comfortable, secure, and totally worth getting!
6 Top Types of Down-There, Good-for-Your-Vagina Underwear, and Postpartum Stage Essentials
If you’re looking for underwear that is good for your vagina or for C-section recovery, we’ve got you. Postpartum bleeding, or lochia, usually lasts for about a month and a half. The rest of the postpartum recovery can be different for every woman. Some new moms bounce right back and feel totally normal in a couple of days. Other women find they need a few weeks to feel as good as they did before pregnancy. Check out what really makes postpartum underwear good for your vagina and other products to help you make it through the postpartum stage.
Postpartum Underwear that’s Useful for More than Just the Postpartum Stage
1. Intimate Portal Maternity Underwear Under the Bump
These postpartum bikini-cut underwear are especially good for C-section recovery. Postpartum panties so often make you feel like you’re wearing the muumuu version of underwear, but these are cute, free of harmful chemicals and heavy metals, and made of 95% cotton. Because the waistline rides so low, they’re great for healing C-section incisions. Need more convincing? Because of that extra low waistline, you don’t have to wait to wear them. Under the Bump underwear work great as pregnancy panties that don’t cut off your circulation around your midsection.
Amanda Sutton 5.0 out of 5 stars
ESSENTIAL!!!! CHANGED MY LIFE!!
This is my second pregnancy and I have no idea why I never got these for my first! They are beyond comfortable and put no pressure on your belly like normal underwear. I’d been wearing the seamless style from VS thinking they were great (you can see in the photos they were NOT great and left lines and put added pressure on my bump) I didn’t notice how uncomfortable they were UNTIL I PUT THESE ON! Seriously can’t recommend these enough and will be gifting all my pregnant friends with them!
2. Thinx Super Hi-Waist Postpartum Underwear for Women
Going home in a pair of gigantic mesh underpants with a massive pad and cooling gel is not the sexiest sensation for a new mom. Thinx super absorbent postpartum underwear takes some of the extra out of all of that. Instead of adding huge pads to your normal panties for six weeks, Thinx are super absorbent- each pair can hold nine teaspoons in the super absorbent core, making pads a thing of the past. They also tend to yield less odor, and when you get through the postpartum stage, you can turn around and use them as period panties. This style in particular holds four to five tampons worth of blood without leaking! The high waist is designed to be gentle on your lower abdomen.
Christina Newhart 5.0 out of 5 stars
2 words: Life Changing
These are the best purchase I have literally ever made, I will never go back to wasteful period products again! I have PCOS and bleed so severely heavy I am now anemic and believe me when I say…. These actually WORK! That’s right ladies, comfort all day, no leaks, no feeling like you’re wearing a diaper, no wedgies (you know what I’m talking about), no stinky embarrassing used pads or tampons to hide in the trash can…
My only regret is not purchasing more of them since I only did one to try it out I’ve just been washing them every night because that’s how much I love them ! The money I will be saving in the long run is well worth the upfront cost. I will say they do have a slightly “wet” feel to them when you first pull them back up after restroom use but it’s not noticeable while wearing them and not any more than a regular pad would feel. I seriously think these are magic! Get yourself a pair, or two, or three! The company’s website also offers payment plans as well. <3
Best Disposable Postpartum Underwear Good for Your Vagina
3. Ninja Mama Disposable Postpartum Underwear
These postpartum boy shorts underwear is good for your vagina and your postpartum recovery. This pack of five mesh panties is strong enough to hold ice packs and large pads (not included), while still being soft, stretchy, and breathable. Each pair can be washed up to five times, and one size fits most new moms. They are gentle on the tender areas that develop as a result of a vaginal or C-section birth.
Rebecca Roussos 4.0 out of 5 stars
Great for first few days post partum
Wish they came in a bigger pack than five but was great for the first few days post birth. Much better than normal underwear.
4. Always Discreet Incontinence & Postpartum Incontinence Underwear for Women
We know what you’re thinking: “Wait a minute. I’m not incontinent. I’m just bleeding a little.” That’s a totally normal way to feel, but Always Discreet Incontinence Underwear is a great alternative to traditional disposable mesh panties paired with a maxi pad. Always Discreet’s maximum protection disposable underwear provides a secure fit to prevent leaks from getting any farther than the super absorbent core inside. They’re soft and stretchy, and the inside is 100% cotton, which makes this underwear better for your vagina compared to less natural materials. A leak guard and odor neutralizer make these a discrete choice for dealing with postpartum bleeding.
Hannah 5.0 out of 5 stars
Post partum must have
Way more comfortable than the hospital mesh panties. They are so thin too, but you don’t worry about bleeding through at all. And it’s nice to have a little coverage in the hospital since you don’t get much. Also nice not to have to fuss around with putting giant pads on and worrying about them moving around. Highly recommend for a more comfortable recovery!
Postpartum Recovery Essentials
5. FridaBaby Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit
This underwear is more than just disposable underwear — it comes with everything you need to soothe your vaginal and perineal areas after the trauma of having a baby. In addition to soft, disposable boyshorts (that are especially supportive during c-section recoveries), this postpartum kit comes with witch hazel liners to soothe your perineum, a bottle of medicated healing foam, and maxi pads designed to instantly cool while also absorbing postpartum lochia and a caddy for the back of your toilet.
Do note the perineal bottle is only included in one of the two styles of kits, and therefore must be purchased separately.
Carlos Flores-Iriarte 5.0 out of 5 stars
First Delivery and So Thankful I Purchased this Kit
During my first delivery, I had a 2nd degree perineal tear and more than normal blood loss. I was in quite a bit of pain to say the least. When I got home from the hospital, the products in this kit were a complete life saver. A lot of these products are what they provide to you postpartum (disposable underwear, ice packs, bottle, etc.) in the hospital so this allows you to extend your care at home.
The peri bottle is a nice and easy-to-use design – better than the one they typically provide in the hospital. The disposable underwear is very comfortable, with a nice elastic fit. The healing foam and cooling liners are fantastic and help a lot with pain. I ended up purchasing more of these after I used the ones provided in the kit.
If you’re on a budget and don’t want to buy the entire kit, those would be the two items I would recommend purchasing because they were not provided by the hospital (at least not mine). By the time I went back to the doctor after 4 weeks for my postpartum checkup, I had healed completely. I never write reviews on Amazon, but I would recommend this to anyone and am so thankful I purchased it.
6. Mama Strut Postpartum Support Brace
This postpartum support brace is a recovery wrap that combines compression with heat and cool therapy. In addition to being a very adjustable postpartum waist trainer, it’s also a great C-section recovery system. The Mama Strut is designed to reduce pain, decrease bloating, and help postpartum cramping. Additionally, it helps you heal more quickly, so you can get back on your feet and spend more time with your newborn.
This device wears discreetly under your clothes and gives you that fitted look you remember from before you got pregnant. As your body changes, you can adjust the brace. It provides support for all sides of the pelvic floor, pelvis, abdomen, low back, hips, and SI joint. Because it is an FDA Registered Medical Device, you may be able to bill your insurance for it.
Anne_Lake 5.0 out of 5 stars
Huge improvement in recovery!
I bought this in planning for a vaginal birth and ended up having an emergency C-section. I was a little chicken to put this on as I was afraid of anything pressing on my incision. On day 2 home from the hospital my daughter had an event I promised I’d be there for so I sucked it up and put on my Mama Strut in the morning. My mobility improved immediately, my pain was dramatically reduced. I was able to sit in a folding metal chair for 3.5 hours in relative comfort. This thing is amazing.
6 Best Stretch Mark Creams, Oils, and Mask Therapies
Watching your belly swell as your baby grows is beautiful, but it also gets frustrating when stretch marks appear — and they don’t disappear as easily as your swollen belly after you give birth. These stretch mark creams and therapies are a variety of preventative and reductive, oils and creams, and even masks for super simple applications.
1. Belly Butter by Earth Mama
This Earth Mama Belly Butter contains organic herbs and oils chosen for their ability to ease taut skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks that develop during pregnancy. It contains no artificial fragrances to irritate sensitive pregnant noses and no petroleum, mineral oil, parabens, or artificial fragrance. It’s luxurious, it’s moisturizing, it’s great for pregnant skin, and it smells naturally wonderful thanks to those herbs.
D.K. 5.0 out of 5 stars
Works great, smells nice and isn’t greasy!
I was using a much more expensive oil for the first two trimesters of my pregnancy, which worked fine (as in no stretch marks). I am so happy I found this oil as it is priced well (less than 1/3 of the price of the other oil I was using) and works just as well. I like the light smell, and that it absorbs well so it doesn’t leave you feeling greasy or not wanting to put your clothes on. I have also used the other Earth Mama products and highly recommend them! I have very dry skin and eczema and haven’t had any issues with their products. I am also prone to stretch marks and haven’t gotten any using this product!
2. Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
Mederma’s stretch mark cream lotion has been clinically tested to show noticeable improvement in the appearance of stretch marks in just four weeks. It is safe to use during pregnancy when stretch marks first begin appearing and it works by hydrating the skin to prevent them in the first place. Active ingredients include cepalin (a proprietary botanical extract), Hyaluronic acid (often used as a facial moisturizer), and Centella asiatica (a plant extract).
Good parent 5.0 out of 5 stars
THE BEST!!!!!! All around!!! 10 stars
I’m not one to write reviews unless they’re negative usually but this was such an incredible product that I needed to share my experience with it. I’ve tried all kinds of products for my last pregnancy (6 years ago) and never found one that I liked leaving me with a lot of stretch marks. This time around I was determined to find some thing that did not feel sticky or stay in my clothes and that also smells very good and was effective.
I tried all kinds of items like Burts Bees, bio oil and Mamma Mio and Body Merry, and I was NOT satisfied! I either did not like the smell or did not like the way it spread, or did not see results. I am so happy I finally found this product!!!!!! It spreads great and absorbs well so my clothes don’t feel gross when I get dressed, smells great, great price, and guarantees results! I have not gotten any new stretch marks and I am 7 months pregnant and can hardly see the post stretch marks from my last pregnancy Now ask well which I have had them for 6 years! I am so happy and highly recommend!!!!!
3. Mustela Stretch Marks Prevention Cream
This stretch mark cream is great from the beginning of your pregnancy all the way through the postpartum stage- and beyond if you want! It has a very light fragrance and uses natural avocado peptides, so it absorbs quickly for a natural, hypoallergenic lotion safe for pregnant moms and new babies.
Jennifer 5.0 out of 5 stars
The best cream and not greasy!
This is the best stretch mark cream I’ve used throughout my pregnancy. My husband bought me a variety of items to try and most of them were so greasy and thick that my belly would get so hot at night I couldn’t sleep. This cream goes on smooth and is thin but great coverage at the same time. It has helped me although my doctor said that stretch marks are more genetics than cream. I’ve continued to use this cream throughout my pregnancy and I like it it’s so smooth and light. I’ve purchased multiple refills and recently purchased other postpartum care from them as well. I love the brand and would highly recommend this to all other expecting mothers!
4. Body Merry Stretch Marks & Scars Defense Cream
This stretch mark cream is a great daily moisturizer to help prevent, reduce, and fade stretch marks, keloids, dark marks, surgery scars, and other scars. Made of organic cocoa butter, shea butter, and plant oils, it’s packed with naturally derived vitamins to tighten your skin and make stretch marks lighter. It may come in a small jar, but a little goes a long way. It also applies easily and absorbs quickly. Twice daily application is recommended.
KristenVRMarie 5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing preventative product! Must have for pregnancy!
I started using this when I was about 12 weeks pregnant for preventive purposes. I had a fit and athletic build pre pregnancy, flat stomach and small frame. I was extremely worried about getting stretch marks and also have some tattoos on my lower stomach I was worried about stretching out.
I was about 130 lbs. pre pregnancy and now at about 30 weeks have gained 25 lbs. pretty much all in my stomach and a little hips/butt as well. I’ve been using this around my stomach, hips, butts, top of thighs, and side and bottom of boobs at least once a day with great results. My skin is still perfectly smooth with no stretch marks as of now. The cream is a good consistency and easy to put on and most importantly it doesn’t leave me feeling wet or greasy.
If I put it on in the morning, my skin feels soft and hydrated for the majority of the day and I usually try to remember to put more on at night. I put clothes on right after application and it feels completely normal. So far I’ve used two full jars and recently got my third in the mail so I’ve managed to stretch a jar out for about 2 months which is definitely worth the price. I can’t speak for its ability to reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks but so far so good as far as preventing them goes. I will certainly update if any stretch marks start to develop.
5. Evereden Soothing Belly Mask for Stretch Marks
This non-toxic, fragrance-free stretch mark and skin soother is actually a belly mask! It comes in two sizes — first and second or second and third trimester, so you can make sure to get your whole belly covered. If you’re looking for a super easy application, Evereden’s belly masks are clean and plant-based and made of ingredients like avocado oil, olive fruit oil, jojoba seed oil, coconut oil, grape seed oil, and sunflower seed oil, all of which are great for your skin and full of vitamins. Just drape the serum-soaked mask over your belly, relax for 15 minutes, toss the mask, and massage the remaining serum into your skin for a soothing, nourishing, easy stretch mark cream application.
J Fan 5.0 out of 5 stars
No stretch marks
I used these weekly during my pregnancy with my first baby, and never got a single stretch mark even though I gained 40 pounds. Coincidence, I think not. I use these as go to pregnancy gifts.
6. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
Bio-Oil’s Skincare Oil is great for stretch marks and scars. This non-greasy, dermatologist-recommended body oil serum hydrates the skin. It is non-comedogenic, full of Vitamins A and E, and great for all skin types. An emollient and a moisturizer, it softens skin to repair damage for all types, tones, textures, and areas of your skin, including stretch marks from pregnancy.
Anonymous 5.0 out of 5 stars
No Stretchmarks and I am Stretchmark Prone!
I used this twice daily starting in the second trimester and am happy to report NO STRETCH MARKS now after pregnancy! This is really saying something as I have been prone to stretch marks my entire life, as have my mom and sister: I got them bad in the teenage years. I used this product on my tummy, hips, and thighs along with a natural lotion (shea, coconut) to moisturize and have no new stretch marks at all.
I should add that I am 30yo, and have skin that easily bruises or injures. NOTHING! I would highly recommend this and intend to use it for future pregnancies. I also used it to prevent scarring. I passed out in the first trimester and cut my forehead; a legit Harry Potter cut. It really helped to fade the cut and subsequent scar.
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