Postpartum Essentials 2026: The Ultimate Recovery Checklist for New Moms

The Fourth Trimester: Preparing for Your Own Recovery

When I prepared for my first baby, I spent hours researching tiny outfits and high-tech gear. But as I neared my due date, I realized I had missed the most important part: preparing to take care of myself. Childbirth is a miracle, but it is also a major physical event. The "Fourth Trimester" is a season of intense healing, and having your "recovery station" ready before you head to the hospital can make all the difference. From ergonomic peri bottles and witch hazel "padsicles" to the simple relief of a Sitz bath, I’m sharing the postpartum essentials that actually helped me heal, rest, and bond with my little one.

Photo by Kristen Joy Emack https://www.kristenjoyemack.com/