New Mom Essentials: Soulful Support for the Tender Days Before & After Birth

I’m writing this with a baby kicking in my belly and a to-do list that keeps growing—but more than anything, I’m writing this with a full heart and a gentle hope: that you, sweet reader, feel seen and supported as you walk through this sacred season of becoming a mother.

I’m about to give birth to our second baby. And while this isn’t my first rodeo, it still feels like the most vulnerable, expansive, emotional thing I’ve ever done. There’s a tenderness that comes with knowing what’s ahead—the beauty, yes, but also the exhaustion. The tears. The unknowns.

Becoming a mom is one of the most soul-shaping milestones we can experience. It cracks you open in ways you can’t predict. It shows you who you are—and who you’re becoming. But what so few people talk about is how hard those early days can be, and how important it is to have support—not just emotionally, but physically.

So whether you're preparing for your first or fifth baby, or supporting someone who is, I’m sharing this round-up of new mom essentials as a love letter. These are the items, moments, and lifelines that helped me through my first postpartum experience—and the ones I’m gathering again now, as I prepare to meet this next little soul.

New Mom Essentials

Before we dive into the list, let’s talk honestly about the postpartum period.

There’s so much emphasis on pregnancy and birth—but not enough on what happens afterward, when the adrenaline fades, and you’re navigating your fourth trimester with a healing body, a tender heart, and a brand new human to care for.

The transition into motherhood is raw and beautiful and blurry and real. And the more we can prepare ourselves with the right postpartum essentials, the more we can soften the edges and create space for what matters most: rest, connection, and healing.

What to Expect During Postpartum

Emotional Ups and Downs

I remember sitting on my couch during the early weeks with my first baby, tears rolling down my face for no reason at all. I was grateful. I was exhausted. I was in awe. I was undone.

Your hormones shift dramatically after birth. And with that comes a wave of emotions—sometimes within minutes. Joy, grief, fear, love… they all coexist. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong. It just means you're becoming.

Surround yourself with gentle support—your partner, your family members, a friend who’ll bring you coffee and hold space for your tears.

Physical Recovery

Whether you have a vaginal birth or a C-section, your body will need time to heal. I remember being shocked at how sore I was, how much I needed to rest, and how even walking to the bathroom felt like a journey.

Take it slow. Use every tool that helps your postpartum recovery feel more manageable. Ice packs, herbal sprays, comfy clothes, support pillows—they’re not luxuries, they’re lifelines.

Honor your body. It just brought a soul into the world.

Identity Shifts

The old version of you doesn’t disappear—but she’s transforming. I remember mourning the freedom I used to have while also feeling guilty for missing it.

This part of postpartum isn’t talked about enough. You’re not just caring for a baby—you’re meeting a new version of yourself. Let her emerge gently.

Mental Health Fluctuations

Those early weeks can feel isolating and overwhelming. If you find yourself spiraling or struggling, you are not alone. Postpartum anxiety and depression are more common than most realize.

Please reach out if your mental health feels fragile. A therapist, a friend, your OB, your doula—they want to help. You don’t have to carry it all by yourself.

What Do New Moms Need

These are the new mom essentials I used, loved, and am gathering again as I prepare for baby number two. Some are practical, some emotional, all incredibly grounding.

Peri Bottle + Healing Spray

A gentle peri bottle and an herbal healing spray were absolute musts after my first birth. I kept one in every bathroom. They made those first postpartum bathroom trips so much more bearable.

Ice Pack Pads

Do not underestimate the power of an ice pack. Instant relief for swelling and soreness. I’ve already stocked my fridge with padsicles and plan to use them daily in the first week postpartum.

Breast Pump

Whether you plan to breastfeed or not, a reliable breast pump gives you freedom and flexibility. I remember using mine late at night so my husband could handle one feeding while I caught a few extra minutes of rest.

This time, I’m especially relying on the quiet convenience of a hands-free wearable pump. I've chosen the Medela Freestyle Hands‑Free Pump, so I can express while making breakfast, folding laundry, or holding toddler hands—without losing connection to my day.

Nursing Pads

Leaking happens. That’s just part of the journey. I love reusable nursing pads that are soft, absorbent, and kind to sensitive skin.

Water Bottle With Straw

Breastfeeding made me so thirsty. I kept a giant water bottle with a straw by my bed, my nursing chair, and in the car. Hydration is key—for milk supply and physical health.

A Comfy Nesting Spot

I made myself a cozy corner in our living room: a rocker, a soft blanket, a little basket with snacks, nipple cream, wipes, burp cloths, and affirmations taped to the wall.

This was my sanctuary—my reminder that I deserved care, too.

The Freq App

This time, I’ve got a new tool in my pocket—The Freq App.

Inside, you’ll find audio affirmations, frequency resets, and practices that support your nervous system when you’re overwhelmed or overstimulated. When your mental health feels fragile. When your self-doubt creeps in. When you need something gentle and grounding, just for you.

Let it be your reminder: You are safe. You are enough. You are supported.

Nourishing Snacks (Not From the Grocery Store)

Ask for food you don’t have to cook. Seriously. I’m lining up a meal train this time—because during my first postpartum season, I lived off almond butter toast and whatever I could find at the grocery store.

Prep frozen meals. Stock energy bites. And let people feed you.

Postpartum Pajamas

Soft, button-down PJs that feel like a hug and allow easy breastfeeding access? Yes, please. I packed three pairs this time—and they’re some of my favorite postpartum products to have on hand.

A Ready-Made Recovery Kit

Brands now offer postpartum recovery kits with everything from mesh underwear to cooling pads to herbal balms. It may not be glamorous, but it’s gold when your body is healing and you just want to feel normal again.

A Safe Space to Cry (and Laugh)

You don’t need dozens of people—just one or two who really see you.

Your supportive network might be a sister, a doula, a postpartum therapist, or a dear friend who doesn’t need you to “bounce back.”

Let them in. Let them love you.

If you’re navigating this season while running a business, this piece on motherhood and entrepreneurship might speak to your heart.

Leadership Coach

Sometimes, we need someone to help us rediscover our voice—not just as moms, but as whole women. A leadership coach can support your re-entry into purpose-driven work, reminding you that your dreams still matter, too.

Final Thoughts

As I pack my hospital bag and fold baby clothes into drawers, I’m reminding myself that it’s okay to not be ready. That it’s okay to feel scared and excited. That being a mom doesn’t mean I stop being me.

The postpartum period is a sacred threshold. And these new mom essentials—from the soothing ice packs to the loving voices in your corner—are here to hold you while you cross it.

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to do it all. You just have to be present. And breathe.

So if you’re reading this with swollen feet and an open heart, wondering if you’ll be enough—I want you to know: you already are.

I’m walking with you.
With love, grace, and an extra pair of mesh underwear in my bag.

Live on Purpose. Live on Frequency.

Jaclyn Steele Thurmond