I shared more about my postpartum season in this post and what you should put on your baby registry here, but I also wanted to put together a list of items I used during my first few weeks after giving birth since I’ve found myself sharing these links with other new moms a few times.

I wore these Silverette Nursing Cups all the time the first two months and had no issues with cracked or hurting nipples. I hardly used nipple cream after the first week because the Silverette Nursing Cups helped so much. I also bought the Boppy pillow for nursing, but only used it the first few weeks until I got a hang of how to breastfeed.

And, not sure how much it helped, but I did try this oil for stretch marks.

I got the Luna Motif breast pump (insurance covers this, so make sure to take advantage of this and get your breast pump free!). I used Aeroflow for this - you just put in your insurance information and they’ll do all the paperwork and ship the pump to you. Your doctor’s office can also put in a referral for you.

I did not pump up any extra supply - I didn’t feel like I had enough milk to do that. I did try to pump at least once or twice a day in the beginning to increase supply, but Levi would quickly eat anything I pumped that day. I nursed on demand, but it was usually every 1.5-2.5 hours. I also drank 1-2 cups of Mother’s Milk tea those first few months.

You’ll also need all the things to heal down there and manage the pain. The hospital may give you some of this stuff to take home with you, but I’m glad I still stocked up beforehand. Here’s what I used and it seemed to help:

The first two weeks, life happened in two hour increments between nursing sessions … there was no day or night. I spent most of my time in bed healing, nursing and sleeping, so comfy pajamas are a must have.

I bought my first set of LAKE pajamas before I got married and they’re still my go-to that I wear all the time - highly recommend! I also bought this nightshirt specifically for postpartum and it is so comfortable and perfect for nursing mamas (I also brought it with me to the hospital + a robe).

Once I was able to get out of bed and move around without pain and limited bleeding, I spent most of my time in leggings and comfy shirts / sweaters. This pair of leggings held everything in so well those first few weeks, and eventually I also invested in a pair of Lululemon leggings.

Also, I do not recommend nursing bras with removable cups - such a hassle, and I ended up buying this bra and this bra from Target and they’re my go-to’s now! I also bought this one for nighttime - comfy and easy access.

Once I went back to work around three months (even though I worked from home!), I started to wear more “real” clothes, but I quickly realized that my wardrobe was mostly dresses that were not nursing friendly, so I ended up ordering a few smocked bodice dresses for the summer + shorts and jeans in a bigger size to fit my postpartum body.

Here are some favorites I’ve been wearing on repeat.

For dresses, I shopped at Livy & Kate (I have this dress in two colors!), Henly, Piper & Scoot, Aubrey Jane, Lait and other similar online boutiques. Think anything with functioning buttons and lots of smocked bodices!

It is hard, but you have to learn to dress the body you now have instead of trying to squeeze into your old clothes. Maybe you’ll get back to your pre-pregnancy weight, or maybe you won’t, but find what fits you today + makes you feel pretty and comfortable, and wear that on repeat. Even if it is a few sizes up from before. That’s an adjustment I’m still working through and I have to remind myself often that this body is a different body now that it has carried and birthed a child.

If you struggle with anxiety, I recommend this and also taking a magnesium supplement. And to help with the postpartum hormones, try this. And of course, pray and read your Bible as often as you’re able (that’s what I’d try to do instead of scrolling Instagram during all those nursing sessions). I did also watch Heartland and real estate / fixer upper shows to pass the time. Balance!

I don’t know why, but nursing makes you sooo thirsty. I drank so much water postpartum, and my husband added in electrolytes and collagen (the latter is to get ahead of that postpartum hair loss that starts around four months!).

I also recently started drinking these minerals and it has made a huge difference in my energy levels! Oh, and keep snacks nearby. I was hungry so often those first few weeks of breastfeeding! These mini granola snacks from Costco are so good + trail mix is also an easy snack. Also, try bananas with peanut butter and anything with oats or flaxseed, which helps with milk supply.

If you enjoyed this post, it is part of a collection of essays on faith and motherhood. You can download it here.