Allison and Kelly here, co-founders of Branch Basics, and we are so excited to share our favorite postpartum essentials with you!

When we started Branch Basics with co-founder Marilee Nelson (Allison’s aunt), neither of us had children.

Now, somehow, we have eight babies and children between us, with Kelly bringing her fourth into the world just a few short weeks ago.

We know first-hand how much planning goes into having a baby, especially for the health and toxin-conscious…who tend to overthink everything (guilty!). 

Our goal with this postpartum essentials list is to take the stress out of researching and sourcing the best natural and organic postpartum products.

With this list, simply click the links, order the products, store or prepare them as needed, and forget about them until the big day arrives. 

And no, these aren’t affiliate links—so feel free to shop around for the best price.

So grab a cup of pregnancy herbal tea, put your feet up, and let’s get your postpartum planning out of the way.

Our Favorite Postpartum Essentials For Natural Healing

Postpartum, the period of time up to six months (or more) after giving birth, is a beautiful, messy, emotional, sacred, humbling, elating, exhausting, and delicate time.

Between healing from the birth, breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, getting to know your baby’s cues, juggling the needs of siblings, hormonal swings, trying to get a shower, and other postpartum challenges, it’s not an easy time.

However, the right tools can make all the difference in your healing, recovery, and mood.

It’s also a crucial time to be mindful of what you put in and on your body.

The following are the tried and true natural, organic, and safe products we use during our postpartum recoveries.

We hope they bring you as much comfort and healing as they have for us.

Best Postpartum Pads & Undergarments

For pads, we look for organic and natural materials without harmful PFAS, plastics, fragrances, or other chemicals that could irritate and disrupt hormones.

Some moms like using reusable pads, and we salute them!

For us, disposables were and are essential for having more time to focus on the baby and our own care.

• Rael Disposable Underwear for Women, Organic Cotton Cover - Postpartum Essentials, Leak Locker, Unscented, Maximum Coverage:
  • These are so handy because they’re a combination of underwear and a pad, and they're disposable.
  • They also have an organic cotton cover, which lasts 8-12 hours (depending on the bleeding), is free from chlorine, fragrance, pesticides, and parabens, and is ultra-comfortable and easy to remove.
• Nyssa Care Complete Organic Cotton Cover Pads Trio
  • These BPA-free, VOC-free, chlorine-free, pesticide-free, and dioxane-free postpartum pads feature a 100% organic cotton topsheet and a non-toxic, chlorine-free ultra-absorbent inner core. The postpartum pads are also really long, which helps stop leaks.
  • This trio of pads makes a great baby shower gift and comes with 8 Postpartum pads, 8 Overnight Super Absorbency pads, and 12 Regular Absorbency pads. 

We also love making frozen “padsicles” for the first few days of postpartum healing.

Here’s how to make a batch.

Materials needed:

• 1 pack of organic postpartum pads
  
• A bottle of natural witch hazel
  
• 1 bottle of 100% pure aloe vera gel (unscented, no color, no extra ingredients)
  
• A storage container or freezer bag
  

To make:

1. Carefully unwrap each pad, keeping the wrapping intact so you can refold it.
   
2. Squirt a generous amount of witch hazel onto each pad, followed by a good squirt of aloe vera gel.
   
3. Refold, place in the storage container or bag, label, freeze, and use as needed for amazing relief.
   

Note: Try to make these a couple of weeks ahead of your due date so you have them ready to go.

Best Soothing Wipes

Plain old toilet paper, even the non-toxic stuff, typically doesn’t cut it right after birth, especially if you’ve had tearing, hemorrhoids, or stitches.

However, finding low-tox wipes can be challenging. Here’s what we use to cleanse and soothe gently.

• DIY Water Wipes
  
  • We make these using organic Honest Company Dry Wipes, then spritz them with pure filtered water from a spray bottle kept by the toilet. Gentle, easy, and as low-tox as you can get.
    
    • You can also spritz some natural Witch Hazel onto the wipes for additional cleansing and inflammation relief.
      
• Caboo Wipes
  
  • If you’re not up for DIY, Caboo is the next best choice. 99.26% naturally-derived, plastic-free, tree-free, chlorine-free, and made with soft bamboo.
    
    • Note, no premade wipe is 100% free from preservatives. These contain a small amount of citric acid, sodium citrate, and a preservative called GeoGuard Ultra, rated “1” by EWG SkinDeep.[1]
      

Best Herbal Sitz Bath

Sitz baths are an ancient healing remedy to help soothe and heal the perineum, vulva, hemorrhoids, and anal tissues after birth.

You can do them in the bath (even while nursing your baby) or purchase a sitz bath basin (motorized or non-motorized, we use the non-motorized) that fits over the toilet, making it more convenient.

However you do them, try to do them at least twice a day to speed healing and promote relaxation.

• Earthly’s Herbal Soothing Bath contains calming and soothing herbs such as comfrey, lavender, yarrow, and calendula to help speed healing and melt away soreness.
• Their Postpartum Mama Bundle also makes a great shower gift and includes a sitz bath, along with helpful herbal tinctures for aches and pains, hormonal support, and a comprehensive postpartum guide.
• Want to make your own? Check out this recipe for DIY Sitz Bath For Postpartum Mamas from our friends at Wellness Mama.

Nipple Shields

If you’re planning on breastfeeding, nipple shields will be your saving grace (yes, even with your second, third, fourth, etc.).

These ingenious inventions protect sore or chapped nipples between feedings—and make wearing a shirt comfortable again.

• Booby Buds: Although there are many good brands available, these beeswax nipple shields are our absolute fave! Totally free from any harmful chemicals or plastics, breathable, and biodegradable, they protect the nipples while soothing and are ideal for sensitive skin.
  

Nipple Creams

Nipple creams are essential to have around postpartum and (in our opinion) the entire time you’re nursing.

However, this is one place you don’t want to cut corners in terms of purity, as residue will go directly into the baby's mouth.

Here are the ones we use and trust.

• Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter™
  
  • The first lanolin-free herbal nipple butter in the US, certified USDA organic, non-GMO verified, dermatologist-tested, and used in hospitals and NICUs. No need to wipe off; just apply for soothing relief and nurse when needed.
    
• Primally Pure Baby Balm
  
  • This multi-purpose baby bottom balm does double-duty as a nipple cream (and who doesn’t love that?). Contains tallow, emu oil, beeswax, and marshmallow root—no need to rinse.
    

Nipple Pads

Nipple pads are essential for stopping leaks and saving your clothes and sheets.

However, disposable versions typically contain the usual suspects found in pads (PFASs, BPA, chlorine bleach, dioxan, etc.), and many reusable versions aren’t made from natural fibers and/or lack softness and absorbability.

That’s why we were so excited to find these nipple pads in breathable natural wool, wool/silk, or 100% organic cotton.

• TL Care Nursing Pads Made with Organic Cotton
  
  • Made with five layers of 100% ultra-soft organic cotton, these are affordable, absorbable, machine-washable (Branch Basics Laundry dilution or Laundry Detergent recommended), and comfortable to boot!
    
• Danish Woolen Delight LANACare Organic Merino Wool Nursing Pads
  
  • Made with 100% merino wool, these pads are ultra-soft, breathable, and absorbent.
• Danish Woolen Delight HOCOSA Wool-Silk Bra Liners
  • These are from the same brand but are recommended for use on sore or cracked nipples.

Notes on the wool options: These require hand washing in warm water (Branch Basics Laundry dilution recommended), but this doesn’t take long and is well worth the effort for the comfort level.

Best Organic Nursing Pillow

There are many great brands of nursing pillows, and the best one for you depends on your body, posture, your baby, and your preferred nursing style.

Whatever brand you choose, do your best to select one with a natural fiber, preferably organic, cover, and natural foam, such as latex or wool.

Our favorite is Butterr Organic Cotton Nursing Pillow from Pottery Barn.

The shape is ultra-comfortable for both mom and baby, made with 100% latex foam and a dreamy, washable, and soft organic cotton cover that’s OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 and GREENGUARD Gold Certified.

We know this is an investment at $116, and not everyone can afford that.

Next-best would be to go with a 100% cotton cover that’s washed several times before use, and to off-gas the foam pillow for several hours outside on a covered porch. 

Never outgas foam or latex in the direct sun.  The UV rays break down the material and exacerbate chemical emissions. 

Related reading: Take Advantage Of Summertime: How To Outgas (Or Offgas) & Remove VOCs

Nursing Bras

We’ve tried many different brands of nursing bras over the years, and our best advice is to opt for a triangle bra made from 100% organic cotton or wool.

Triangle bras are naturally free from underwire, great for stuffing with nursing pads, easy to open, comfortable for day and night, and easy to clean.

A few brands we like include:

• Quince
  
• Boob Design (the organic cotton or wool bras)
  
• Pact
  

Postpartum Supplements And Homeopathics

We strive to keep things natural for aches, pains, and overall postpartum recovery. 

This means having some tried and true supplements by our bedside tables, including:

• Hypertonic Quinton trace minerals and electrolytes.
• Goodonya Organic Electrolytes promotes optimal hydration and mineral balance . 
  
• Raw cod liver oil for omega-3s, inflammation, and natural vitamin D and A.
• Vitamin D to speed healing and provide for the baby.
• Organic Greens Powder to fill in nutritional gaps, alkalize the body, and support healing and recovery.
• Grassfed Collagen powder promotes tissue repair.
• More Milk Plus by Mother Love: Fenugreek, nettles, fennel, and sunflower lecithin help ensure a healthy supply of nutritious breastmilk and prevent clogged ducts.
  
• Wish Garden Herbs Postpartum Essentials Kit: This is our favorite herbal kit for all postpartum issues, including products for easing cramping, mood swings, and promoting healthy milk production and overall breastfeeding success.

A quick note of compassion: We understand a completely drug-free postpartum isn’t possible or realistic for every mama, especially after a C-section, a difficult birth, significant tearing, episiotomy, or other complications. 

No one should be judged or shamed for that. Ever.

Bringing babies into the world is no small feat, and should always be celebrated.

We use these supplements to address minor postpartum issues and to support a speedy recovery.

Always talk to your doctor/birth team if you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms!! Supplements and the information listed here are not a substitute for medical care, or proper rest, for that matter.

Other Favorite Postpartum Essentials

Here are a few more handy postpartum products & tools for your fourth trimester.

• Boncharge Red Light Bulb: We use this while nursing and at night to help reset and maintain mama and baby’s circadian rhythms. It’s a simple way to help improve everyone’s sleep more quickly.
• Frozen cabbage leaves: This was recommended to us by our midwives and works wonders for helping ease discomfort when your milk comes in. Simply freeze several cabbage leaves whole and place them directly on your breasts as needed for instant relief.
• BKR glass water bottle: These insulated glass water bottles are so helpful during postpartum and motherhood in general. Hydration is critical to all aspects of recovery, as well as ensuring ample milk supply.   
  • Tip: The sip cups (with reusable straw) are great for grabbing a sip when you’re lying down, or trying to barely move so the baby doesn’t wake up!
• CWR Gravity Filter: We’ve been big fans of Clean Water Revival since last century (for real). Their water filters remove just about everything you don’t want in your water (heavy metals, chlorine, microplastics, fluoride, PBCs, forever chemicals, etc.). The gravity filter is especially convenient if your bedroom is upstairs or far from the kitchen; just fill it with tap water and you’re all set.
  • Learn more in: How To Choose The Best Water Filter For Every Home And Budget
• Non-Toxic Toilet Paper: When we’re ready to move on from wipes, we stock plenty of non-toxic, ultra-soft toilet paper, like Plant Paper or Whole Roll. This may sound strange, but it’s really important when you’re healing. Toilet paper contains hormone-disrupting forever chemicals, chlorine, dioxanes, BPA, and other chemicals you don’t want as you’re healing your lady parts and bum (or any time, really!).
  • Get the full scoop in: Exploring Non-Toxic Toilet Paper: What You Wipe With Matters

Healing Foods And Drinks For The Postpartum Mama

Pregnancy, birthing, and breastfeeding take a lot out of you, which is why you want to fill your plate with nutrient-dense, healing foods and beverages.

As a general rule, avoid ultra-processed foods, including refined sugar, flour, and inflammatory fats (such as cottonseed oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, soy oil, and shortening).

Instead, opt for whole, natural foods like fruits, vegetables, proteins, bone broths, fermented foods, natural sea salt, soaked whole gluten-free grains, soaked lentils and beans, soups, stews, and slow-cooked meals.

Some mamas can handle dairy products, some can’t, and some can handle different types (goat, sheep, A2, cultured). So listen to your body.

You want to focus on foods that are easy to digest, flavorful, hearty, nutrient-dense, and simple.

Some of our favorites include:

• Soups and stews
  
• Fresh fruit
  
• Hummus, olives, and GF crackers
  
• Fresh greens and green drinks
  
• Braised meats with vegetables
  
• Herbal teas like red raspberry, fennel, nettles, and nursing blends
  
• Water with Goodonya organic electrolytes
  
• Lemon or lime water
  
• Marilee’s Congee
  
• Overnight oats with chia seeds
  
• Soaked then cooked hot oatmeal
  
• Soaked gluten-free grains and lentils

Do your best to avoid food in plastic, skip microwaving, and opt for organic fruits and vegetables, as well as organic pasture-raised meats, wild-caught fish, and seafood whenever possible.

Check out these Healthy Batching Cooking Recipes for some of our favorite postpartum recipes.

Our Favorite Postpartum Cookbook

If people are asking what to bring you or setting up a meal train, we highly recommend snapping pictures of recipes from "The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother."

All the recipes in this book are ultra-healing, nutrient-dense, and postpartum-friendly for mama and baby. 

It also has helpful non-food recipes for sitz baths, cooling pads, and other postpartum comforts.

Our Final Postpartum Essential: Branch Basics (Of Course!)

We may be biased, but postpartum recovery wouldn’t be the same without Branch Basics.

Free from harmful chemicals, plant- and mineral-based, MADE SAFE certified, EWG-Verified or rated “A”, biodegradable, and designed for the most sensitive individuals and skin, Branch Basics simplifies all your human-safe cleaning and laundry needs postpartum.

Here’s how we use Branch Basics all-in-one Concentrate & Oxygen Boost postpartum:

• Foaming Wash for

  • Frequent hand-washing (ourselves, kiddos, and guests)
    
    • Gel Handsoap works great too
  • Bathing newborns! Foaming wash is the ONLY soap we use for our newborns' bodies, hair, and face. It’s ultra-gentle, naturally fragrance-free, free from harmful chemicals and surfactants, and works great
    
  • Bathing mom (great for full showers and quick “sink showers”)
    
  • For makeup removal and facial cleansing
    
  • Washing pacifiers, bottles, etc.
    
  • Hair washing (yes, we have shampoo we like, but Foaming Wash works too)

• All-Purpose for

  • Stain removal on clothing, rugs, carpets, sheets, baby carriers, and wraps, etc.
    
  • Surfaces
    
  • Cleaning diaper changing pads
    
  • Washing pacifiers, bottles, etc.
    
  • As a produce wash
    
  • Floor cleaning
    
  • Cleaning carseats
    
  • General cleaning

• Laundry 

  • Laundry dilution is our preferred laundry product for newborn clothing, sheets, blankets, nursing covers, spit-up cloths, and more
    
  • Stain removal
    
  • Hand washing clothes
    
  • Washing wool items, like nipple pads

Note: Branch Basics Laundry Detergent is also a good choice.

However, we prefer the Laundry dilution during the newborn stage as it’s safe for handwashing wool and delicates, and some babies may be sensitive to enzymes.

Both products are free from harmful chemicals, including SLS/SLES, bleach, NPEs, sulfates, 1,4-dioxane, optical brighteners, dyes, and fragrances.

Learn more in: Comparing Branch Basics Laundry Detergent Vs Laundry Dilution: What’s The Difference?

• Bathroom for

  • For all things bathroom cleaning (because bathrooms need a lot of cleaning postpartum!)

• Streak-Free for

  • Windows
    
  • Screens and devices
    
  • Dusting

• Oxygen Boost for

  • All types of postpartum spills and stains, including:
    
    • Blood
      
    • Blowouts
      
    • Spitup
      
    • Carpet stains (light carpet)
      
    • Sweat stains
      
    • Smoothie stains
      
    • Coffee alternative stains
      
    • Tea stains
      
    • Protein stains
      
    • Tomato stains
      
    • Mystery stains
      
    • You name it, it’s getting soaked in Oxygen Boost + Water

Want to learn how it works? See How To Get Started With Your Branch Basics Kit for all the details.

Ready to get started? Shop Branch Basics Starter Kits here.

There You Have It! Our Long-Anticipated Postpartum Essentials List.

We hope this makes your postpartum recovery time more organized, less stressful, and more enjoyable for you, your baby, and your entire family.

Looking for more healthy and natural pregnancy, birth, and parenting tips? Check out the following articles:

• How To Avoid Toxins During Your Pregnancy
  
• Our Non-Toxic Baby Registry
  
• Creating A Non-Toxic Nursery
  
• Our Favorite Baby-Friendly Cleaning Products
  
• Our Favorite Non-Toxic Baby Toys For Development And Growth