The Ultimate 12 Postpartum Recovery Essentials Checklist (Singapore 2026)

Postpartum recovery is a beautiful but demanding season - it’s not just about physical healing, but also emotional adjustment and navigating new routines with a new baby. Many mums naturally prioritise baby first and end up putting their own needs last, so this checklist is here to care for you, too.

Having a simple postpartum recovery kit can make a huge difference, especially during the first two weeks when everything feels tender, new, and unpredictable. And because every birth experience is different (whether vaginal delivery or C-section),the right essentials can help you feel more supported, comfortable, and prepared.

To prepare for your postpartum recovery journey, shop Hatchery Cribs' range of care mom care products, breast pumps, and nursing cushions that will be perfect for the precious months ahead. Shop here.

• What is it❓: Maternity/postpartum pads are extra-absorbent pads designed to manage postpartum bleeding (lochia) comfortably.

• Why you need it for your postpartum recovery journey🤷‍♀️: They provide reliable leak protection during the first days and weeks after birth when bleeding can be heavy.

• Pro-tip💡: Conventional overnight panties and overnight pads work well as maternity pads as they are extra-absorbent. You’ll likely only need these for the first 1+ week postpartum
  
  

• Featured pick ✅: Kotex Overnight Panties 

• What is it❓: Disposable postpartum underwear is soft, stretchy, high-waist underwear made to hold maternity pads (that may be big and heavy!) securely after delivery.

• Why you need it for your postpartum recovery journey🤷‍♀️: It keeps you comfortable and supported during bleeding while reducing pressure and friction on tender areas or C-section wounds.

• Pro-tip💡: If you’re getting overnight panties instead of maternity pads, you can skip buying this!

• What is it❓: A comfortable nursing bra is a supportive, easy-access bra designed for breastfeeding and changing breast sizes postpartum.

• Why you need it for your postpartum recovery journey🤷‍♀️: It helps reduce discomfort from engorgement and leaks while making nursing or pumping quicker and less stressful.

• Pro-tip💡: Choose a wireless, stretchy fit and consider sizing up for the first few weeks when your breasts size fluctuate most.

• What is it❓: Sunflower lecithin is a breastfeeding-friendly supplement commonly used to support smoother milk flow by helping reduce milk thickness.

• Why you need it for your postpartum recovery journey🤷‍♀️: Many mums take it to help prevent or manage recurring clogged ducts, especially during engorgement or frequent pumping.

• Pro-tip💡: You can begin taking sunflower lecithin while breastfeeding once you start noticing clogged ducts, or even earlier as a preventive step if you’re prone to them.
  
  

• Featured pick ✅: iHerb NOW Foods Sunflower Lecithin

If you plan to have a vaginal delivery

Prioritise: Peri bottle, cooling pads, cleansing wash, maternity pads, comfortable loungewear

If you plan to have a c-section

Prioritise: Comfortable disposable underwear/overnight pads, scar patches (later), comfortable loungewear

If you plan to breastfeed

Prioritise: Silver nursing cups, hot & cold gel pads, nursing bras, sunflower lecithin supplements

Q) Should my postpartum recovery essentials be included in my hospital bag? 

A) Yes - packing a few key postpartum recovery essentials in your hospital bag (like maternity pads, disposable underwear, and nursing items) can help you feel more comfortable right after delivery. The hospital may provide basics, but having your own preferred items makes recovery easier.

Q) Can I wait till I’m discharged from hospital before I buy my postpartum recovery essentials?

A) It’s best to prepare some postpartum recovery essentials before birth, as the first few days at home can be tiring and last-minute shopping may feel overwhelming. Having a simple recovery kit ready means you can focus on rest and baby, not scrambling for supplies.

Q) I do not know if I have enough milk to breastfeed my baby, should I still buy breastfeeding care essentials?

A) Yes - breastfeeding can be unpredictable in the beginning, and having a few basic breastfeeding essentials on hand can help you manage soreness, engorgement, or pumping if needed. Even if you end up combination feeding, these items can still support your comfort and feeding journey.

Postpartum recovery can feel like a lot, but having the right essentials ready at home can make those first few weeks smoother, calmer, and far more comfortable. 

Dear Cherie was created to support you through this season with a thoughtfully curated range of postpartum recovery and breastfeeding care essentials, from perineal comfort and gentle intimate care to nipple and breast relief must-haves. Wherever you are in your motherhood journey, we’re here to help you feel supported every step of the way. Find out more about Dear Cherie.