The Postpartum Gift Basket You’ll Actually Use
Updated: Sep 8
Everyone talks about the first postpartum poop. Nobody talks about WHY you’re terrified to take it.
After having two babies and preparing for my third, there are a few postpartum essentials I will absolutely have ready. They’re also things I’ve started giving to other moms at their baby showers, usually alongside a few cute things for the baby.
And honestly, the mom is usually a little confused when she opens it.
Why exactly did Samantha give me a peri bottle, witch hazel and hemorrhoid supplies?
Then she has the baby.
And THAT is when I get the text.
“I had no idea.”
“Nobody warned me about this.”
And that’s exactly why I keep giving it.
The Part of Postpartum Nobody Talks About
Hemorrhoids, constipation, swelling, soreness and that terrifying first trip to the bathroom aren’t exactly things people like discussing at baby showers—but they’re incredibly common parts of postpartum recovery.
Pregnancy itself puts pressure on the pelvic area, and hemorrhoids can get worse or even appear for the first time after delivery because of the intense straining that can happen during labor.
So no, it doesn’t happen to everyone.
But it happens to enough of us that maybe we should actually start talking about it.
What I Put in a Postpartum Gift Basket
A reusable diaper caddy
Start with the basket itself. I like using a diaper caddy because Mom can keep all of her recovery supplies together in the bathroom and then reuse it later for diapers, pumping supplies or whatever else she needs.
Frida Mom peri bottle
An absolute essential after a vaginal birth. When everything is swollen and sore, rinsing with warm water is a whole lot more appealing than wiping. I recommend using a squeeze bottle with warm water after delivery, and I personally love the angled Frida bottle.
Witch hazel + cotton rounds OR Tucks pads
You don’t need both. You can do plain witch hazel with soft cotton rounds or make life easier with Tucks pads.
Postpartum underwear
While you’re buying the baby a pack of diapers, buy Mom a pack too.
LOL. Kidding... but not really.
They’re technically postpartum/disposable underwear, and nobody is particularly excited to receive them at a baby shower. But after the baby arrives? She’ll understand.
Perineal cold packs
Another not-cute-but-you’ll-thank-me-later gift. Cold packs can help with swelling and discomfort after a vaginal delivery, particularly during those first few days.
A sitz bath
Especially because we’re finally acknowledging that postpartum hemorrhoids exist. A warm sitz bath can help with perineal discomfort and hemorrhoid symptoms after delivery.
Boiron HemCalm suppositories
These are one of my personal favorites to have on hand for hemorrhoid symptoms. As with any medication or remedy postpartum—especially while breastfeeding—check with your doctor or midwife about what’s appropriate for you.
A Squatty Potty
Obviously this one isn’t going inside the caddy 😂, but I’d absolutely include one with the gift.
The LAST thing you want postpartum is to be sitting on the toilet straining. This gift is a use forever kind of gift too. Once you have on you will wonder how you ever lived without it.
Fuzzy socks
Not everything in this basket needs to involve your vagina or your butt.
A really cozy pair of fuzzy socks is just nice to have. I remember going back and forth between feeling hot and cold postpartum, and they’re also great to throw into your hospital bag.
Nursing pads
And just when you thought there weren’t enough bodily fluids involved... your boobs start leaking too.
Disposable or washable nursing pads are one of those little things that’s really nice to already have waiting for you.
One More Thing I Always Tell Moms...
There’s one tip that doesn’t belong inside the gift basket, so I’d write it on a little card and tuck it inside instead.
Keep things soft and moving.
One of my personal go-tos is warm prune juice with a little coconut oil mixed in. It may sound like a completely random tip, but honestly, pregnancy constipation is no joke either, so she might appreciate this one before the baby even arrives!
And then she has the baby.
And suddenly she really understands. 😂
Give Mom Something, Too
The baby is going to get plenty of adorable outfits, blankets and toys. Make sure Mom gets something that’s actually for her, too.
And it doesn’t all have to feel scary and medical.
Throw a cute pair of nursing pajamas or a cozy lounge set into the basket. Add the fuzzy socks.
Even an Uber Eats gift card is an amazing postpartum gift for one of those days when everyone is exhausted and figuring out dinner is the absolute last thing anyone needs to be worrying about.
Then add the not-so-glamorous stuff.
The peri bottle. The postpartum underwear. The witch hazel. The hemorrhoid supplies.
She may look at you a little strangely when she opens that part at her baby shower.
Just wait.
You’ll probably get the text later:
“Okay. NOW I understand.”
Shop My Postpartum Basket
Everything I personally put in my postpartum recovery basket is linked below:
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you.
This is based on my own postpartum experience and is not medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about medications, supplements or postpartum symptoms, particularly during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
