My Tried & Loved Pregnancy & Postpartum Essentials
Hello!Personally Curated by Shilpa Patil
Preparing for a baby can feel exciting but also overwhelming. With so many products available, it's hard to know what you truly need.
I created this guide to simplify your journey by sharing the products I personally used, loved, or confidently recommend through my experience as both a prenatal yoga teacher and a new mom.
Every recommendation on this page has earned its place through real-life use. I don't recommend products simply because they're popular—I recommend them because they genuinely supported me during pregnancy, birth, postpartum recovery, and breastfeeding.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work.
The right support can make a meaningful difference throughout pregnancy. These are the products I found most helpful for comfort, movement, nourishment, and preparing my body for birth.
1. Comfortable Pregnancy, Nursing & Postpartum Nightgown
One of the items I reached for every single day during pregnancy and after giving birth. Soft, loose-fitting clothing makes breastfeeding, skin-to-skin time, and postpartum recovery so much more comfortable.
Why I recommend it
• Soft and breathable fabric
• Comfortable for hospital stay and postpartum recovery
• Easy access for breastfeeding
• Comfortable enough to wear day and night
Best for: During pregnancy, Hospital bag & postpartum weeks. I have 3 of these - All linked below
2. Pregnancy Support Belt
A supportive belly band can make everyday movement feel much more comfortable as your pregnancy progresses. I found it especially helpful for reducing pressure on my lower back, pelvis, and growing belly during walks, standing, and daily activities.
Why I recommend it
• Provides gentle support for your growing belly
• Helps reduce lower back and pelvic discomfort
• Makes walking and standing more comfortable
• Adjustable as your body changes throughout pregnancy
Best for: Second and third trimester
3. Postpartum Belly Binder
Your core goes through tremendous changes during pregnancy. I found gentle abdominal support comforting during the early postpartum weeks, especially while moving around and rebuilding strength. Every recovery is different, so always follow your healthcare provider's guidance.
Why I recommend it
• Gentle abdominal support after birth
• Helps you feel more supported while walking and moving
• Adjustable compression
• Suitable for both vaginal and C-section recovery (with medical clearance)
Best for: Early postpartum recovery
4. Postpartum Sacroiliac (SI Joint) Support Belt
After giving birth, I experienced pelvic instability and discomfort as my body began recovering from pregnancy and delivery. This pelvic support belt provided gentle compression around my hips and pelvis, helping me feel more stable and supported during everyday movement.
Why I recommend it
• Provides gentle support for the pelvis during postpartum recovery
• Helps improve comfort while walking and caring for your baby
• May reduce feelings of pelvic instability after childbirth
• Adjustable and comfortable to wear under clothing
Best for: Early postpartum recovery, especially after a vaginal birth or if you're experiencing pelvic girdle or SI joint discomfort.
Shilpa's Tip:I often wore this while moving around the house or going for short walks during the early weeks postpartum. It gave me a greater sense of stability as my body gradually recovered.
5. My Favourite Nursing Pillow
Out of all the breastfeeding products I tried, this was one of my absolute favorites. Its firm, supportive design helped position my baby comfortably and reduced strain on my shoulders, neck, and wrists during long feeding sessions.
Why I recommend it
• Excellent ergonomic support
• Reduces neck, shoulder, and back strain
• Helps position baby comfortably
• Includes a convenient side pocket for essentials
Best for: Breastfeeding during the newborn months
6. Everyday Nursing Bras
Comfort becomes incredibly important during pregnancy and breastfeeding. These seamless nursing bras are soft, supportive, and easy to use for frequent feeds throughout the day and night.
Why I recommend it
• Soft, seamless fabric
• Convenient nursing clips
• Wire-free comfort
• Great value as your body changes
Best for: Pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding
7. My Go-to Prenatal and Postnatal Multivitamins
A high-quality prenatal vitamin is one of the foundations of a healthy pregnancy. This is the prenatal and postnatal vitamin I personally chose after experimenting with multiple brands because of its thoughtfully selected ingredients, easy on your gut and convenient once-daily formula. As always, discuss supplements with your healthcare provider.
Why I recommend it
• Includes folate, iron, DHA, and choline
• Vegan-friendly ingredients
• Gentle delayed-release capsules
• Easy once-daily routine
Best for: Preconception, pregnancy.
Best for Breastfeeding and Postpartum Recovery
8. Choline Supplement
Choline is an essential nutrient that plays an important role during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Since many women don't meet their daily needs through diet alone, this can be a helpful addition if recommended by your healthcare provider.
Why I recommend it
• Supports baby's brain development
• Helpful alongside a prenatal vitamin
• Simple once-daily capsule
• Supports breastfeeding nutrition
Best for: Pregnancy and postpartum
9. Birth Ball
A birth ball is one of the most versatile tools you can have during pregnancy. I used mine regularly for gentle movement, stretching, and preparing my body for birth. It can help improve posture, encourage optimal baby positioning, and provide a comfortable alternative to sitting in a chair.
Why I recommend it
• Encourages gentle movement during pregnancy
• Helps relieve lower back and pelvic discomfort
• Supports hip mobility and pelvic opening
• Useful for birth preparation and labor comfort
• Can also be used for postpartum movement and baby soothing
Best for: Second and third trimester, birth preparation, and postpartum
Shilpa's Tip:I often used my birth ball while preparing for my labour, doing pelvic circles, moving front and back and simply sitting instead of using a chair. Even a few minutes each day helped my body feel more open and comfortable.
10. Peri Bottle
One of the most valuable items I packed in my hospital bag. A peri bottle makes using the bathroom much more comfortable after birth by gently cleansing the perineal area without the need for wiping, allowing sensitive tissues to heal more comfortably.
Why I recommend it
• Makes postpartum bathroom visits much more comfortable
• Gentle cleansing without irritating tender tissues
• Helps you feel cleaner and more comfortable during recovery
• Easy to use at home and while traveling
Best for: Early postpartum recovery after vaginal birth
Shilpa's Tip:I highly recommend packing this in your hospital bag before your due date. It's one of those small items that makes a surprisingly big difference during the first couple of weeks after delivery.
11. Disposable Postpartum Underwear
One of the most practical items I packed for postpartum recovery. During the first few days after birth, comfort and convenience matter so much. These disposable underwear are soft, absorbent, and designed to comfortably hold postpartum pads while giving your body the space it needs to heal.
Why I recommend it
• Soft, stretchy, and gentle on sensitive skin
• Comfortable to wear after vaginal birth or C-section
• Provides excellent coverage for postpartum bleeding
• Eliminates the need to wash underwear during the early recovery period
• Makes changing pads quick and easy
Best for: Hospital stay and the first 1–2 weeks postpartum
Shilpa's Tip: I packed these in my hospital bag before delivery and was so glad I did. During those first few days, the last thing you'll want to think about is laundry. Having comfortable disposable underwear made recovery feel much simpler and allowed me to focus on healing and caring for my baby.
12. Electric Heating Pad
A heating pad became one of my most-used comfort items during both pregnancy and postpartum. I used it to soothe tired muscles, ease back and neck tension, and bring warmth to my body after long days of caring for my baby. Used correctly, gentle heat can be incredibly comforting.
Why I recommend it
• Helps relax tired, achy muscles
• Soothes neck, shoulder, and back tension
• Provides comforting warmth during postpartum recovery
• Easy to use at home while resting or nursing
• Adjustable heat settings for personalized comfort
Best for: Pregnancy (use on areas like the neck, shoulders, or back as advised by your healthcare provider) and postpartum recovery.
Shilpa's Tip
During pregnancy, I mainly used gentle heat on my neck, shoulders, and upper back after long days. Postpartum, it became one of my favorite ways to relax tense muscles while breastfeeding and caring for my baby. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance for safe use during pregnancy.
A Note From Me
I hope this collection helps take some of the guesswork out of preparing for pregnancy and postpartum. More than anything, I hope it reminds you that you don't need to buy everything - you simply need the right support.
Wishing you a healthy pregnancy, a nourishing recovery, and many beautiful moments with your little one.
With love,
Shilpa