There’s a version of postpartum that lives in your head before you go through it… 

And then there’s the real version. 

The quiet, messy, healing, “what is happening to my body?” kind of version. 

Postpartum recovery after a vaginal delivery? Yeah… we don’t talk about it enough. And when we do, it’s usually sugar-coated. 

Everyone prepares you for the baby — the swaddles, the diapers, the sleepless nights.

But your body? The bleeding, the soreness, the “why does that hurt?” moments? Not so much.

So this is the real version.

What’s normal, what actually helps, and the products I used when I was in the thick of it. 

First things first — your body just did something incredible. 

And now? It’s healing… and yeah, it might feel a little wrecked in the process. 

There’s a huge range of normal when it comes to postpartum recovery after a vaginal delivery. 

You might feel sore, swollen, tender, emotional, exhausted… maybe even a little shocked by how everything feels. 

Sitting down? Weird.

Walking? Weird.

Going to the bathroom? Honestly… a little intimidating at first. 

And if you’re thinking, “Is this supposed to feel like this?” — you’re not alone. 

But here’s the truth: your body knows exactly what it’s doing. 

You are not broken. You are not falling apart. 

You are healing. 

I’m not going to throw a giant list at you and say “you need all of this.” You don’t. 

But I will say this — having a few solid, go-to things within arm’s reach those first few days? It makes a huge difference. 

These were the things I actually used. Not the “just in case” items. Not the stuff that stayed packed in a bag. The things I reached for over and over again when I was sore, overwhelmed, and just trying to get through the day. 

Like a good peri bottle — because the idea of using toilet paper right away? Absolutely not. I would fill it with warm water and use it every single time I went to the bathroom. It keeps things clean, but more importantly, it keeps things gentle. No wiping, no irritation… just rinse and pat dry. 

And then comes what I jokingly call the “pad cocktail” 😂 

This became my little routine every time I changed my pad: 

Start with a soft postpartum pad as your base — you’ll be wearing these constantly at first, so comfort matters. 

Then I’d layer on Tucks pads (the witch hazel ones). I usually lined a few of them right across the pad where I needed the most relief. They’re cooling, soothing, and help with swelling so much. 

After that, I’d add a bit of perineal foam — just a light layer right on top. It’s not messy like you’d think, and it adds another level of comfort that you’ll definitely appreciate. 

And then Dermoplast… honestly, this is the one that feels like magic in those early days. A quick spray over everything before putting your pad on, and it gives you that numbing relief that just takes the edge off. 

That whole setup? That’s the “cocktail.” And yes — it sounds like a lot, but when you’re in it, it just becomes second nature. You’ll figure out what feels best for your body, but having the option for that kind of relief is huge. 

And honestly? Comfy underwear is what holds this whole situation together 😅

You want something high-waisted, soft, and stretchy enough to hold everything in place without adding pressure. This is not the time for anything tight or cute — this is full survival mode comfort. 

Nothing fancy. Just simple, practical things that made me feel a little more human again. 

 

That whole setup I mentioned — the “pad cocktail” — was my go-to. I used it constantly, especially in those first few days when everything felt sore, swollen, and honestly a little overwhelming. 

But here’s the part I didn’t expect… sometimes you just want something easier. 

There were moments where I didn’t want to unwrap anything, layer anything, or think about it at all. I just wanted relief, quickly. 

That’s where the ready-made options came in for me. I used the Frida postpartum ice packs alongside everything else, and they were one of those “grab it and go” kind of things. 

No prep, no setup — just open it, place it, and instantly feel that cooling, soothing relief. 

I ended up using both depending on what I needed in the moment.

Some days I did the full setup… and some days, it was “just give me the easiest option possible.” 

And once you get through those first few days of figuring out what works for your body… it starts to become less about just relief — and more about comfort. 

These next things aren’t necessarily must-haves… but they were the little extras that made those early days feel a lot more manageable. 

Not in a big, dramatic way — just in those quiet moments where you’re sore, tired, and trying to feel like yourself again. 

Things like having a big water bottle within arm’s reach so you’re not constantly getting up… or living in soft, loose clothes that don’t rub or put pressure anywhere sensitive. 

Small things — but they make a difference when your body is healing and everything feels a little off. 

These were the moments where I started to feel just a little more like myself again. 

Those small moments of comfort? They matter more than you expect. 

Because once the initial soreness starts to settle… that’s when you really start to feel everything else. 

And this part? No one really prepares you for it. 

The physical healing is one thing — you can see it, you can feel it, you can track it. 

But the emotional side? The hormone shifts, the random waves of overwhelm, the “wait… is this normal?” moments — those can catch you completely off guard. 

Some days you’ll feel okay. 

Some days you won’t. 

And sometimes it changes hour by hour. 

All of it is normal. 

Give yourself so much grace here. 

Going into this next postpartum season, I’m keeping things simple. 

Less pressure. More comfort. More patience with myself. 

Taking care of myself the same way I instinctively take care of everyone else.

Because the truth is — you matter in this process too. 

You deserve to feel supported, cared for, and safe while you’re healing. 

And if you’re in this season right now — or about to be — I hope this makes you feel just a little more prepared… and a lot less alone. 

You’ve got this, mama. 

One day, one shower, one deep breath at a time.