5 Must Haves for Postpartum That You May Not Have Thought Of | Okanagan Doula & Penticton Newborn Photographer

When you are new parents, everyone has tips and tricks for the newborn days. And there are a lot of golden ideas out there. But I really wanted to share a few things I either loved myself when I had a baby, or wished I had had! I've also picked up some ideas along the way as a Penticton Newborn Photographer & Doula. Whether you are an expecting or new parent in Penticton, or elsewhere in the Okanagan, these ideas are for everybody!

Grocery Delivery in Penticton

The last thing any tired parents (and recovering mothers) want to think about is getting groceries. With the variety of food delivery services these days, its something to take advantage of! For instance, $30 will get you a PC Express Pass to cover grocery delivery for the first year (2026 promo). You can even set up Subscriptions. Don't forget Amazon has Subscriptions too so you never have to worry about running out of things like diapers, wipes, and even coffee!

Heating Pad

A microwavable or electric heating pad may not be something you think of specifically for postpartum, but I can tell you its worth it to have one! Many cultures consider warmth to be of utmost importance while healing after birth -- yes, even in summer! Keeping heat over your womb is a ritual that is kind to your body. And as you are getting used to holding your baby and breastfeeding (or bottle feeding!) your sore shoulders and neck will absolutely thank you with a hot heating pad. You can elevate your experience by using a microwavable rice + lavender heating pack and encorporating aromatherapy. View some similar ideas in my article: How to Prepare for Your First Pregnancy in Penticton

Mood lighting

If you are like me, you might be quite sensitive to sources of artifical light, especially at night. With your new routine of waking up multiple times at night, it is a lot kinder to your eyes, mood, and hormones to use incandescent lighting or warm lighting. My favourite is a salt lamp -- but you can also buy special pink, orange, or red light bulbs that more closely mimic sunset or fire as nighttime lighting. Your newborn will thank you too - bright or cool lighting at night is a jolt to their system as well! Mood lighting helps during the day too to create a calm environment.

E-Reader

One thing I didn't have during postpartum and really could have used - was a e-reader! I will never give up physical books - but I learned very quickly that it is very hard to hold a newborn, breastfeed, and be comfortable yourself, all while trying to read a physical book. An e-reader is built for one-handed reading, and since you can change the font size, it is more flexible for when you are working around holding a newborn. And don't get me wrong - I loved relaxing in front of the TV when I was breastfeeding - but sometimes its is nice to have a break from screens and get back to your book list. So, if you are like me and never really wanted an e-reader - it may be a gamechanger when you have a baby!

A mug warmer

These are absolute lifesavers if you find your tea or coffee getting cold before you can finish it.

This one has 2 heat settings plus an automatic off timer for safety. Keeping your tea warm for hours - what a luxury!

So, let me know, did anything on this list catch your eye? And - what are some things you couldn't live without?

-Ashley