These are the tools, supports, and resources I consistently recommend to postpartum athletes figuring out how to return to training in a way that feels grounded, sustainable, and honest. My perspective is shaped not only by my work in sport psychology and endurance coaching but also by my own postpartum experience, including an emergency C-section, which challenged and reshaped my understanding of recovery, patience, and performance.
Training Log + Planner by Wild Strides Paper Co. — Postpartum training is rarely linear and having a place to reflect on energy levels, recovery, mindset, sleep, and life stress alongside my return-to-run and pelvic floor PT workouts definitely helped me make more informed and compassionate decisions. It kept me off Strava and out of the comparison game during a really vulnerable time, and I love the purple option and all the sticker packets as well!
Natal: Pregnancy & Postpartum by Apple — This app has been a godsend. It provides evidence-informed pregnancy and postpartum programming that supports strength, pelvic floor function, and mobility during a season where many of us are left guessing. I've found it also helps reduce the pressure to “bounce back” while still creating momentum toward feeling strong again.
Mom Multi Support Pack by Perelel — Postpartum recovery is wild and not at all linear. It places enormous demands on the body at a time when we're already depleted, so having a comprehensive, thoughtfully designed supplement system in place that removes a layer of decision fatigue while supporting energy, cognition, recovery, and overall health was a major win.
RX:CCD by Speedland — The return to run can be a long process. Having shoes that will literally hold up for thousands of miles and feel good for all of them makes a big difference. Plus, the dial fit system accommodates foot swelling and day-to-day variability (this is a bigger deal than you'd think!), while the removable carbon plates let you scale the shoe to match different phases of training. It’s one of the few shoes that can genuinely support both cautious rebuilding and high-performance running in the same lifespan.
Audible Membership Benefits by Audible — Real talk: postpartum life changes how you access information and downtime. Being able to listen to a book while feeding at 3 am, going for a walk, or doing something with your hands makes it easier to stay mentally engaged without adding pressure. It’s a really simple way to keep your mind engaged when everything else feels more fragmented.
Literally Anything Here by Oiselle — What you wear matters more than people admit, especially postpartum! When your body feels unfamiliar, new gear that fits well and feels good can lower the barrier to getting out the door! Plus this is woman-owned company, so buy everything :)
Toy for Bouncer – Baby Bjorn Toy Bar by BabyBjörn — This blew my mind! My friend Abigail recommended it and I haven't looked back. It turns the BabyBjörn bouncer into an actually engaging space for babies when you just need a few uninterrupted minutes to move your body or take a breath. The spinning shapes and high-contrast details keep little ones surprisingly entertained while also supporting motor skill development and curiosity.
This product became especially useful during easy treadmill walks and my return-to-running treadmill sessions. Having a safe, stimulating setup where my little guy could bounce, watch, and interact nearby has made getting back into running feel much more accessible. And honestly, when you’re rebuilding consistency after birth, lowering the barrier to getting on the treadmill matters. A lot!
Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler - 32 fl. oz. Green by Hydro Flask — Postpartum hydration is one of those things that sounds simple until you’re actually living it. Between recovery, sleep deprivation, feeding schedules, and eventually returning to movement and training, having water constantly accessible matters more than most people expect. The handle, straw lid, and cupholder-friendly design make it easy to carry from the nursery to the treadmill to the car without needing two free hands, which, in the postpartum period, rarely exist
I especially like the 32-oz size because it feels manageable without constantly needing refills. It also keeps water cold for hours, survives being dropped repeatedly (hello, sleep deprivation), and becomes one of those surprisingly essential “always nearby” items you rely on. Anything I can do to reduce small barriers, like having to stop and refill a tiny water or glass all day, actually makes a really big difference.
Osprey Poco Soft Child Carrier LT Black by Osprey — What I especially appreciate about this is that it supports the idea that movement doesn’t have to disappear after becoming a parent. It just changes for a while. But being able to take your baby on walks, easy trail outings, or recovery hikes creates a way to reconnect with yourself and your athletic identity without needing perfect conditions or childcare every time.
It’s also lightweight, breathable, machine washable, and adaptable across multiple carry positions as your kiddo grows, which makes it feel much more sustainable than gear that only works for one short phase.
