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The postpartum period can bring both highs and lows as you adapt to having a long-anticipated new baby join the family. As an experienced mom<\/a> and doula, I have a list of postpartum essentials to make this time easier for both mom and baby.<\/p>\n You likely won\u2019t need everything on this list, but these are the things I\u2019ve found to be helpful after having my babies. And I\u2019ve given them as gifts to friends and family after their own little bundles of joy arrived!\u00a0<\/p>\n Postpartum recovery involves soothing discomfort and preparing for temporary bodily changes. It may also include products for self-care and to support milk production for nursing moms.<\/p>\n The perineum is the area between the vagina and anus. After a vaginal birth, this area can often be swollen, sore, and uncomfortable due to stretching and possible tearing. Proper perineal care can help reduce discomfort, promote healing, and prevent infection.\u00a0<\/p>\n A sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath used to soothe and cleanse the perineal area after childbirth. Sitz baths can provide pain relief from episiotomy, tears, or hemorrhoids that can come from vaginal delivery. They can also promote healing of that area, especially when you add herbal infusions, witch hazel, and Epsom salts! <\/p>\n Here\u2019s my recipe for an after-birth herbal sitz bath<\/a> using soothing herbs and Epsom salt. Another option are these healing bath fizzies<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, if even thinking about DIYs right now is too overwhelming, check out some good store-bought ideas below.\u00a0<\/p>\n Sitz baths can also serve as a wonderful form of self-care, which is so needed for tired mamas.<\/p>\n Witch hazel<\/a> pads are commonly used postpartum to soothe the perineal area after childbirth. They\u2019re also used for hemorrhoids, which are common after pregnancy. So, they\u2019re good to have around. While \u201cTucks\u201d are popular store-bought pads, you can easily make them yourself. It only takes a few ingredients.\u00a0<\/p>\n All you do is soak some cotton rounds in alcohol-free witch hazel and aloe gel if you like. You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil. Get them nice and moist. Then store them in a zip-top bag<\/a> and keep them in the bathroom (or in your purse) to use as needed.\u00a0<\/p>\n After using the bathroom, gently clean the area with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Then place a witch hazel pad directly onto the area. Leave in place for several minutes to soothe the irritated skin.\u00a0<\/p>\n Witch hazel is also included in other forms of perineal care, like peri sprays.<\/p>\n Peri bottles (aka irrigation and cleansing bottles) are also good tools for perineal care after childbirth. You simply fill them with warm water and squeeze them toward any sore areas down there. The gentle water helps rinse away urine, feces, and bacteria without irritating the area.<\/p>\n Perineal Spray or \u201cperi spray\u201d is a liquid solution used to soothe the perineal area. It often includes witch hazel, aloe, and other ingredients used to soothe delicate skin. You spray the solution straight onto the perineum (or vulva).<\/p>\n Dermoplast is the commercial form usually recommended. But it has lanolin, butane, and parabens. You can easily make it yourself! Here\u2019s my simple recipe for a postpartum soothing spray<\/a>. It takes a couple of minutes to make and is a fraction of the cost of the store-bought version!<\/p>\n A peri bottle is used for cleansing, while a peri spray provides relief and promotes healing. Some women may decide to use both, depending on their needs.<\/p>\n Postpartum hygiene products help with cleanliness and comfort in the weeks following childbirth. Some can also promote healing. I already mentioned a few but here are some more. <\/p>\n Some women buy disposable underwear for postpartum bleeding.\u00a0 However, I\u2019m not a fan of single-use plastic products. <\/p>\n Washable period underwear<\/a> is a great alternative. Some brands now offer absorbent underwear specifically made for postpartum mothers. You can also add postpartum pads.<\/p>\n Regular women\u2019s hygiene products like maxi pads<\/a> can also work. Tampons aren\u2019t recommended because they can lead to infections and irritate or damage that sensitive area. It\u2019s good to throw a few pads in your hospital bag just in case.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n These changes can affect more than just our endocrine system. Postpartum moms can also need some digestive support.<\/p>\n Many women notice their digestive system slows down after baby makes their arrival. Moms experience postpartum constipation due to a variety of reasons. The combination of hormonal changes, less exercise, and pain meds can definitely slow things down. Commercial stool softeners are one way to promote bowel movements, but they\u2019re not the only option.\u00a0<\/p>\n Magnesium supplementation via magnesium citrate powder, Epsom salt baths<\/a>, or magnesium oil<\/a> rubbed on the abdomen may also get things moving again.<\/p>\n If your constipation isn\u2019t improving, reach out to your health professional \u2013especially if there\u2019s rectal bleeding.<\/p>\n Many of the products mentioned earlier can help with specific types of pain. Here are some additional postpartum must-haves for different types of pain.<\/p>\n The first weeks postpartum can be painful for new moms. Ice or cold packs can help soothe the perineum, a c-section incision, or even sore nipples. You can easily make your own flexible ice pack<\/a>. I\u2019ve even included directions to make a simple removable (and washable) cover.<\/p>\n Hot water bottles and heating pads can soothe tight, sore muscles after the birth process. So, if you\u2019re open to DIY-ing, don\u2019t stop there. You can also make your own rice pack heating pad<\/a>. We have a few of them around since each of my children made one with my mom.\u00a0<\/p>\n You can also make your own \u201cpadsicles.\u201d Padsicles are essentially sanitary pads that are soaked in a soothing and healing solution and frozen. They\u2019re great for reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation all over down there. Here\u2019s how to make your own:<\/p>\n To use a padsicle, remove it from the freezer and unwrap it. Allow it to thaw slightly if it\u2019s too stiff to be comfortable. Then place it in your underwear as you would with a regular sanitary pad.<\/p>\n Sometimes hot and cold packs aren\u2019t enough. Here are some additional natural pain relievers.<\/p>\n Ibuprofen is a common go-to pain reliever for many women postpartum. However, it\u2019s only of those non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) you\u2019ve likely heard about. NSAIDs can promote bleeding, which you don\u2019t want -especially in C-section recovery.<\/p>\n Instead, look into natural remedies<\/a> like arnica, boswellia, and cayenne capsules. You may even want to consider CBD (THC-free). Drinking ginger tea may also be helpful. These contractions help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size. They also help prevent excessive bleeding by compressing blood vessels in the uterine wall. The more kids you\u2019ve had, the stronger the postpartum contractions are.\u00a0<\/p>\n Using heating pads and natural pain relievers can help.<\/p>\n New moms have so much on their plates that they don\u2019t always prioritize self-care. Here\u2019s everything you need to put together a postpartum self-care kit.<\/p>\n Herbal teas can be soothing and beneficial during the postpartum period. They can support recovery, relaxation, and breast milk production. Red raspberry leaf, chamomile, and blessed thistle are some popular teas for this recovery period.\u00a0<\/p>\n There\u2019s also a blend known as \u201cMother\u2019s Milk Tea,\u201d which provides breastfeeding support. It typically includes fenugreek, fennel, nettle, and other herbs to support the milk supply. Here\u2019s my herbal nursing tea<\/a> recipe, which includes red raspberry and chamomile.<\/p>\n Sipping herbal tea while surrounded by relaxing essential oils can be a game-changer.<\/p>\n Essential oils can help promote relaxation and recovery after the body has gone through major stress. A pillow spray can be an excellent way to support restful sleep. This pillow spray<\/a> includes oils proven to induce sleep. It\u2019s a lovely floral-citrus blend of ylang-ylang, lavender, and bergamot.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, if you\u2019d rather buy it, here are some options:\u00a0<\/p>\n Lavender essential oil is also an excellent addition to a homemade natural belly butter.<\/p>\n Natural belly butter is a soothing option for postpartum skin care. You can make this stretch mark salve<\/a> to help keep skin soft and supple. It has a base of healing butters and oils with calendula and ginger to promote skin repair.\u00a0<\/p>\n Or, if you want a basic recipe that you can customize with essential oils, use this whipped body butter.<\/a> For store-bought belly butter options that aren\u2019t full of harsh chemicals, check out these Amazon finds.<\/p>\n It can be nice having a journal around to record what\u2019s working best to reduce stress and promote healing.<\/p>\n Journaling can be beneficial for postpartum mothers to share thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Handmade journals are a thoughtful option for postpartum reflection and memories. It can also serve as a health journal<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n For a gift, you can also personalize a store-bought journal. You can hand-write inspirational and encouraging quotes in the margins. Maybe you\u2019ll even decide to sketch some flowers or cartoons.\u00a0<\/p>\n Another important form of care for new moms is breast care.<\/p>\n Nursing bras are another essential for postpartum mothers. They provide comfort as well as easy access to the breasts for breastfeeding. They cater to the specific needs of nursing women, such as changes in breast size and sensitivity.<\/p>\n However, not all nursing bras are good for you. Healthy bra options allow lymphatic flow and are made with breathable (and preferably organic) fabric. Organic cotton and bamboo are good choices. Some straps and closures have latex or nickel. So, be aware of that if you have allergies.<\/p>\n Some women may find it helpful to add nursing pads inside the bra.\u00a0<\/p>\n Nursing pads can be really helpful to absorb breast milk leaks in between breastfeeding sessions. That way there isn\u2019t any embarrassing leaking through the clothing. Nursing pads are nice to have around to stay dry and comfortable.\u00a0<\/p>\n Nipple cream can add additional soothing and comfort.<\/p>\n As a first time mom I wasn\u2019t prepared for how sore my nipples would be in the beginning! Nursing can be painful when first getting started. Your nipples can also dry out making them more likely to get sore or infected. That\u2019s where nipple cream comes in. You can DIY a soothing DIY Nipple balm<\/a> as you prepare for the due date. <\/p>\n There are also good organic ones available online.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re having trouble making the milk flow, lactation cookies are a tasty way to help.<\/p>\nPostpartum Recovery Essentials For Mom<\/h2>\n
Perineal Care Products<\/h2>\n
Postpartum Sitz Bath<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Witch Hazel Pads<\/h3>\n
Peri Bottles and Peri Sprays <\/h3>\n
Hygiene Products<\/h2>\n
Postpartum Underwear<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Maxi Pads<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Digestive Support\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Pain Relief<\/h2>\n
Ice Packs & Heating Pads\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Padsicles<\/h3>\n
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Natural Pain Relievers<\/h3>\n
Some women have after birth contractions for a while. After birth contractions, also known as postpartum contractions or afterpains, are uterine contractions that happen after childbirth. <\/p>\nPostpartum Essentials Self-Care Kit<\/h2>\n
Herbal Teas<\/h3>\n
Aromatherapy Spray<\/h3>\n
Homemade Natural Belly Butter\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Handmade Journal<\/h3>\n
Breast Care & Nursing Support<\/h2>\n
Nursing Bras<\/h3>\n
Nursing Pads<\/h3>\n
Nipple Cream\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Lactation Cookies\u00a0<\/h3>\n