Postpartum Essentials for the Crunchy Mama

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 and doula, I have a list of postpartum essentials to make this time easier for both mom and baby.

Postpartum Recovery Essentials for Mom

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.

Perineal Care Products

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.

Postpartum Sitz Bath

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!

Witch Hazel Pads

Witch hazel pads are commonly used postpartum to soothe the perineal area after childbirth. They’re also used for hemorrhoids, which are common after pregnancy. So, they’re good to have around.

Peri Bottles and Peri Sprays

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.

Hygiene Products

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.

Postpartum Underwear

Some women buy disposable underwear for postpartum bleeding. However, I’m not a fan of single-use plastic products. Washable period underwear is a great alternative. Some brands now offer absorbent underwear specifically made for postpartum mothers. You can also add postpartum pads.

Maxi Pads

Regular women’s hygiene products like maxi pads can also work. Tampons aren’t recommended because they can lead to infections and irritate or damage that sensitive area. It’s good to throw a few pads in your hospital bag just in case.

digestive Support

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’re not the only option.

Natural Pain Relievers

Ibuprofen is a common go-to pain reliever for many women postpartum. However, it’s only one of those non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) you’ve likely heard about. NSAIDs can promote bleeding, which you don’t want – especially in C-section recovery.

Postpartum Essentials Self-Care Kit

New moms have so much on their plates that they don’t always prioritize self-care. Here’s everything you need to put together a postpartum self-care kit.

Herbal Teas

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.

Aromatherapy Spray

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 includes oils proven to induce sleep. It’s a lovely floral-citrus blend of ylang-ylang, lavender, and bergamot.

Homemade Natural Belly Butter

Natural belly butter is a soothing option for postpartum skin care. You can make this salve to help keep skin soft and supple. It has a base of healing butters and oils with calendula and ginger to promote skin repair.

Breast Care & Nursing Support

Nursing Bras

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.

Nursing Pads

Nursing pads can be really helpful to absorb breast milk leaks in between breastfeeding sessions. That way there isn’t any embarrassing leaking through the clothing. Nursing pads are nice to have around to stay dry and comfortable.

Nipple Cream

As a first-time mom I wasn’t 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’s where nipple cream comes in. You can DIY a soothing nipple balm as you prepare for the due date.

Lactation Cookies

Lactation cookies are good to make ahead of time. They also make a great gift for mothers who you know plan to breastfeed. You can easily make them yourself! Find my recipe for gluten-free lactation cookies here. Or try this premade organic one (it comes in several flavors).

Postpartum Ideas For Baby

When it comes to postpartum gifts for babies, having practical items on hand can make a world of difference. Here’s a quick list of things to have on hand before the due date. They also make thoughtful gifts for first-time parents.

Final Thoughts on Postpartum Essentials

The postpartum period can be challenging with all its changes. New moms need to take good care of themselves as they care for the new baby. If you’re currently expecting, you may want to DIY or purchase some of these things ahead of time. If you have a friend who will be going through this time soon, why not make them a postpartum recovery kit? You can also include non-postpartum related things you know she’ll enjoy. At the end of the day, moms just need a little extra love during this time of transition.

Conclusion

As a crunchy mama, I believe in taking care of myself and my body during the postpartum period. I hope this list of postpartum essentials has been helpful in providing you with some practical tips and ideas to make your recovery easier and more enjoyable. Remember, taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do for your baby, your relationship, and your own well-being.

FAQs

• What is the best way to soothe discomfort after childbirth?

A sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath used to soothe and cleanse the perineal area after childbirth. You can also use witch hazel pads and peri bottles to promote healing and reduce discomfort.

• What is the best way to support milk production?

Herbal teas, lactation cookies, and nipple creams can all help support milk production and comfort during the postpartum period. Frequent breastfeeding and offering support can also help.

• What are some practical gifts I can give to a new mom?

Practical gifts like nursing bras, nursing pads, and diapers can be very helpful for new moms. You can also consider making a postpartum recovery kit with items like herbal teas, bath salts, and nipple creams.

• How can I promote healing and reduce discomfort after childbirth?

A sitz bath, peri bottles, and witch hazel pads can all help promote healing and reduce discomfort after childbirth. Keeping the perineal area clean and dry, and using ice packs or heating pads can also be helpful.