Postpartum Tips You Can’t Pass Up!
We work so hard to make sure that everything is perfect for the baby’s arrival. Setting up the nursery, maybe buying that king-sized bed for co-sleeping, stocking up on diapers, and spending hours searching for the safest car seat. But what about prepping for postpartum recovery?
One major thing that some of us completely forget about in the midst of all the planning is preparing to care for our postpartum selves.
I know I was personally caught off guard in some aspects, but next time, you bet I’ll have these must-haves on hand to help me along the way.
Earth Mama
I was so grateful that my thoughtful hubby gave me this Earth Mama set on Mother’s Day a month before I was due.
They are made of natural ingredients and they really work! I used the Nipple Balm (and coconut oil) religiously during those tough first couple of weeks of breastfeeding. It smelled like Nutella to me.
FYI: I do have to note that they recently changed the look and the ingredients in some of their products, including the nipple balm (beeswax) on their site. The original vegan-friendly balm can sometimes be found at Buy Buy Baby or Toys R’Us.
Depends/Adult Diapers
Yes, mamas, you know what I’m talking about. Didn’t think you’d have to ever purchase adult diapers huh?
The hospital usually provides a few netted pairs of underwear to go along with the bulky pads they give you but I felt like they didn’t stay put.
I chose to follow the advice of other mamas and test adult diapers out. The Depends felt more comfortable and I felt supported by them.
They were also perfect for using the homemade padsicles I had waiting for me when I got home from the hospital.
DIY Padsicles
Speaking of padsicles, this is the recipe I followed to make my own soothing and healing pads. Great for helping with postpartum tears and inflammation.
All you need is:
- Around 2 cups of Witch Hazel – to help with swelling
- ½ cup Aloe Vera Gel- for healing properties
- 20 drops of Lavender Oil- soothing and promotes circulation
- 15-25 Cloth pads or washcloths
- Foil
Directions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Use a spoon to apply the mixture (about 1-2 tbsps) to the center of the pad (if using washcloths fold into thirds to replicate the size of a pad then apply the mixture to the middle).
- Wrap the pads in aluminum foil and place them in the freezer.
- When ready to use just take the pad out of the freezer and let it sit for a bit before use.
Snacks and that Big Ol’ Hospital Jug
You’re home from the hospital and it is go time. A little baby depends on you now. As a breastfeeding mama, I had no idea how much time I was going to spend sitting on the couch breastfeeding.
Along with the swollen legs from the fluids I was given from hemorrhaging, the painful feeding sessions, and the whole insides falling out part, I was not in the mood to make full-blown meals.
Definitely couldn’t ask for meals from family because they weren’t sure of what I could and couldn’t eat so I didn’t bother, and bless my husband but cooking is not his thing unless I wanted pb & j 24/7.
I was luckily able to prep easy nutritious snacks like these protein bites and had smoothies as nutritious snacks to keep me from going hungry.
I also LOVED the huge hospital jug I was given and made sure I took that baby with me and made sure it was always filled. So important to stay hydrated, especially when nursing.
Read this article for more helpful information about postpartum care and support. don’t hesitate to look through all the other awesome content for all stages of parenthood!
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