So many people spend all their time preparing for the birth they forget to take care of themselves postpartum. That's why I've curated a list of postpartum healing essentials specifically tailored to meet the needs of expectant parents like you. My goal is to help you feel calmer, grounded, and more prepared for the transformative postpartum period.
Here is a list of must-haves for YOUR postpartum care. I also curated an Amazon list of these items to make it easier for you. You can check out my list here.
Upside Down Peri Bottle: Gentle Cleansing
An Upside Down Peri Bottle is a game-changer when it comes to postpartum healing. Designed for easy and gentle cleansing after birth, this bottle allows for targeted relief and maximum comfort. The angled nozzle provides a soothing flow of water, ensuring a clean and comfortable experience. If you’re unsure why a peri bottle is so important, check out my blog post all about using a peri bottle postpartum.
Postpartum Pads and Underwear: Comfort and Support
Regardless of if you have a vaginal or belly birth, you will bleed for several weeks postpartum. I recommend getting heavy cotton postpartum pads or wearing postpartum diapers. Disposable Postpartum Underwear can be helpful in the first week because they offer both comfort and convenience. If you give birth at the hospital, I recommend snagging a handful of mesh postpartum underwear. It’s not restricting, and easy to fit the pad in.
Tucks Pads with Witch Hazel
Tucks Pads help reduce swelling in the perineum and can also relieve hemorrhoid pain. They are a terrific way to accelerate healing and provide relief in a sensitive area. You could leave them in the fridge before applying for some cool relief.
Organic Herbal Sitz Bath: Soothing Relief
Sitz baths are a natural herbal soak that helps reduce inflammation, relieve discomfort, and promote healing in your delicate perineum.
Natural Cramping Relief
Cramping is normal postpartum as your uterus is contracting back to its normal size and healing a placenta-sized wound on its wall. Having Arnica 200 or AfterEase helps with sore muscles and cramping. They are homeopathic and completely safe to use while nursing.
Nursing Pads: Leak Protection
Nursing Pads are essential. I recommend these reusable and super absorbent pads for excellent leak protection, keeping you dry and comfortable day and night. This will save you time from changing out nursing bras over and over.
Nipple Cream
Regardless if this is your first or fifth time nursing, your nipples will be sore when you get started. Nipple cream provides soothing relief and promotes healing for sore or cracked nipples. I like Mother Love’s Nipple cream better than the traditional Lanolin nipple cream, which just traps moisture and lacks healing properties.
Silver Nipple Covers
Silver nipple covers can replace or work in combination with nipple cream. You express a little bit of milk onto your nipple and use the cover to lock in the moisture and benefits of the breastmilk in soothing your nipples. You can chill them for some cool relief as well.
Magnesium Citrate
A lot of people are nervous about their first postpartum poop. Your pelvic floor is very tender postpartum and it can be painful if you are experiencing a firm stool. Magnesium citrate can help relax your muscles as well as soften your stool. I recommend CALM. More details on how to combat constipation and use CALM in this post.
Belly Bind
Additionally, one postpartum healing practice that you may find beneficial is belly binding. Belly binding involves wrapping a soft, supportive cloth around your abdomen to provide gentle compression and support to your abdominal muscles and organs. This practice has been used for centuries in various cultures and is believed to offer numerous benefits. Belly binding can help promote healing by providing stability to the abdominal area, helping to reduce swelling, and supporting proper posture during the postpartum period. It can also aid in shrinking the uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size and providing gentle support to the core muscles as they regain strength. Many individuals find belly binding to be comforting and comforting and find that it provides a sense of security and connection to their postpartum bodies. If you're interested in exploring belly binding further, consider adding a belly wrap or binder to your postpartum healing essentials. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider or a certified postpartum doula for guidance on proper usage and techniques.
Check out my list of essentials, all listed here.
Preparing for postpartum healing is an essential part of your journey into parenthood. By equipping yourself with these carefully selected essentials, you'll approach the postpartum period with calm and confidence. Remember, your birth experience is unique, and seeking support and guidance is perfectly normal. Surround yourself with inclusive communities, trust your instincts, and embrace the beauty of this transformative time. We wish you a peaceful and empowering postpartum journey!
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant for diagnosis or treatment. Use of this information should be done in accordance with your healthcare provider.
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Meet the Author
Clara O'Rourke (she hers),
Holistic Doula & Childbirth Educator.
I am a researcher turned total birth nerd with a passion for supporting people birth in their full power! I guide people through their pregnancy, labor, and postpartum journey by helping them overcome fear or anxiety about birth, providing evidence-based information so they can make informed decisions, and ensuring they have everything they need to birth with confidence. Birth is sacred and it should be treated that way. I am committed to providing support for birth and beyond, regardless of a person's background, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or relationship status. También ofrezco mis servicios en español. I wish you and your growing family the brightest of beginnings!