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.
You likely won’t need everything on this list, but these are the things I’ve found to be helpful after having my babies. And I’ve given them as gifts to friends and family after their own little bundles of joy arrived!
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!
Here’s my recipe for an after-birth herbal sitz bath using soothing herbs and Epsom salt. Another option are these healing bath fizzies.
However, if even thinking about DIYs right now is too overwhelming, check out some good store-bought ideas below.
Sitz baths can also serve as a wonderful form of self-care, which is so needed for tired mamas.
