Natural Post Partum Care

The finish line is in sight. Sweet relief is anticipated.

Unfortunately, after carrying a baby for nine months and enduring a ridiculous assortment of pregnancy symptoms, your body doesn’t immediately feel, well… human.

It’s to be expected, you just pulled off a miracle and survived!

If you’re like me, you’re interested in doing things as naturally as possible, and that extends to have you handle the post partum period. These products are my favorite ways to survive and thrive in those first few weeks after birth.

(Be sure to scroll down and enter our awesome giveaway for some GORGEOUS nursing lingerie!)

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Please note that I am not a medical professional and am only sharing my personal experience. Please use common sense and ask you practitioner what products are right for you and your baby.

 

For the “Bottom”…

 

Motherlove Sitz Bath Spray: This spray is heavenly for a sore tushy. It’s full of ingredients that promote healing and bring fast relief to any discomfort. I’ve used it for all three pregnancy and would just hate to do without this pamper, because trust me, you’ll need it!

Cloth Menstrual Pads for Heavy Flow: I’ll admit, I hadn’t switched to natural menstrual care until after my second son was born. Now that I’ve made the change, I’m NEVER going back! I’m really looking forward to using these as they are FAR more comfortable. (Adhesive and plastic be gone!) Be sure to get some that can handle a HEAVY flow.

 

Sitz Baths This is a pretty weird contraption, I’ll admit. It’s basically a mini bathtub for your bottom that sits in the top of a toilet. It’s something you’re going to want to take the time to do multiple times a day post birth. Not only does it feel good, but the warm water (that comes through the bag) promotes a speedy healing. Keep the water chilly if you’re still swollen down there. Add a drop or two of lavender essential oil and Epsom salt to really bring relief!

 

Perineal Irrigation Bottle After birth, you do NOT want to be using toilet paper. Trust me. But you still need to get clean down there, so these squeezable water bottles do the trick nicely! Again, warm for healing, cold to reduce swelling.

Alcohol-free Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera  I don’t know what it is about witch hazel, but it is so soothing and really helps reduce swelling. Soak some pads or wash cloths in witch hazel, freeze, then apply to a soar bottom. Also good for hemorrhoids and other not so pleasant things that happen to mamas post birth.

 

Arnica Montana 200CK is a homeopathic remedy that alleviates muscle soreness and bruising. All good qualities to have in post partum pain reliever. I didn’t hear about Arnica until this pregnancy but I’ve been using it to help with my pelvic pain from hip issues and have seen a difference. I’m excited to try it post partum as well.

 

For the “Top”…

Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads  I hate to break it to you, but your bottom is probably not the only thing that will be sore in the weeks after giving birth. Despite having nursed both my boys to around the two year mark, I still find the first weeks of breast feeding to be rough and painful. Everything that touched my nipples felt like sandpaper. So besides remaining shirtless, this gel pads were the only thing I could tolerate. You can even stick them in the freezer for some extra relief.

 

My Best Friend Nursing Pillow When ever a new pregnant mom asks what she should regester for, I ALWAYS suggest this nursing pillow. It runs circles around it competitors. Three main reasons. 1) It clips shut, giving you extra security, support and an extra hand that trust me, you’ll need! 2) It has back support. In the beginning, nursing sessions feel never ending and you’re muscles will need all the help they can get to keep good posture and ward off a killer back ache. 3) The pillow part is wider, flat and firm. There’s just more room for the baby and they’re kept in good posture too!

Nursing Nightgown No longer does your job end during daylight hours. As a nursing mom, you’re on call and you WILL be summoned multiple times a night. Having a nursing accessible pajama set is a must! And why not make it flirty and feminine!?!

Supportive Nursing Bras If you thought your belly changed shape rapidly, your post partum breast will shock you! It the first couple weeks, you’ll want to avoid anything constricting. A seamless bra is probably your best option. (Check out these!) But after your breast have settled down and your milk supply has regulated, I much prefer a more structured option. I am LOVING all the gorgeous options over at Cake Maternity. They have a huge selection even in my impossible size! The customer service over there is very knowledgeable and can help you find just the right bra for your needs.