Post Birth Care: top 10 tips

The first few days following birth are monumental. The hormonal, physical and emotional shift that a woman’s body endures is both special and exhausting. I've gathered here a list of 10 suggestions to help aid mums in that precious time. Tips #3, #6 and #10 were especially important in my postnatal transition with Owen!

1. Maternity/ incontinence undies

for postnatal bleeding

Large, stretchy, and comfortable incontinence or maternity pants are perfect for the first few days of heavy bleeding. Also handy for tip #2!

2. Frozen pads

for perineal soothing

Fill a normal maternity pad with water and pop it in the freezer. You can add soothing blends of aloe vera and essential oils for added effect (jump on pinterest for easy suggestions). Personally, my midwife gifted me a spray of DoTERRA EO’s: Botanical Yarrow + Pom blend, Salubelle blend, Helichrysum oil, Lavender oil, Frankincense oil, and Geranium oil. I sprayed this blend over the pad before freezing. Note: Frozen pads have the best effect for about 5-10 minutes. Try icing multiple times a day for best effects.

3. Perineal Wash

for perineal soothing

This is an absolute essential for vaginal births! Get yourself a squeezy sauce bottle. Add lukewarm water and pink Himalayan rock salt. Whilst/after eliminating, squeeze the water over your perineal area, and pat dry with toilet paper. This acts as a diluent for the often acidic quality of urine which stings against soft tissue damage. The salt also helps to heal any soft tissue injuries, and keeps the area clean. Do this consistently for the first 10 days post birth - you’ll thank me later!

4. Cold cabbage leaves

for milk coming in

Cold, organic cabbage leaves work all kinds of wonders on engorged breasts during the ‘milk coming in’ days. Some components of cabbage seem to alleviate the feeling of pressure and temporarily soothe the blood vessels within the breasts. Simply separate the leaves from the cabbage head and pop them in the fridge or freezer. Use as often as you please! The shape of the leaves is especially comfortable for heavier chested women.

5. Frozen nappies

for milk coming in

Frozen nappies can also work to help alleviate engorgement in breasts. Nappies have a one up over cabbage as they stay cold longer once applied to the breast. However it can be expensive to use nappies in this way. Like the frozen maternity pads you can simply fill the nappy with water and place in the freezer.

6. HEAPS of old towels

for milk coming in

I had NO idea that I would be dripping like a literal tap with breastmilk around day 4, when my milk came in. Do yourself a favour and have heaps of towels on standby. You will need them (let me assure you) in the bed, on the couch and any chairs you regularly sit in.

7. Comfy button up pyjamas

for breastfeeding

Old button up pyjamas (softer the better on sensitive breasts) are great for breastfeeding in any position. Especially so if you are co sleeping, as they work well to keep you warm as your bed covers will only be up to your waist or so.

8. Toilet Step

for bowel motions

Elevating your feet to mimic a squatting position relaxes the muscles of your pelvic floor. This is great for those first bowel motions post birth.

9. Water bottles

for nourishment

Keep multiple water bottles around your space. When someone asks if they can help make sure to answer with a water bottle refill. Hydration is key to muscle repair, energy restoration, and breastmilk production.

10. Healthy, accessible snacks

for nourishment

Keeping well fed is SO important but easy to miss. As a mum you'll be juggling a new baby, potentially other children, a recovering body, milk coming in, lack of sleep etc. Quick on the go snacks can be brought to you easily by friends and family so don't hesitate to ask them! Lactation cookies, veggies and hummus, greek yoghurt, chia pudding, cheese and rice crackers…. Whatever it is that you enjoy.

All the very best with your newborn, Mumma.

You've so got this.

J.M. x