Can you believe it! Your baby is almost here! All the work you have done to prepare for your baby until this point has been all about them, but now it’s time to think about you. I remember being where you are today and not knowing what happens after delivery? What do I need for my postpartum recovery? So I created this for you in mind.

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How do I take care of my postpartum body?

Your body needs to heal after giving birth and the best way to heal it is by eating a balanced diet.  Fuel your body by giving it nutrient-dense food that has protein, starches, vegetables, and fruits. Don’t forget to drink water! I fill up a water bottle that helps me keep myself hydrated.

What should I buy for postpartum care?

After birth, your body is under construction, literally. Here are some products that can help you in this stage.  P.s. you might want to buy these items ahead of time so you won’t go scrambling out of the house like a headless chicken once the baby is here or even worse sending your spouse to get the wrong product.

Stool softener

After delivering the baby you will get constipated and Colace is there to the rescue!  

Pads

You will have discharge for the next few weeks after having the baby and will need pads. Honey Pot makes some amazing herbal-infused postpartum pads for your lady bits. Don’t worry there are a lot more options out there like Frida postpartum pads or just plain super-absorbent maxi pads. P.s. don’t overstock on this product because you might not need them for long.

Perineal pads

These perineal pads are a must literally right after having the baby. The cold helps reduce the pain and swelling which feels oh so good!  The hospital does give you a few but I quickly ran out of them and had to buy more.

Peri Bottle for Soothing Postpartum Care

A peri bottle is used to clean the perineal area after childbirth.  I did not know such a bottle existed. This peri bottle features an angled nozzle that can be extended or shortened and can be held upside down which is amazing for new moms that are uncomfortable or healing from childbirth.  The hospital will give you one but is not as mama-friendly as this bottle.

Motherlove Sitz Bath Spray

The Motherlove sitz bath spray is an added bonus.  It contains witch hazel, yarrow herb, and uva ursi leaf which are helpful with pain and swelling.   There is a cooling effect when applied and it feels amazing. 

Dermoplast Pain & Itch Spray

The Dermoplast spray immediately relieves the pain on contact.  This spray contains a topical analgesic Benzocaine and menthol.   I loved this product and recommend it to all first-time moms. 

Nipple Cream

Nipple creams or balms help relieve cracked and sore nipples by moisturizing.  These creams are safe to be consumed and can be repurposed as salves to put on your lips, hands, elbows, or even a baby rash.  My two favorite creams are motherlove nipple cream and Boobease 100% organic nipple balm. 

Breast nursing therapy packs

Earth Mama booby tubes or Lansinoh Therapearl 3-IN-1 Breast Therapy are great products to use.  When warmed in the microwave it can help with milk let down, relieve clogged milk ducts and mastitis, and encourage milk flow.  When kept in the refrigerator the cold helps with pain and swelling from engorgement. Another alternative can be to wet a small towel and place it in warm water or place the soaked towel in the refrigerator.  For more breastfeeding tips click HERE.

Support wrap

I was so uncomfortable after childbirth that I honestly didn’t use a support wrap right away.  But as soon as I put that baby on it made such a big difference. It helped with my pelvic pain and felt supported by the wrap.   

How long should you wait to go out after having a baby?

That decision is totally up to you and what your pediatrician recommends.  Newborns have an immature immune system so make sure to stay away from crowded places and of course, people that are ill.  Appropriately dress your baby for your outing and try not to overdress or underdress your baby.  

I personally avoided taking my son to public places until he was 6 months old, but even though I waited that long my baby still got sick.  It was the weekend before Christmas and I decided to go shopping at the mall for last-minute gifts. While we were there for an hour he contracted bronchiolitis.  We spent Christmas Eve at the emergency room and Christmas day at home. Lesson learned! Therefore make the best decision for your family.

What can you not eat after giving birth?

You can eat anything after having a baby, but if you are wanting to breastfeed there are some things you should consider first.  Some babies may be sensitive to certain foods in which you might want to remove from your diet.

For example, if I ate beans, broccoli, or brussel sprouts and I nursed my son afterward he would get really bad colic.  Therefore I avoided eating these types of foods close to nursing time or pumped and dumped my milk after I ate. Here is a great article from Kellymom which gives nursing moms good information.

How long does it take for your postpartum belly to go away?

First of all, women are beautifully made in different shapes and sizes so everyone is going to have a unique postpartum body and experience.  Some factors to consider are the amount of weight you gained while pregnant, breastfeeding or not, diet and exercise.

For instance, I gained 70 pounds while pregnant and it took me a year to lose most of the weight. I did that by consistently eating well and doing minimal exercise.  However, after a year I still had a pooch and I was jiggly everywhere.

I knew how to tone my arms and legs but my stomach was something I always struggled with, which led me to discover Dr. Kelly’s absafterbabies.  In her program, she teaches you how to rebuild your core in detail one step at a time.   I learned so much and was able to see results on my body. 

My weight loss didn’t happen overnight and I’m continuously working on myself.   I have to be intentional each and every day to eat well and make time to exercise.  Women’s bodies are amazing but remember to acknowledge you created a human with your body and it will take time for your body to be what you want it to be.