Planning, planning, planning. Seems like once you get pregnant, it is all about a plan. Well, once you have your baby, that won’t be any different. You’ll probably want to plan for a smooth recovery so as to manage physical pain, emotional ups and downs, an opinionated family, and the pressures that come with wanting to care for your baby in the best way possible.
As you gear up for the big day and beyond, here’s a list of 10 things that could help you ease into postpartum and motherhood.
1. Witch hazel contains chemicals called tannins that can help reduce swelling and fight bacteria, which in turn decreases pain, could help stop or slow down bleeding, and prevent infection. So try dabbing your sensitive areas with a medicated witch hazel cooling pad, and see if it brings any relief. Note that this is something many hospitals have readily available for new moms.
2. The Momwasher from Frida baby is a peri bottle designed to make your post-delivery healing process cleaner and easier. It’s way better than that hospital squirt bottle because of its design and convenience of use. Plus, the bottle is easy to assemble and easy to clean!
3. Earth mama angel baby nipple butter is rich in calendula, free of lanolin and not sticky. It’s really the perfect plant-based blend to moisturize your nipples and relieve any soreness that you may have at the beginning of your breastfeeding journey. Plus, you don’t need to wash it off before nursing.
4. Stool softener can help ease and relax your GI system to recovery. But before grabbing that prescription from your OBGYN, don’t forget to relax yourself. Brands such as Colace have been recommended.
5. Postpartum belly wraps aren’t about fashion; they’re about abdominal support. Many women lose their core strength post labor and delivery. But instead of waiting for months or years to recover, using a belly wrap could help the recovery and healing process. Brands such as Belly Bandit could also help with Diastasis Recti.
6. Netflix, at 3am; when no one is awake. Yes, it helps. Yes, Netflix is your answer. An unlimited subscription to watch mindless television will help you zoom through the first 4-6 weeks postpartum. If you’re feeling particularly emotional, their comedy selection is extensive.
7. Sitz baths, alongside the witch hazel and the Momwasher, have been effective in healing the sensitive pelvic area post delivery. A sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath that cleanses the perineum, which is the space between the rectum and the vulva or scrotum, and it could provide relief from pain or itching in the genital area.
8. Your village and army support (otherwise known as your friends and family) can really make a difference in your recovery. So get your scheduling going with immediate family and friends so that you’ve got things like older kid drop-off/playtime, a fridge full of cooked food, or even “me” time covered during those initial weeks so as to ensure a smooth transition for the entire family.
9. Bluetooth headphones are easy to wear, since they are cordless. They’re perfect for a conversation on-the-go, listening to a podcast or your favorite tunes. or even syncing with your TV while your baby sleeps. Grab a pair and relax.
10. Reusable water bottle can really help you stay hydrated, which is important for nursing and for your personal energy. Keep one handy so all you have to do is refill at any time.
What about you mama? Have you found something that we haven’t listed? Share your comments below!

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