Hey there, fellow moms (and maybe a few dads who are along for the ride)! Today, let’s have a heart-to-heart about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: postpartum recovery. Yep, that often-neglected phase of motherhood where you’re not just bouncing back but bouncing back while juggling a tiny human and all the joys and challenges that come with it.
First off, let’s just acknowledge the elephant in the room: postpartum recovery is no walk in the park. Your body has been through the wringer, and it’s going to take some time to heal and feel like yourself again. But from mom-to-mom: it doesn’t have to suck nearly as much as people make it out to be.
So why is postpartum recovery so important? Well, aside from the obvious reasons (like, you know, healing your body after pushing out a tiny human), it’s also crucial for your mental and emotional well-being. Taking care of yourself isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so it’s essential to prioritize self-care and recovery and give yourself the grace and kindness you deserve.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: easier said than done, right? And you’re absolutely right. Finding the time and energy to prioritize yourself in the midst of all the chaos can feel like an uphill battle. As a first time mom I had no idea all the things I would need for recovery let alone how to steal a few moments for myself while baby takes a nap.
That’s why my FAVORITE gift from my first pregnancy was a postpartum recover kit. My friend, who had just had a baby herself, sent me all the things needed to make recovery as quick, easy, and painless as possible. It’s now become my go-to gift for any mamas.
There’s A LOT you can add into a recovery kit. I start with a Parker Baby Co Diaper Caddy to put everything in because they can be used for SO many purposes especially when baby grows out of diapers or if you have multiple kiddos. Below are the best things I’ve included in kits in the past for you to pick and choose from!
Delivery
- Hospital Gown (that doesn’t suck): soft material with buttons in the back for easy epidural access, buttons in the front for baby heart monitoring and breastfeeding
- Labor Comb: sounds weird but when you squeeze the comb in your hand it helps distract the brain from the pain of contractions. Awesome gift for a mom planning a non-medicated birth!
- Raspberry Leaf Tea: helps ease cramps and support’s the woman’s womb for childbirth and pregnancy
- Electrolytes: so important especially if mom will be breastfeeding to stay hydrated through the recovery process
Post Partum Recovery
- Tucks Hemorrhoid’s Wipes: Unglamorous but definitely needed
- Earth Mama Sitz Bath and Perineum Care: The best 3-pack of items needed to recover down there
- Upside Down Peri-Bottle: also unglamorous but needed to stay clean down there
- Perineum Ice Pack: most moms make their own but why would you when you can buy these handy re-freezable ones?
- “Post Partum” Underware: aka Diapers are a lot more comfortable than a giant pad and can provide extra support to your stomach while recovering
- Recovery Belly Band: essential to help with stomach recovery and keeping everything inside supported from the outside.
Breastfeeding Essentials
- Hot/Cold Breast Therapy Packs: If mama intends on breastfeeding then these are a must! They help with any pain or soreness that mom might experience.
- Nipple Balm: for when everything get’s sore and chapped this is a life saver!
- Nursing Bras: I preferred comfort and support over look or structure. I couldn’t stand nursing bras with a lot of permanent padding and shape
- Nursing Pads: those tata’s will be leaking so make sure you have some of these on hand to prevent from smelling like soured milk (as much as that’s possible)
Self Care for Mom
- Beautycounter Sugar Scrub: my favorite before and after birth, especially to scrub away all the dead skin on my belly and keep it hydrated
- Beautycounter Body Oil: smells so good and isn’t greasy this is the perfect follow up to keeping mama’s skin hydrated
- Firming Body Lotion: helps skin to re-firm itself after stretching to grow a human for 9 months
- Dermaclara Stretch Mark Pads: if you do get stretch marks these are very helpful to start erasing them. The company also sells wrinkle pads for your face that are incredible when you can’t botox because of pregnancy/breastfeeding.
For Baby
- Magnetic Me Onsie: the easiest onsies to dress baby with. The magnetic closure is a lifesaver
- Electric Bottle Brush: because no mom wants to be cleaning bottles and breast feeding parts with a normal brush
- Copper Pearl Receiving Blanket: our favorite for bringing baby home in because they are so soft and make for that perfect Instagram picture announcing the new arrival
- Earth Mama Diaper Balm: the best diaper balm to make sure baby’s booty stays fresh in those diapers
Postpartum recovery isn’t just about physical healing—it’s also about finding your new normal and embracing the journey, bumps and all. It’s about giving yourself permission to feel all the feels, whether it’s overwhelming joy or bone-deep exhaustion. It’s about recognizing that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to motherhood and that you’re doing the best you can, one day at a time.
So, to all the mamas out there who are knee-deep in postpartum recovery: you’ve got this. Take it one day at a time, celebrate the small victories, and remember that it’s okay to not have it all figured out. And to anyone who’s ever doubted the beauty and resilience of the postpartum journey, just remember this: it may not always be easy, but it’s always worth it. Here’s to embracing the messiness, finding joy in the chaos, and discovering just how badass you really are. You’ve got this, mama.