Postpartum Support: 6 Tips For New Mothers
The postpartum recovery period is a time of great change, both physically and emotionally. Read on to explore some tips that could support you on your journey, plus helpful postpartum support resources available in San Diego County.
Having a baby is an amazing and life-changing event. For many new mothers, a wide range of unexpected challenges and changes occur.
“You are going to feel like an empty shell for a while and within that space there is going to come up a lot of emotions,” shares mother and postpartum mentor, Niki Wildflower.
Within this period of transition, Wildflower shares the importance of remembering that no matter how great the challenge is, you will always find your way back to you.
Postpartum Support Tips
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are some things that can help make the transition a little easier. Here are some easy to implement tips to support you on your journey to motherhood:
Meal Support
Postpartum recovery can take about 6-8 weeks. During this period, a meal support system can help lighten the load of responsibilities as you give your body time to heal and rest. Here are some options that may support you:
- Plan a community meal train: This is where friends, family or your community can sign up to bring you ready-made meals.
- Prep and freeze meals before the baby arrives: This will give you some quick and easy meal options to have on hand for those first few weeks.
- Have meals delivered to your door: This is a great option if you want healthy and ready-made meals without having to do any of the work. Local meal delivery service Luna Nourish features nutrient-dense meals specifically designed for postpartum women.
DIY Self-Care Celebration Basket
“You are equally as important. Remember to take care of yourself,” Wildflower shares. It can be “the little things that remind you that you are equally as important,” she adds.
Creating a self-care celebration basket for yourself before the baby arrives can be one way to keep this reminder alive.
Things to add into your basket:
- Yummy & nourishing snacks (Boobie Superfoods bars are packed with healthful ingredients to aid in lactation)
- Hemorrhoid cream
- Body oil
- Teas
- Your favorite smells
- Belly binds
- Affirmation cards (I exist, I am important…. )
- Boundary cards to support you in communicating boundaries.
- A coupon or gift card to your favorite healing modality (i.e massage, acupuncture, craniosacral etc.)
padsicles
Short for pad and Popsicle, this frozen pad can help soothe the soreness and swelling that can come after birth. Adding supportive pants like lavender, calendula, aloe vera, yarrow, and witch hazel can also help reduce discomfort and aid in the healing process. Follow these instructions to learn how to make your own.
yoni steams
One way to soothe and heal the vaginal tissue post childbirth, Yoni Steams have been used for centuries as a way to support new mamas in their healing process. Either done at home or with a practitioner, this practice can help with postpartum hemorrhoids, vaginal swelling, and the release of oxytocin.
Here are some recommended herbs to try in a yoni steam:
- Basil (cleansing)
- Rosemary (antibacterial and antimicrobial)
- Oregano (antiseptic)
- Calendula (anti-inflammatory)
- Motherwort (cleansing, pain-relieving)
- Mugwort (all purpose)
- Lavender (antimicrobial)
- Marigolds (anti-inflammatory)
- Thyme (antibacterial and antimicrobial)
Yoni egg practice
A yoni egg practice can help aid in the energetic clearing of childbirth-related trauma and support the vaginal muscles post childbirth. It is important to wait 6-8 weeks and check in with your healthcare provider before starting.
Once your vagina has gone through the initial healing process of postpartum, you can start with a beginner egg made of a smooth material like jade, quartz or rose quartz.
Herbal sitz bath
An herbal sitz bath is a shallow bath intended to soak just your bottom. Made by adding herbs, Epsom salt, and water to a tub, it can help with swelling, bruising and perineal tearing.
Some herbs you can add to support your recovery include:
- Calendula flowers
- Comfrey leaves
- Lavender flowers
- Plantain leaves
- Rosemary leaves
- Sage leaves
- Uva Ursi leaves
- Yarrow flowers
- Garlic
Postpartum Support In San Diego
Mama Wildflower
A mother and postpartum mentor, Niki Wildflower uses synergistic practices of Ayurveda, TCM, Yoga and sexual embodiment work as a way to support mothers during their pregnancy and postpartum journey.
Joyful Roots
Offering birth and postpartum support, Joyous roots also has placenta encapsulation, lactation support and their signature birth story medicine® offering as part of their services.
Night & Day
Offering postpartum support through companionship and education, Night & Day assist with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and more.
Tourmaline Collective
A birth and wellness collective, Tourmaline Collective offers midwifery and wellness services as well as resources, classes and events for mothers.
Luna Nourish
With an emphasis on prenatal and postnatal wellness, Luna Nourish Luna Nourish provides fully prepared, naturally sourced meals conveniently delivered to your doorstep.
Boobie Superfood
Offering a variety of healthy snacks and vitamins to support pregnant woman and already mothers on their journey.
Recovery Takes Time
There is no one right way to recover from childbirth. However, implementing some or all of these tips can help support you on your journey to motherhood. Creating a foundation of self-care and care from your community can help make this transition a little bit easier.
Remember to go at your own pace, listen to your body and trust the process.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified healthcare provider.
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