Postpartum Essentials- Advice from New Mama's

In the past and other cultures, wisdom was often passed from person to person via word of mouth.  When a woman gave birth, her mother and grandmother were (and again, in some places, still are) charged with helping the new mother recover from the ordeal of childbirth and return to mom the strength and vitality that brings a new person into the world can oftentimes drain.

You’ve heard us rant before about the lack of support women get throughout their fourth trimester.  You arrive at the hospital, bring a whole new tiny person into the world, and no one checks up on you for six weeks after the fact.  In the meantime, you might have stitches (true of both vaginal or c-section births), are bleeding, cramping, exhausted, drained, and still need to care for the beautiful baby that has arrived in your life.

The phrase “it takes a village” couldn’t be more true.  However, that village comes in all different shapes and sizes.  Women aren’t always surrounded by a system of support.  However, modern technology does have its perks.  While a new mom might be blindsided by MANY unexpected postpartum, surprises, help is oftentimes only a text message or google search away.  For those of you relying on the world wide web, we’ve asked a handful of our phenomenal new mama patients to share some of their MUST-HAVE post-partum products with us.  May this list offer you comfort and support when it’s needed.

From Allie and beautiful baby boy, Bo:

1. Silverette Cups - Click here

            These cups are amazing! If you choose to breastfeed, these are essential. They use the natural healing properties of silver to protect you from cracks, soreness, and infections. Trust me, your nipples will thank you!

2. Solly Baby Wrap - Click here

            We absolutely loved babywearing with our Solly Wrap from day one. It allows you to keep the baby close so you can eat, tend to other children, or use both hands for whatever you need. The contact naps are a huge plus and it was instantly calming for both myself and our baby.

3. Encapsulated placenta

            If you're local to Northern Colorado, NoCo Placenta Services -  Click here - is wonderful. She picks up your placenta from wherever you choose to give birth and drops off your capsules within just a day or two. I had such a positive postpartum experience and attribute a lot of it to encapsulating my placenta. Many women experience higher energy, good moods, less hormonal crash, and a strong milk supply. It was a priceless feeling so good after such a huge change in my life.

From Brielle and her beautiful baby boy, Weston

1. Earth Mama Perineal Spray - (Click here)

            Very helpful for healing and has an upside-down sprayer, yay!

2. Brest Friend Breastfeeding Pillow (Click here)

            This is a great breastfeeding pillow, I wish I knew about it before I bought my Boppy. It gives you lumbar support and has a strap that goes around your waist. I found out about this one from my lactation consultant!

3. Nuroo and Love to Dream Swaddles (Click here) 

            Trust me, I tried like 15 different swaddles and these two were our favorite. The   Nuroo was amazing until our baby started rolling, the fabric is breathable, it grows with your baby, and is a foolproof arms down swaddle. The love to dream was great for daycare (most daycares aren't allowed to swaddle unless you have a doctor's note) and they also make a transition swaddle with arms that zip off for when the baby starts rolling and needs to transition out of the swaddle!

From Natalia and beautiful baby girl, Gwen 

1. SNACKS: Boobie Bar (Click here )

            I quickly got hooked on the Boobie Bar. I honestly don’t know if they helped with my milk production but the turmeric had me coming back for more. But if they were helping my production (even in a small way) it made them feel like a win-win. 

2.  Metal water bottle (Click here )

            I was constantly thirsty and wanted my water as close to liquid ice as possible. I   got an Iron Flask and it’s one of my best spent $25 on Amazon. It keeps water cold all night, which is great when you are up all night!

3. Bamboo jammies for mom and babe (Click here )

            Bamboo is so soft it feels cool to the touch. It helps your little one regulate their body temperature too (cool in summer, warm in winter). It’s also great if your little one struggles with eczema. As a first-time mom, I stressed about a lot of things, and how warm our nursery was in the summer/early fall was a big stressor. That is until I found bamboo. Little Sleepies is one of my favorite brands. The designs are super cute and your little one won’t outgrow them in 3 months like typically newborn clothes. My little one has been in the same size PJs since January 2020 (now August 20). I sleep better knowing she isn’t getting sweaty hot anymore.            Little Sleepies also have fold-over cuff feet and hands. Join their FB group and get 15% off every purchase. Kyte Baby is another favorite bamboo brand. I buy all my sleep sacks from them. They make a variety of warmth level (tog) sleep sacks. Their website gives you a breakdown of which tog is best for different temperature ranges. Both brands make matching mommy PJs to go with your little one as well!  

From Dr. Meghan and beautiful baby boy, Sutter

1. Frida Mom Peri Bottle (Click here )

            Non-negotiable must-have for any woman after a vaginal birth, even if she didn’t need stitches!  Everything down there is swollen and uncomfortable and if you did tear chances are going pee is extra uncomfortable.  The bottle they give you at the hospital is awkward and uncomfortable, but this one is genius. Fill with warm water, pull the sprayer up, and spray to soothe.  They make a handful of other products to go along with this, but if you only buy one…

2. The Haakaa Silicone Hand-Pump (Click here)

            I like this “pump” right away for its simplicity.  As you nurse baby, you might notice some leaking from the other side.  I started getting so soggy it felt wasteful!  But attach this little baby and catch all that goodness instead of letting it soak your nursing bra or pillow!  But I have to say, as cool as that is, this little guy REALLY SHINES when you have a clogged duct. Clogged ducts are pretty damn miserable and if it happens to you trust me, you want this guy.  Instructions on how to use it, for this reason, are here: https://milkbarbreastpumps.com.au/blogs/news/clear-a-blocked-duct-with-your-haakaa-epsom-salts

3. Boba wear-a-baby wrap (Click here)

            While I admit it’s a little bit tricky to figure out how to wrap, I 100% believe it’s totally worth it.  I got this thing second-hand from my sister-in-law and it is amazing.  It feels super secure, I use it every time we grocery shop.  Baby just falls immediately into a happy, happy slumber.  Recently we’re going through a bout of cluster feeding (to all the moms who’ve experienced this, you are incredible), and this wrap has saved me multiple nights.  When he just WON’T settle I’ve strapped him in and paced all around the house and yard… little dude was snoozin’ in no time!