Many women wait with great anticipation for the day that she learns she is pregnant with her first child. For others, it may come as a surprise and still for others such as the seasoned momma, the news of a baby on the way may come with some very normal anxiety as she plans to meet the needs of another into her busy schedule. No matter the situation these postpartum care tips will help make the first several weeks with a newborn a bit more comfortable for you mama.
1. Nipple Cream. If you are planning to breastfeed, having nipple cream on hand is a good idea. You can easily make your own by combining equal parts of coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter and store in a small vial or tupperware container. If you are not apt to making your own products, you can purchase a nipple cream online or at a Baby Store – make sure you chose one that is safe for baby to ingest such as a high quality lanolin-based cream.
2. Soothing Postpartum Pads. Witch hazel works wonders on swollen body parts (think perineum and hemorrhoids). Make your own with 3 ingredients. It’s a good idea to prepare 20 or so ahead of time and freeze in a gallon ziplock bag marked “for momma only” (don’t want anyone trying to eat these after all 🙂 To make these you will need:
Jumbo/large overnight maxi pads of your choice
1/4 cup witch hazel
3-4 drops of organic lavender essential oil (optional)
1 tbsp pure aloe vera gel
Plastic Wrap/Ziplock bag
Combine witch hazel, lavender oil and aloe vera gel and mix thoroughly, transfer to a small spray bottle. Unfold each maxi pad and spray several times until pad is dampened but not drenched. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in ziplock bag, repeat until bag is full.
3. Food! Prepare by having healthy and quick snacks on hand such as nuts, trail mix, raisins, popcorn, cut up fruit and veggies, yogurt, and granola on hand. It is also important to set up a Meal Registry at meal baby or Take them a Meal
4. Soak it all in! Remember to take this time to relax. One easy way to relax, is to take a soothing soak in a bath – adding a cup of epsom salts or even regular ionized table salt will do wonders to heal sore and swollen muscles that need some attention after all the hard work during birth.
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