The postpartum period is one of those times you can never prepare for as well as you'd wish in hindsight. Sadly, it's still treated as such a side issue in our society that hardly anyone talks about it. There may be no other time when so much changes as in the weeks after birth. It almost feels as if the world has switched to fast-forward. Your baby grows and learns every day, and the two of you find your groove in your new life together.
You go through all kinds of phases too, changing as fast as a wingbeat: your emotions, how you feel physically, the mental highs and lows… and all of it again every day.
In this turbulent time, any help is welcome. We firmly believe that small things can sometimes make a big difference, so we've put together a list of postpartum essentials that we find truly valuable and wouldn't want to be without.
1. The baby hammock during the postpartum period
Your baby can nap in a baby hammock from the very first day. We recommend starting right after birth, because the sooner you begin, the more you can make of this time with your little one. Your baby feels sheltered and secure in the baby hammock, because it is just as snug and familiar as your belly. The gentle bouncing motion soothes your baby, so they can get used to the world much more easily at their own pace. Just keep in mind that the baby hammock is for supervised daytime naps only and does not replace your baby's own bed.
Experienced experts agree. Leatita, an experienced midwife and osteopath, confirms the calming effect the baby hammock has on babies and its helpful role in their daytime naps. Find out more here. When your baby settles quickly, you gain precious time to sleep yourself or recover in other ways. Either way, the stress level for you and your baby drops considerably.
2. A belly band after birth: does it make sense?
Opinions are divided on whether a belly band is useful in the postpartum period. Of course, you're the best judge of what feels good for you, but we can only report good experiences with it. A belly band helps take pressure off your back and pelvis after the birth. It may even improve your physical well-being and support your recovery from day one.
3. Breathable postpartum pads and cotton underwear
Maybe you've never thought about it, and maybe you usually use tampons, but the postpartum period is a little different. Regular everyday pads often have a plastic coating and aren't breathable. If you have any birth injuries, that can actually work against healing. To help everything heal well and keep moist warmth from building up, we recommend postpartum pads made of organic cotton. Cotton underwear also does a lot for your comfort. It feels good, doesn't pinch, lets air circulate and simply makes you feel better. We promise.
4. An intimate wash and a peri bottle
Especially in the early days, your body will be busy with lochia, the postpartum bleeding. It can be very heavy, so you may need to change your pad several times a day. Careful hygiene goes without saying, and a gentle intimate wash helps you with that. It feels soothing and supports the healthy, beneficial bacteria in your intimate area. If you'd like to treat yourself, you can also see whether a peri bottle (a small bottle for rinsing your intimate area) is something for you. With one, you can even decide for yourself whether to add essences with a soothing effect.
5. The right diapers are worth their weight in gold
Of course your baby needs diapers, and you might be wondering why we even mention something so obvious. We bring it up because it really pays to buy diapers before the birth. A little planning ahead helps enormously.
From experience, we recommend keeping a small supply in newborn size at home. If you want to treat your baby to something really good, look for diapers that are wonderfully soft and eco-friendly. Your baby's bottom will be in seventh heaven.
6. The right snacks help in the postpartum period
We've covered this elsewhere already, but eating well really matters in the postpartum period. Aim for a balanced diet, especially if you're not the one cooking. Light, nourishing snacks build you up and give you energy. Some mothers lose a lot of blood during birth and struggle with iron deficiency afterward. You may notice it as tiredness, headaches or circulation problems. Drink plenty and eat iron-rich foods like oats, pumpkin seeds, zucchini, broccoli or fennel. Red juices are effective sources of iron, and some even come with added iron.
Stock up on nuts, chocolate, raw veggies and fruit. A bad mood from not eating enough is the last thing you need. Breastfeeding and recovery make you hungry!
7. Whatever does you good.
... and you're the one who knows best what that is. Would you like a loved one around you? Your mother, your best friend, your partner, your sister, your older child? Would you like to read or watch movies? Put your phone aside when you can. It distracts you enough as it is.
Listen to yourself and your gut feeling. (Your belly is even bigger than usual right now, so understanding your gut shouldn't be hard ;-))
Enjoy this time and don't let anyone drive you crazy. The only thing that matters is what you need, and you're the one who decides.
When you want to give yourself precious moments of rest, a baby hammock can be a wonderful help. The gentle rocking helps your baby sleep soundly during daytime naps, and you find the calm and recovery you need. Take a look at all the benefits of the Lottili baby hammock.
Talking about the postpartum period and bringing it much more into public awareness is something close to our hearts. The time after birth is important and beautiful. It strengthens the bond with our children and makes us stronger people.
Each of us experiences this time differently, and of course there are 1000 things that can matter to each person. Still, we hope we've helped you feel a little better prepared for the time after birth.
If this topic interests you, feel free to stop by our blog now and then. We write about the postpartum period and all the other questions around birth. See you soon!
