3 Postpartum Tips from our “Ma” Community
What are some simple ways to make your arrival and first
month at home with new baby extra sweet?
Honestly, you don’t NEED to do any of these – you could be fine with your breasts and someone who’s done all this before to give you some guidance.
And this list of tips for postpartum is NOT another list of expensive equipment you should buy.
It’s a list of tips for postpartum from our mom community that I’m sharing because I hope it’ll make being home with baby a little easier – and enjoyable – for you.
Postpartum Tip 1: Essentials for Mom
- Easy-to-make meals – Have a rice cooker and some basmati rice for easily digested nutrients. Add lightly steamed veggies and your favorite dressing for a healthy meal in those first days.
Also, throw some green leafy veggies (ie kale), sweet fruit (banansa, dates, apples) and water into the blender for a super-energizing green smoothie breakfast.
- · 1 box of breast-pads regardless of how you are feeding
- · Homeopathic arnica tablets or cream (to heal bruising)
- · 3 nursing bras (if breastfeeding)
- · Single-handed breast-pump for occasional use or relieving engorgement (you’ll need an electric one if you’re going back to work soon)
- · The telephone number of your nearest La Leche League or Lactation Consultant
- · Nipple Cream – Lansinoh or Medela make pesticide free, lanolin-based creams
- · stay pain free: supportive pillows to place behind your back when you breastfeed; My Brest Friend or Boppy to put under baby
Postpartum Tip 2: Extra Niceties for Hard-working Mom
- Prepare your pets (some people play cd’s of babies crying to get them used to it)
- Grocery list of your favorite fruits and veggies and healthy meals to give to friends
- Fresh flowers
- Turn all ringers down or off (especially wherever you and baby are going to rest)
- A note on the front door that says “Thanks so much for visiting. Please ask mama what you can do to help – she’s exhausted and would really appreciate it!” Learn to ask for help mama!
- Have a phone list ready (pediatrician, Ayurvedic doctor for natural/holistic remedies, pharmacy, lactation consultant, therapist, etc.)
- Clocks (near where you’ll be feeding, napping, etc.)
- Changing tables in as many rooms as you like – these are really just plastic curved supports for babies that go on tables, dressers, wherever. Hide diapers, cream, and wipes in drawers and in baskets on shelves.
- Notebook/journal (for your thoughts but also to record feeding/pooping times, etc.
- Book for baby’s first year (a journal for this and a book that will tell you what to expect.
- Buy something fabulous for yourself,
have it wrapped and don’t open it until you get home with baby and have a moment to connect back to yourself… CELEBRATE all that you have just done!
Postpartum Tip 3: Join a Live Online Postpartum Yoga Class
Once you’re feeling up to it and you’ve gotten the ok to exercise from your healthcare provider, click in to an expert-taught Zoom postpartum yoga class to ground your energy, reconnect to your core and rebook your nervous system – in the comfort of your own living room.
