Planning for the fourth trimester is something that I encourage every expectant mom to make a priority. In the days and weeks leading up to your delivery, preparing a postpartum recovery kit with items that can help with everything from labor to breastfeeding will help to make the transition easier.
There are currently many great products to purchase for postpartum healing. But you don’t need to spend money or leave the house to prepare your postpartum care kit—many items can actually be found in your kitchen pantry and under your bathroom sink. Here are a few recipes for soothing your sore bits after delivery.
DIY Postpartum Recovery Kit
Padsicles
These babies are so helpful! They will be your favorite item for healing perineum bruising and soreness. They also provide relief from those annoying postpartum hemorrhoids.
Ingredients:
- Overnight maxi pads
- Witch hazel
- Lavender, tea tree, or frankincense essential oil (optional)
- Aloe vera gel
Instructions:
- Open maxi pad but leave plastic wrap on.
- Whisk together 1/4 cup of witch hazel and, if using, 4-6 drops of essential oil.
- Pour mixture onto maxi pads.
- Spread aloe vera gel on top of the saturated pad. Repeat for as many as desired.
- Fold pads back up and place them in a plastic bag in the freezer.
Sitz Baths
A sitz bath is a fabulous way to heal your perineum and hemorrhoids. You can find a sitz bath kit at your pharmacy or online. These kits attach to the seat of your toilet and are very easy to use. However, it’s not necessary to purchase a sitz bath kit; you can instead fill your bathtub to hip level with warm water. For additional comfort and healing, add one of these recipes to your bath.
Lavender Oat Bath
Ingredients:
- Epsom salts
- Lavender essential oil
- Whole oats
- Cheesecloth (optional)*
- Rubber band
Instructions:
- Mix a 1/2 cup Epsom salt with 4 drops of lavender essential oil.
- Add 1/4 cup whole oats to Epsom salt mixture.
- Spoon mixture into a square of cheesecloth and form into a bag shape. Secure with a rubber band. Drop into bath when ready to use.
*You may omit the cheesecloth and add all ingredients straight to the bath, but there will be some cleanup involved.
Healing Nipple Soak
Breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding experience, but it also can be frustrating and a bit painful at times. Always have a professional check your baby’s latch if you are experiencing pain. To help eliminate mild discomfort, this soak works every time.
Ingredients:
- 1–2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (I prefer Bragg)
- 1 tablespoon salt
Instructions:
- Mix together all ingredients and separate into two bowls.
- Soak both breasts in the healing mixture for a minute or two.
This soak works well if done while resting in the tub during your sitz bath. You can also store this in a squirt bottle (peri bottle from the hospital works great) and dab on nipples with a cotton ball. Apple cider vinegar helps to eliminate bacteria and the healing salt water helps to balance PH levels. It also just feels really good to have warm water relieve sore skin!
Nipple Balm
You can easily make nipple balm at home with just a few ingredients. Coconut oil works extremely well as a soothing and healing nipple cream. By adding an extra component to it, this balm packs a powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal punch.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons of a good probiotic powder
Instructions:
- Mix together ingredients and store in the fridge for extra cooling relief. Best applied after doing the nipple soak mentioned above.
Don’t forget to get a caddy to store all of your products in so you can have them right at your fingertips. Throw a face mask in the caddy too for some extra pampering!
Disclaimer—I am not a medical professional. This is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or midwife before starting any treatment.
