I’ve been putting together a little box in the bathroom closet with things I will need after the baby comes. (I am taking a few of these things with me to the hospital too.) Thought you might like seeing what’s on my list! I recovered really well (I think) from my labor and delivery last time, so I am praying towards that end this time as well (though I know each birth can be so different).
Natural Postpartum Healing and Recovery Kit
-Arnica gel* (to help prevent bruising; I used this last time on my face after pushing and I think it helped keep all my blood vessels from bursting)
-Vitamin E oil* (for external healing and to soothe my shrinking tummy)
-raw honey (for external healing… I have heard it has great natural healing properties)
-cocoa butter stretch mark lotion* (to keep my tummy from itching)
-heavy pads
-postpartum bath herbs (for soaking)
-peri bottles (for cleansing)
-witch hazel/cotton pads (for hemorrhoids, yuck)
-epsom salts (for soaking)
-a sitz bath (for soaking/healing)
-Fenugreek* (to help my milk come in)
-mother’s milk tea (to help my milk come in)
-Motrin (for pain management)
-shower gel* (to help me feel human again, haha)
*taking to hospital with me
Oh, and of course I have gathered my nursing supplies together too!
Breastfeeding “Kit”
-lanolin (can’t say enough good things about lanolin!)
-cloth nursing pads (love Bamboobies!)
-disposable nursing pads (I use them at the beginning when there is lots of leakage)
-nursing covers (for nursing in public)
-gel pads (for relief of engorgement)
-nursing bras and camis (essential!)
-pump
-Boppy pillow
Is there anything else you recommend for natural postpartum recovery and care or breastfeeding?
I have learned to love Traumeel, both cream and tablets! It’s a homeopathic anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Has lots of Arnica with other stuff as well. Great after any kind of surgery too.
It can go on any tearing/stitches as well as any any lumps from engorgement. It is super helpful in fighting off mastitis—I’ve fought it off twice when I had red, painful lumps.
I keep it in my diaper bag for smashed fingers and just every day run of the mill bumps and bruises too. I wouldn’t be without it!
Unfortunately I think the only other thing I had on my list was stool softeners! Something I did not know I needed until after I needed it 😉
I pray you have a safe delivery & smooth recovery!
I love the recovery kit idea! Where would be the best place to find the Arnica gel? And do you use Fenugreek tablets? I have some in the cabinet for colds, and had heard it was great for helping the milk.
@LindseyI actually just bought my Arnica gel at Walmart! We don’t have a local health food store, so I was happy to find it there. I’ve never used Fenugreek before, but a friend gave me a half-full bottle of hers that she used with good success in increasing her milk supply!
What herbs do you use for postpartum bath? I use a lot of what you said above and we are due at the end of March and making the same form of lists.
@MEASURE FAITHI bought Earth Mama Angel Baby’s bath herbs (http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/postpartum-recovery/postpartum-bath-herbs-new.html), but I also thought about trying this recipe if I can find the herbs: http://grandrapidsnaturalliving.com/post-partum-herbal-sitz-bath/ Hope it helps!