At three weeks postpartum with my second child, I can tell you that I've been much kinder to myself this time around. I stocked up on products that worked for me before and discovered some new ones. My experience has been vastly different, and I'm excited to share with you what products have allowed me to conquer postpartum life!
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Out of Whack
I don't care how many kids you have - postpartum life is HARD. Your hormones are out of whack, you're sleep cycle is out of whack, your routine is out of whack. Adding a new human to your life - whether it's your first or your fourth - is challenging, and on top of that, you're body is healing from a major (albeit miraculous) trauma.
I'm here to tell you: Mama, you NEED to take care of yourself! Don't let postpartum life beat you down. You can conquer it if you remember to be kind and gentle with yourself. Your body just did a crazy thing, so take a breath, read this article from Motherly about embracing your postpartum body, and check out the products below so you can win the postpartum battle.
Products to Wear
Moby Wrap
A friend gave me a Moby Wrap when my first son was older, maybe six months. I used it occasionally to take him and my dog on walks, but I so wish I'd had it when he was a newborn.
I wear my three-week old constantly, and honestly, it's the best. The Moby Wrap is especially nice when you have multiple children because you can still have that coveted cuddle time with your infant, but you'll have free hands to play with your older kids or do chores around the house (but only if you have the energy!). Buy It Here
Maternity 2-in-1 Nursing & Pumping Bra
This maternity bra by Ingrid & Isabel was one of the best purchases I made during my pregnancy. It's ridiculously comfortable with adjustable straps and a soft elastic band around the bottom. One of my favorite things about this bra is that it's sized like a shirt: small, medium, large, etc. You don't have to worry about your cup size or fuss with a fitting (which is great during COVID because we can't always try things on beforehand). I found it to be true to size.
Even though I'm not nursing, I've continued to wear this bra postpartum because of the comfort and support it offers. If you are nursing, this bra has front clasps on the straps for ease of use as well as a pumping layer. Buy It Here
Products to Soothe
Motherlove Sitz Bath Spray
Postpartum life can make us feel yucky. Basic hygiene is difficult because our bodies feel like we've been run over by a truck ten times. But one of the things I took very seriously (more so after my second birth) was my sitz baths. They were so soothing - and necessary for postpartum perineal care.
I used the Motherlove Sitz Bath Spray after soaking in the sitz bath to continue the soothing sensation. It's made from a blend of herbs including witch hazel to soothe sore perineal muscles and hemorrhoids after childbirth. Motherlove is a women-owned, family-run company, and all of the ingredients in the sitz bath spray are USDA organic and non-GMO. Buy It Here
Nexon Botanics Essential Oils Set
While I haven't used every oil in this set yet, I have used most of them throughout my pregnancy and postpartum, and they are changing my life! Recently, I've been using the Breathe blend in my diffuser during this awful allergy season. I wake up feeling so refreshed with no more restriction in my chest from that dumb pollen. My husband particularly likes the Anxiety blend, and I've used the Muscle blend in my baths.
These oils can be used in diffusers, vaporizers, inhalers, and humidifiers. You can also use them to make your own household cleaning products or mix them with MCT oil for topical use. They are made in the United Stated from 100% natural ingredients. Buy It Here
Dr. Teal's Eucalyptus Ultra Moisturizing Bath Bombs
You might be sensing a small bath theme, here, but that's only because I've taken more baths in this second postpartum journey than I have in my entire life. After using Dr. Teal's Eucalyptus Ultra Moisturizing Bath Bombs, I felt so refreshed and rejuvinated! They weren't kidding when they said it was ultra moisturizing, either. My skin was super soft like I'd already applied my after-shower lotion, which is a great feeling when you're dealing with postpartum hormone-induced skin issues. The eucalyptus opened up my lungs, allowing me to breathe easier and relaxed my sore muscles. Just as it says on the front of the packaging, this product is paraben, phthalate, and dye-free. Buy It Here
Products to Invigorate
Opard 32oz Sports Water Bottle
I'm pretty awful at drinking the proper amount of water. And I'm even worse postpartum between trying to wrangle my three-year-old and keep up with feeding my infant. This Opard Sports Water Bottle has motivational markers to remind you of the amount you should be drinking. Super helpful, right?! And as a bonus, this bottle comes with a removeable fruit infuser for those that want to add a little natural flavor to your water or tea. The bottle is suited for both hot and cold liquids, it's completely leak-proof, and it's made from BPA-free materials. Buy It Here
Aquach Cold Brew Coffee Maker
If you don't need coffee as a newly postpartum mom, then I'm going to need your secrets. As a sufferer of acid reflux who loves (and, alright, needs) coffe, I have become a cold brew convert. My reflux has been particularly bad postpartum, but I can drink coffee from the Aquach Cold Brew Coffee Maker without any problems. If you're really interested in the science as to why, check out this article from Daily Coffee News. But basically, cold brews have lower acidity overall which in turn, lessens reflux from occuring.
This particular pot holds 1.5 liters or roughly four cups. Since I'm the only one who uses it, I can usually get three days worth of coffee out of one pot, and the air-tight seal keeps it tasting fresh. I love that the mouth is wide enough for my hand to fit inside to clean with a sponge, but the pot is also dishwasher-safe! Buy It Here
You, Too, Can Conquer the Postpartum Battle
Postpartum life can be a battle. I know. I'm right there in the thick of it with you. But these products have made my postpartum journey easier, which in turn, has allowed me to feel more in control of my body and my abilities. So, yeah. I'd say I'm definitely conquering this postpartum thing.
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