Natural Postpartum and Breastfeeding Essentials

So often mothers during pregnancy tend to focus on what their baby will need postpartum, without giving much thought, if any at all, to what THEY will need postpartum. Postpartum recovery is something I didn’t give much thought about when I was pregnant with my first child. “Pain? I mean, I just gave birth. The worst is over now, right?”, and, “Breastfeeding is natural. How hard can it be? I won’t need anything for that”, are some thoughts I had. So I didn’t get anything to make the postpartum period or breastfeeding easier for myself first time around, but after becoming pregnant with my second baby, I learned to not only prepare for the new baby, but to also prepare myself for my postpartum needs. Now that my second child is born, I wanted to make this post to share what I got second time around that made life easier for me and to give other moms ideas on what she might want or need. I will talk about my postpartum essentials first and then my breastfeeding essentials last, because I know not every mother chooses to breastfeed.

 

POSTPARTUM ESSENTIALS

Postpartum Tea

I made my own postpartum tea as a low-waste option to buying it in individual tea bags. They also have loose-leaf postpartum teas you can buy online, but I chose to formulate my own based off what I wanted to achieve postpartum. I used nettle leaf as a natural treatment for postpartum fatigue, red raspberry leaves to tone my uterus, shepherd’s purse to reduce postpartum bleeding, oatstraw to prevent anxiety and postpartum depression, and blessed thistle to stimulate milk production. Nettle and red raspberry leaves are also known to increase milk supply. I mix and store the leaves in a mason jar and put 1 tablespoon in a tea strainer and steep in hot water when I’m ready to drink. I drink this 1-2 times per day, every day.

 

2 cups Nettle Leaf

2 cups Red Raspberry Leaves

1 cup shepherds purse

1 cup oatstraw

1 cup Blessed Thistle

 

Thick Pads

Thick pads are a must postpartum because there is so much bleeding, if you have a vaginal birth that is. I bleed so much I have to layer two pads the first week. After that just I just use one, until I don’t have to wear one at all. Pads are a must if you have a vaginal delivery! You are not allowed to insert anything into the vagina until your 6 week postpartum checkup, so anything like diva cups and tampons are not allowed.

 

After Ease Herbal Tincture

This is my most beneficial buy for postpartum pain. I heard about this herbal tincture from WishGarden when I was pregnant with my first baby, but didn’t buy it because I didn’t think I’d need it. Knowing now how painful the postpartum period is, I made sure I had a bottle this time around. It’s so powerful I’ve barely needed to use it. I didn’t use it the first few days, but once I opened it up and started using it, I only needed it the first three days. After that I had no more postpartum pain and cramping. I love healing my body through natural remedies!

 

Witch Hazel

I got this aloe vera infused, alcohol-free watch hazel to make padsicles. I poured the witch hazel on top of some of my pads, folded them back up and put them in the freezer. I used them the first week to help soothe vaginal pain and soreness. 

 

Baby Wrap

I. LOVE. BABYWEARING! I love keeping my baby close instead of pushing him in a stroller or lugging him around in a car seat carrier. I wear it while I’m out and about such as taking my kids on a walk and when I’m at the store, but I also wear it around the house to calm him if he’s cranky while I’m making food or doing chores. Sometimes it’s the only way I can get him to nap. Having a baby wrap is just really convenient. My baby wrap is by Solly Baby.

 

Heating Pad

I’m not sure if I would purposely go out and buy a heating pad postpartum, but it was something I loved using since I already had one. I used it every single day the first week and even a little bit afterwards. I would use it during the day and even sleep with it at night. I used the heat to help soothe postpartum cramping and cramping while breastfeeding. I would cramp in my lower abdomen and sometimes my lower back, so those were the two areas I would always place the heating pad.

 

 Prenatals

This one is a weird one because I consider prenatals a postpartum essential not because I feel like I need them, but because it’s essential for me to get rid of them. I’d rather not throw them away just because I’m not pregnant anymore. The boost in nutrients is great, but once I’m finished with the bottle I don’t buy vitamins anymore. Right now I am finishing up my vegan prenatals and omega supplement.

BREASTFEEDING ESSENTIALS

Comfortable Nursing Clothes

It didn’t take long after I started breastfeeding to realize how hard it is to breastfeed in regular shirts and bras. I had two nursing bras from having my first baby, but breastfeeding wasn’t successful with her, so I didn’t ever have to get more. This time around, breastfeeding has been successful but that also means I had to buy more clothes to accommodate nursing. I found breastfeeding hard to do in regular shirts and bras, especially while out in public. If you have baggy shirts than can pull down or be pulled to the side, that can work, but for me, all my clothes are pretty tight fitting. I needed my shirts and bras to be able the snap down to accommodate comfortable nursing. Some good websites for nursing attire is Seraphine Maternity, Hatchgal, Latched Mama, Kindred Bravely, and Motherhood Maternity.

 

Milkies Milk Saver

Breastfeeding didn’t last long with my first baby, but one thing I learned in that short time was that a milk saver was worth having. I got the Milkies Milk Saver because when you breastfeed, you have a let down on both breasts (yes, even the one the baby isn’t sucking on), and if I didn’t have a milk saver to catch it, all that milk would get all over me, my clothes, and even sometimes my surrounding area. Some women just let it happen, some put a towel over their breast and let it soak in the towel, but I treat breastmilk as “liquid gold”, and something not to be wasted. Sometimes only a few drops come out, sometimes an ounce or more. Either way, I use it every feeding and then syringe feed it to my baby either in between switching breasts or after a feeding. 

 

Reusable Nursing Pads

Some women don’t leak at all, but I’m one of the moms that do. I leak a little bit during the day and while I’m sleeping. I’d rather change a pad than to change my bra and shirt. I use reusable ones as an eco-friendly and zero waste option. I can just wash it and reuse them again and again. I got mine from Bamboobies and Kindred Bravely.

 

Hot and Cold Pack for Breasts

My sister got me the Lansinoh Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy after my first child and I used it then and I’ve been using it again with baby #2. I used to put it in the freezer for a few hours to help with engorgement pain, but I mainly heat it in the microwave and apply it to help with a letdown and to help the milk flow.

 

Breast Pump

A breast pump is my ultimate breastfeeding essential. I use it every day, multiple times a day. I put my baby to the breast for every feeding, but even when he’s finished eating, I can still pump a few ounces. Sometimes my baby also sleeps for long stretches, so I pump if a few hours have gone by and he’s still sleeping. This keeps my breasts stimulated to keep making more milk and to give me relief from having full breasts. I have the Spectra S2 Electric Breast Pump that I got free through my insurance. High quality breast pumps can be expensive, so use THIS site to see if your insurance will cover your breast pump.

 

Breast Pump Car Adapter

My baby seems to sleep more and not be interested in eating while we’re out all day. This left my breasts full and in pain. I got a car adapter so I can pump in the car during long car rides and in between destinations if needed to, and the milk can be stored for later. I also used this for my 6 week postpartum visit because I wasn’t allowed to bring my baby with me. My doctor’s office is an hour away, so I pumped 30 minutes while driving there, I was there for the appointment 2 hours, and I pumped again for 30 minutes on the way home. Otherwise my breasts would have gone 4+ hours without stimulation and would have left them in pain from being full.

 

Hands-Free Pumping Bra

A hands free pumping bra is a must for mothers who want to multitask while they pump. It can get tiring just sitting there holding them the duration of a pumping session, which can be up to 30 minutes. I mainly have a pumping bra so I can pump in the car like I mentioned above, and it will also be especially handy for when I return to work. I can pump and have my hands free to eat and talk on the phone while on breaks.

 

Breastmilk Storage Bags

I have an oversupply, so breastmilk storage bags are a must for me so I can have a stash for my partner to feed the baby when I return to work and can donate to a mother and baby in need what’s left over. I chose the ones from Lansinoh because of their leak proof double seal and the higher bag count (comes with 100 bags).

 

I know not every mother will need or want what’s on this list, but this is what I have needed, liked having, and what has made the postpartum period easier for me. Let me know down in the comments what your favorite postpartum essentials are!

Pros and Cons of Shaving with Coconut Oil

While coconut oil is used in so many different ways, such as moisturizing and makeup removing, most people probably wouldn’t think to replace their regular shaving cream with it. But as soon as I found out that shaving with coconut oil is a thing, I decided to give it a try. After having the experience of using coconut oil as a shaving cream for a few months now, I have found that I like it a lot more than regular shaving cream, but that there are still some things I do not like about it, and you may not either. So to see if shaving with coconut oil is right for you, I am going to share the pros and cons I have found from shaving with it.

 

PROS

✦ Easily Accessible

Coconut oil is becoming a staple in many people’s kitchens, so you may already have coconut oil on hand. If not, it is easily accessible as most grocery stores carry coconut oil. Any coconut oil is fine to use – fractionated, virgin, extra-virgin, etc.

 

✦ Natural, Non-Toxic Alternative

Coconut oil is a natural, non-toxic alternative to regular shaving cream. When you buy a jar or tub of coconut oil, coconut is the only ingredient. Standard shaving cream contains chemicals and other ingredients such as sulfates, emulsifiers, phthalates, fragrances, and more. Keep in mind our body absorbs what is put on it, so it’s best to leave the chemicals out of our skincare.

 

✦ Smoother Legs

Coconut oil’s clear coating allows you to see where you’re shaving, meaning no hairs are left behind and the results leave you with smoother legs, arms, face, or wherever you are shaving!

 

✦ Goodbye Razor Burn and Ingrown Hairs

Why this happens, I do not know. I have just noticed that since making the switch to shaving with coconut oil, I have not gotten razor burn or ingrown hairs since then, whereas I always had an issue with this using standard shaving cream.

 

✦ No More Knicks and Cuts

I’m not sure why this is, but I have never cut myself shaving with coconut oil, whereas with regular shaving cream, I would cut myself almost every time. Maybe the oil acts as a protective barrier? Or maybe the oil helps the razor glide better?

 

✦ No Need to Apply Lotion Afterwards

I do not need to apply lotion when I come out of the shower because my legs are already moisturized and smooth from the coconut oil.

 

✦ Saves Money

I can spend anywhere from $3-10 for regular shaving cream, depending on what brand I buy, or I can buy a jar of coconut oil for $8. I save money buying the coconut oil because the jar of coconut oil is bigger than a can or tube of shaving cream, plus I can use way less product than I would need to if I used standard shaving cream. And like I said earlier, my legs are moisturized from applying coconut oil, so it keeps me from having to buy moisturizer.

 

CONS

✦ Clogs Razor and Takes Longer to Shave

Coconut oil is thicker than shaving cream and it doesn’t rinse out easily like soap would. It just clogs the razor and I then have to unclog it after every few strokes which then makes the shaving routine longer. And shaving is not a favorite task of mine to begin with.

 

✦ Makes the Shower Floor Slippery

Coconut oil is, well…an oil. Some of the oil may drip down my legs while shaving or drip when applying. This makes the shower floor slippery. So be careful to not slip and fall!

 

✦ Have to Shave More Frequently

I’m not sure why, but since using coconut oil as shaving cream, my hair has been growing faster. Having long hair on my head is great, however, not so much on my legs. To keep up with the frequent hair growth I am having to shave more frequently.

 

Despite having so many pros, the cons may be enough to make someone not want to shave with coconut oil, however it is the most natural and cheapest alternative I have found to conventional shaving cream and wanted to share my experience for anyone who is interested in giving it a try. I hope this post was found helpful and be sure to leave down in the comments what your experience was with shaving with coconut oil!

Mindful and Productive Activities to do During Lockdown

    *Sigh*…the year 2020…we haven’t been off to a good start have we? While life hasn’t changed too much for me and my family at home, it has changed so much for many other families. My boyfriend and I still leave the house to go to work as we both work at grocery stores (it is considered an “essential business”), and then we come back home pretty much to our normal routines. But so many other people do not have it that way. They have lost their jobs temporarily and are not having an income, have to delve into the foreign concept of homeschooling the kids as school’s are shut down, and in some areas are forced to stay at home at all costs or will be jailed or fined. Basically, life for so many people right now is pretty stressful and hectic, and sometimes, it can be hard to cope and come to terms with.

    We’re all living in a time of a global pandemic and have to self-quarantine. While others are loving this time away from work, school, and being home overall, it is sending others into extreme boredom and stir craziness. That is why I’ve come up with a list of some things I like to do on my free time, and that others may enjoy as well, to help beat the boredom and to take my mind off of things. Of course the list could go on and on of things you could do, but I wanted to make this a list of mindful activities that will lift your mood, boost your spirit, and leave you feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and productive.

✦ Go on a walk. Where I live in Tennessee, we can still go outside, we just can’t be too close to other people (keeping a 6 foot distance or more) and all the parks are shut down. But taking a walk around the neighborhood is doable and enjoyable especially in the afternoon when the weather has cooled down and the sun is setting.

✦ Do some art. This can be paint-by-numbers, adult coloring book, learn to draw or paint by watching tutorials on youtube, etc.

✦ Learn a new language. I like to use Duolingo for online language learning.

✦ Pamper yourself. Taking a relaxing bath with a face mask on and soft music in the background in a candle lit bathroom is an idea, but only you know what makes you feel pampered, so whatever it is, go for it!

✦ Couples massage. This can be a hand and foot massage, shoulder massage, back massage, whatever your partner likes! Set the mood with oriental spa music and turn the lights off and have the room lit with candles. Take turns making each other feel good!

✦ Have a game night with family or roommates

✦ Watch an inspiring or educational documentary

✦ Make a bucket list of all the places you would like to visit or the goals you would like to accomplish in your lifetime

✦ Try a new recipe

✦ Complete a puzzle

✦ Exercise. This can be yoga, HIIT, crossfit, cardio, whatever you like!

✦ Pray or meditate

✦ Declutter and organize your home:

•         Throw out all your expired products. This goes for food and makeup!

•          Declutter your wardrobe and toss out clothes and shoes you no longer fit into, like, or wear.

•          Get rid of excess towels and blankets

•          Go through paper piles, folders, and files and toss what you no longer need

•          Go through kitchen cupboards and drawers and get rid of duplicate appliances or anything you don’t use

✦ Deep clean your home:

•          Dust

•          Mop

•          Sweep

•          Clean counter tops, windows, fan blades, etc.

•          Wash and fold laundry

•          Clean the inside of your microwave, oven, and fridge

✦ Clean out and wash your car. Our cars can often be overlooked as something that needs decluttering/cleaning.

✦ Digital clean:

•          Clean out your inbox

•          Organize your computer files

• ·        Delete old contacts from your phone

•          Unfollow any accounts that don’t inspire you on social media

✦ Quit an unhealthy habit (smoking, drinking, caffeine, biting nails, eating junk food, surrounding yourself with and radiating negativity, etc.). Some of these are obviously harder to do as these are lifestyle changes and take extra inner work and willpower, but they are so worth it in the long run, and why not get started now?

✦ Get to that pile of books you’ve been meaning to read

✦ Take an online course in something you’ve been wanting to learn

✦ Plan and start saving for a future vacation. I find travelling to be a very enriching experience.

✦ Create family rituals and traditions

✦ Rearrange your furniture

✦ Update your resume

✦ Do anything that you’ve been putting off or have been wanting to do and just “never had the time”. No more procrastinating. The time is now.