10 Must-Have Postpartum Products to Make Your Recovery Smoother
Consider adding these to your hospital bag for optimal post-birth recovery.
Whether you have a vaginal or caesarean birth, it takes some time for your body to repair itself postnatally. Even if you have a complication-free delivery with no tearing, you’re likely to still feel swollen, bruised and sore down there. Plus, there’s the tender nipples and engorgement that come with the early days of breastfeeding.
For most of us, postpartum isn’t all newborn cuddles and relaxation; it’s raw, emotional, and tender (mentally and physically).
Self-care might be a buzzword but there’s certainly something to it, especially when it comes to recovering from birth. So, here’s our list of the best postpartum products money can buy. We recommend purchasing these in your final weeks of pregnancy so they’re on hand if and when you need them.
Weleda Hypercal Healing Lotion, $21.90.
Designed to cleanse, soothe pain, and heal painful cuts, this remedy offers natural antiseptic healing properties thanks to its hero ingredient, calendula. Just note that it’s made to be used externally only.
Ural Effervescent Sugar-Free Sachets 8s, $4.99, from Life Pharmacy.
Reduce the painful sting of your postpartum wee/mimi by drinking this popular urinary alkaliser which works by raising the pH of urine. Simply dissolve 1-2 sachets in a glass of water.
Viva La Vulva Postpartum Peri Wash Bottle, $29.95.
Another great tool for reducing the sting is this peri wash bottle. Not only does it dilute your urine but it’s a great alternative to wiping your vulva when it’s feeling particularly sensitive too. Simply fill with lukewarm or cool water, point the nozzle towards the vaginal area, and gently squeeze as you wee/mimi.
Nature’s Touch Relief Perineal Spray, $23.
Soothe your swollen and bruised perineum with this relieving spray from Nature’s Touch. Formulated by a mum and midwife who most definitely understands what those early post-birth days feel like, this gentle spray works wonders at supporting the healing process and can even be used if you have stitches. Our tip: Store the bottle in the fridge between uses for added refreshment.
Silverette Breastfeeding Cups, $89.90.
If you’ve read our article on healing tender, sore and cracked nipples, you’ll know we’re advocates for the use of Silverette cups as silver offers natural healing properties and can be wonderfully soothing in the early days of breastfeeding.
Seasons Of Mama Soothe Mama Organic Post-Birth Bath Tea, $39.95, from Little Gatherer.
Take a moment to rest and relieve the discomfort you’re feeling by having a relaxing sitz bath with this healing herbal blend by Seasons Of Mama. It contains Epsom salts for relieving aching muscles and reducing swelling, calendula for cellular repair, lavender for its antiseptic properties, raspberry leaf for afterbirth cramps, yarrow flower as haemorrhoid relief, and more.
Viva La Vulva Postpartum Padsicle Gel, $29.95.
Many birthing people find the soothing feeling of frozen padsicles incredibly beneficial; they’re cooling, reduce swelling, and offer instant relief to the perineum and vulva. This mix comes in an easy squeeze bottle for you to dollop the gel onto a maternity pad and smear it around before popping the pad in a ziplock bag or airtight container and into the freezer until needed. Repeat.
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Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs, $19.99, from Life Pharmacy.
Another helpful product is these hydrogel breast discs which soothe sore and cracked nipples. Keep them in the fridge before use for added cooling benefits.
Icare Donut Cushion, $85, from Auckland Physiotherapy.
If you’re feeling particularly tender and sitting makes you uncomfortable, consider using a donut cushion to relieve pressure and enhance comfort. It’s especially great if you have haemorrhoids or stitches.
Strataderm Scar Therapy Gel, $70, from KMSurgical.
Regarded as a great treatment option for scars, this therapy gel applies clear, dries down, and is non-sticky, making it ideal for abnormal scar prevention after a c-section.
