Postpartum care checklist

This is a list of things that postpartum clients of mine and I have found helpful in postpartum. These are simply suggestions, I am not a licensed medical profession. Feel free to do your own research on any herb listed or check in with your medical care providers for any concerns.




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A mix of both of these together in scalding hot water, let sit (better if left overnight), great with honey

  • Goji berries - replenishes body after bleeding, supports the immune system which is extra necessary during pregnancy/birth/bodyfeeding, stabilizes blood sugar, improves depression and anxiety, helps with sleep, etc.

  • Red dates - Anti inflammatory, helps ease ailments so is great for healing post birth



Herbs steeped or leave overnight as an infusion

Shops:

Frontier Co-op (Cheaper and in bulk)

IWillaRemedy  (Black Owned)

  • Oatstraw - nourishes adrenals, strengthens bones, soothes the nervous system, relieves depression 

  • Nettle aka postpartums best friend - reduces inflammation, muscle and joint pain, packed with iron, magnesium, amino acids, vitamin A,C,K, and B, reduces bleeding, etc

  • Red Raspberry Leaf - helps to tone the uterus and the muscles in the pelvis, helps alleviate some symptoms of postpartum depression, decreases constipation, tons of nourishing vitamins like C, E, Calcium, and Iron, helps with cramping pain, helps with nausea in postpartum,etc.


  • Bone broth - Protects joints, heals the gut, reduces inflammation, aid sleep, aids the digestive system, etc

       Brodo is a great brand but it can be pricey, you can also purchase from a local
butcher.

  • Prenatal vitamins - Continue taking in postpartum to nourish your body and fight postpartum depletion.

       Vitamin Code

MaryRuth’s

Roots And Land (Black owned)


  • Lactation tea -

      Mothers Milk

      Earth Mama Organics


  • Tinctures - 

       Wish Garden Herbs

Baby Blues, Milk Rich, and Happy Ducts are the best ones

  • Vaginal steam (Steaming should not happen until after bleeding is finished) - steaming can be great for getting the uterus to shrink, healing hemorrhoids, healing vaginals tears or scar tissue, improving pelvic floor function, aiding vaginal dryness, etc

Shops:

The Steamy Chick (Brown owned)

Earth Mama Medicine (Black owned)


  • Sitz bath - herbal infused water helps sooth vaginal tissue and perineum in the first weeks after birth.

       Shop

       Instructions


  • Pads for heavy bleeding and lighter pads

       Honey Pot (Black owned)

  • Witch Hazel - to put on pads to freeze

  • Aloe Vera (fresh is better) - put on top of pads for vaginal pain/tenderness

  • Tucks pads - can be placed inside of pads or against sore tissue

  • Depends

  • Peri bottle - for bathroom visits to aid in urinary stinging and since wiping will be difficult

  • Personal wipes - aid in cleaning up after pooping 

  • Dermoplast - to numb during bathroom visits

  • Stool softener

  • Perineal cold packs - can go on top of pad

  • Lanolin nipple cream

  • Nursing bras

  • Milk storage bags Junobie (reusable and Black owned)

  • Comfortable stretchy clothing

  • Nursing pads disposable or reusable

  • Haaka or some other type of milk catcher

  • Donut pillow - for pain with sitting

  • Postpartum belly wrap Bengkung wrap or other

  • Large refillable water bottle to stay next to most common bodyfeeding area

  • Non perishable snacks that can stay near most common bodyfeeding area- granola bars, nuts, etc

  • Nursing pillow

  • Baby wraps - Heritage Baby Carriers (Black owned)


And anything else that makes you feel calm, centered, or safe that you think will be helpful in postpartum. For myself I kept crystals and essential oils at my nursing station in my home next to the rocking chair. Weighted blankets are also good for postpartum anxiety especially while bodyfeeding the baby.