No matter what your labour and birth was like, it’s always going to take a lot out of you and be tough on your body. Your perineum is likely to be swollen and tender, if you’ve had a c-section, your scar will likely be painful. Then there’s engorgement a few days later when your milk comes in and the potential pain from starting breastfeeding. Let’s not forget after-pains which get worse with every subsequent baby!
Many women don’t realise how challenging the postpartum period can be, especially because you’ve now got a brand new baby to look after as well. Kick-starting your recovery to support your healing process can help you feel more relaxed, allowing you to bond with your baby and enjoy those first few weeks with as little pain as possible. We’ve spoken to our customers, staff and wellbeing professionals to give you the lowdown on what can help to make your postpartum journey easier and recovery quicker. Here’s what they’ve recommended.
Download the Postpartum Checklist
Best Postpartum Care for Your Perineum
Peri Wash Bottle
If you’ve had a vaginal delivery things can be pretty swollen and tender down there and urinating can sting uncomfortably after birth. Using a peri bottle can help to reduce the sting and can help to keep you clean after you’ve used the toilet.
Peri Wash Bottles have been ergonomically designed with an angled spout, allowing you to easily squirt water onto your perineum which will help soothe and clean. We highly recommend filling with warm water and witch hazel for the best results.
The Sleep Store Peri Wash Bottle>
Best Witch Hazel for Postpartum
Organic Witch Hazel has renowned soothing properties for supporting postpartum care. The Sleep Store witch hazel can be used with a Postpartum Peri Bottle. First, boil water then let it cool before filling the Peri Bottle. Add 3-5 drops of Witch Hazel & give the bottle a shake. You can also put 3-5 evenly spaced drops of Witch Hazel directly onto a postpartum pad. For extra cooling effect store pad in fridge for added benefit.
The Sleep Store Postpartum Witch Hazel>
Sitz Bath
Heal your pelvic region with a warm bath with sitz bath salts. The Sleep Store Sitz Bath is soothing & convenient way to relieve tender vulvas, swollen and/or torn perineums, and haemorrhoids.
Best Maternity Pads and Underwear
Our customers have loved the comfort, softness and stretch of The Sleep Store Disposable Postpartum & Maternity Underwear. In the first few days after birth when you’re likely to be bleeding a lot, a disposable underwear solution can be much easier and less stressful to manage than a reusable alternative. These disposables can also be used during pregnancy (think waters breaking). Another option is Tom’s Maternity Pads, which are 100% organic cotton and have been described as “sitting on a cloud”. If you’re looking for a reusable alternative, the Awwa range is one of our favourites.
The Sleep Store Postpartum Underwear>
Best Postpartum Products for Your Breasts
Silver Nipple Cups
Many new mums are surprised about how difficult breastfeeding can be. Engorgement, blocked ducts and helping your baby to latch are just some of the issues new mums can face as they learn to feed their newborn. Silver Nipple cups are an effective and widely used solution for cracked and sore nipples. They are designed to provide relief for blisters, cracked and sore nipples during the early stages of breastfeeding. Easy to use, simply apply a drop of breastmilk inside the nipple cups and place them on your nipples and wear them inside your bra for at least 2 hours a day.
The Sleep Store Silver Nipple Cups>
Breast Heat & Ice Packs
Within the first few days of birth, your breasts may become engorged, leaky and tender. An ice pack that has been specially designed for the breast can be easily used inside your bra without feeling super bulky and uncomfortable. Frozen ice packs can help offer relief from engorgement, mastitis and overall discomfort, so make sure you stock up before birth, ready to whip them out of the freezer at a moment’s notice. And if you’re pumping and need some help to get your milk flowing, warming the pads can help with letdown as you prepare to pump.
The Sleep Store Hot Cold Breast Packs>
Breast Pads
Save yourself some worry with Reusable Breast Pads to absorb any drips and leaks. The early days of breastfeeding can be hard, especially as your breasts adjust to the hunger of your baby, meaning leaks may be common. Reusable breast pads will give you peace of mind that any drips or leaks will be absorbed to keep your clothes dry and stain-free. We love these reusable pads which can be easily washed and reused over and over and our customers love how absorbent and soft they are.
BINK Mama Bottle
Adequate intake of water was essential in pregnancy and it continues to be so whilst breastfeeding. Having a bottle that tracks your intake and is easy to sip from makes meeting your daily water intake a breeze. Our customers have loved it for breastfeeding, especially the guidelines for timed water intake throughout the day. And we think it looks pretty stylish too ;)
Best Postpartum Clothing Comfort
Merino Breastfeeding Clothing
No matter what time of year your baby arrives, comfortable, natural-fibre clothing that’s easy to feed in, sleep in, and wear all day is a must.
Look for fabrics such as cotton or merino, which will help regulate your temperature, keeping you cool and comfy in summer and cosy & warm in winter.
View Breastfeeding Friendly clothing >
Sleep Bra
When you're feeling a bit tender during your first few weeks breastfeeding or are uncomfortable during the final stages of pregnancy, a super soft & stretchy, sleep bra may just add that little bit of comfort your breasts need.
Designed to be worn at home, it is a soft crop-style top with minimal support. The absence of fiddly clips makes it easy to put on and soft to wear, whilst the stretch makes it easy to put in a breast pad or ice pack.
All Seasons Merino Tencel Sleep Bra>
A Robe
Not to be overlooked, a Robe is a comfortable staple to have on hand from the hospital to home. Easy to wear over PJ’s or clothes, the relaxed fit of a Robe means you can quickly and easily cover up or add an extra layer of warmth for a cool morning feed. Look for styles with pockets - because there’s always something to carry and ties which can be easily adjusted for the ultimate comfort. Super soft, breathable cotton is always a win.
Comfy Lounge Pants
Pants with a wide, elasticated waistband, that’s kind to your middle as you recover are ideal, especially if you’ve had a caesarean birth. Our customers love how cosy and comfortable these pants are, often citing these as their favourite lounge pants. We also love the wide ankle cuffs and pockets!
Combine Relax! Pants with the Woolbabe Henley Tanks and Tops which have a domed front, making them easy to feed in. Their relaxed fit is ideal postpartum when comfort is key. And did we mention they can be matched with Zipsuits or PJ’s for bubs or even the whole family? Because who doesn’t love a little matchy-matchy???
