DIY Self-Care for Postpartum Healing

Childbirth will change your life and will, quite literally, stretch your body to limits you never would have imagined. Whether you had a quick natural labor and birth, a prolonged labor or a planned c-section, the postpartum period is exhausting, emotional and uncomfortable. While the births of my three children were some of the most precious, exhilarating hours of my life, I will also never forgot the need for self-care and healing that followed. 

In addition to an abundance of grace, patience and rest, your body will need some extra TLC. I have put together some recommendations for how to use a few of our mama products as well as a few very simple natural DIYs for the postpartum mama. If you are reading this prior to your little one's arrival, gather up these products and ingredients (or have a loved one do it for you). You'll be thankful you have them!

Best wishes, mama! Sending all the strength, love and support to you from our team of mamas here at Zoe Organics.

xo

DIY Postpartum Perineal Soothing Spritz and Frozen Pads:

• 1 oz witch hazel
• 1 oz lavender hydrosol
• 6 drops lavender (lavendula angustifolia) essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint (mentha piperita) essential oil

Directions: Add all ingredients to a glass bottle with spray top. Blend well and shake before each use. Spritz on perineal area to soothe and cool discomfort.

**TIP: bring to the hospital with you and spritz on after each cleansing.

Prepare an extra batch or two of the above recipe and soak sanitary pads with the mixture. Put directly into the freezer and use postpartum for some serious relief. 

DIY Postpartum Bath Soak:

• ½-1 cup Epsom salt
• 2 drops lavender (lavendula angustifolia) essential oil
• 1 drop frankincense (boswellia carterii) essential oil
• 1 drop geranium (pelargonium graveolens) essential oil

Directions: Blend Epsom salt and essential oils well. Dissolve into warm bath water and soak for 20 minutes to soothe, relax and support perineal healing. Epsom salt baths can be detoxifying, so drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and maintain healthy hydration. Follow with Perineal Soothing Spritz.

C-Section Scar Treatment:

When you get the go-ahead from your doctor or midwife, begin applying Dr. Shannon's Skin Balm to the incision 3 times daily. This vitamin E and omega-rich formula supports skin cell regeneration, soothes redness and the appearance of scars and stretch marks, and is a rich conditioner. 

Stretch Mark and Scar Treatment:

Gently massage Belly Oil on stretch marks or C-section incision (once it has fully closed and the scab is gone). Our Belly Oil is a rich serum containing power-packed virgin oils of pumpkin seed, tamanu and rosehip, known for their effectiveness in soothing, reducing redness and inflammation and generating new cell growth. 

Breastfeeding:

While breastfeeding may seem like the most natural thing to do, it definitely isn't always easy. Chances are, your nipples will be ready for some soothing care within the first 12 hours, so don't forget to pack our Nipple Balm in your birthing bag. We use only organic, food-grade ingredients with soothing oils and herbs, so feel free to slather it on between feedings.