Right after giving birth, the postpartum period begins for the new mother, in which she recovers from pregnancy and childbirth, and the family adjusts to their new dynamic. (In german this is called the "Wochenbett.") The mother's body regenerates and heals, hormones shift, and the mind adjusts to the new situation. All in parallel with the new daily routine with the baby of course.
During the first few days and weeks, there are several products that every new mother will need, some that can make daily tasks and new responsibilities easier, and some that may be needed depending on the situation.
In this article, Karolin Gaßman shares her recommendations for postpartum products. The mother of a small daughter is a co-founder of MyMox, a startup that equips mothers with midwife-approved products and knowledge so that the postpartum period doesn't become an unpleasant surprise.
Karolin now presents us with ten products that can help during the postpartum period and explains what they are used for:
Must-Haves
1. Postpartum pads
The first new companion of the postpartum period is lochia, the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth. During birth, the placenta detaches from the uterus, leaving a wound where it was attached. Lochia is the healing discharge from the uterus that the woman will experience for a few weeks. It's a good sign that the wounds from birth are healing. At the same time, this discharge can be an important warning signal. It should not be painful and should not have a foul odor.
New mothers are recommended to use large, plastic-free postpartum pads to catch this discharge. (Regular pads are not suitable because the postpartum flow is heavier than menstruation.) Tampons and menstrual cups are also not suitable for postpartum discharge. The wound fluid must flow unhindered and must not be retained, as this poses a risk of infection. You can find traditional postpartum pads at drugstores or organic versions online, such as at MOX or The Weeks.
2. Mesh underwear
To ensure that your own underwear doesn't come into contact with this discharge, use washable mesh underwear, such as those from Bella Mamma. They hold the postpartum pad in place, are soft, elastic, and are cut to fit perfectly, even in case of a scar from a cesarean section. While not sexy, they are super practical and comfortable. You can also use large, old underwear (or your partner's if you have one).
Sprays and Creams
3. Regenerative spray
Not only does the inside of the uterus heal, but any external wounds of the mother also need time to heal. A perineal tear or episiotomy, for example, may take several weeks to heal completely.
I love to recommend the motherlove regenerative spray with witch hazel. When generously applied, it supports the healing of perineal tears and episiotomies, cools and relaxes the intimate area, and regulates the often unpleasant odor of postpartum discharge.
It can also be used in combination with a postpartum pad as a soothing cold compress. Simply spray it onto a postpartum pad, place it in the freezer for 2-3 hours, and then apply it for 15 minutes on birth injuries or cesarean scars.
4. Comfrey salve
Comfrey salve, such as the one from Bahnhofs-Apotheke Kempten, is an allrounder on the basis of its wound-healing properties. It helps with sore nipples, chapped lips from labor, or irritated baby skin.
Feminine Hygiene
5. Postpartum wash bottle
Until birth injuries heal, every trip to the toilet can be uncomfortable. Urinating and using toilet paper can be painful. With a postpartum wash bottle, for example from MOX or HappyPo, the urine stream can be diluted and the intimate area can be cleaned. It is filled with lukewarm water and a gentle water jet is produced with slight pressure.
Nursing Support
6. Nursing pads
Regardless of whether you choose to nurse or not, the first milk will come in. To prevent the milk from soaking through the bra and clothing, nursing pads are helpful. Washable nursing pads are recommended and environmentally friendly, such as those from the drugstore (with brands including Alana, Elanee, Lansinoh, Babydream, etc.), or the Medesign online shop. Especially those made of wool-silk allow your nipples to "breathe" and regenerate under your clothes. They collect the leaking breast milk and are very hygienic.
7. Nipple Shields made from silver
At the beginning, breastfeeding is new for everyone - for both mother and baby. Until both have established a good breastfeeding relationship and everything runs smoothly, a mother's nipples can feel sore. Until they heal and get used to the new demands, nipple shields made from silver can help. Livella silver nipple shields support natural wound healing and cool the nipples. If you decide to use silver nipple shields, no additional ointments or compresses are necessary.
8. Breastfeeding gel pads
Mother's milk is amazing – a mother's body produces exactly the kind of milk that the baby needs in different developmental stages. This is hard work. Gel pads can provide relief for breast discomfort - especially during the early milk production or engorgement. For example, Livella breastfeeding gel pads are anatomically shaped gel cushions. They fit the breast perfectly and can be used in a variety of ways: soothing and stimulating as a warm cushion, cooling and regulating as a cold compress, or stimulating in combination with a breast pump.
Teas
9. Nursing tea
If your milk production is not going as it should, nursing tea can help. Special herbal teas with fenugreek stimulate the milk production. Nursing teas are available in drugstores or pharmacies. However, we prefer to recommend Livella's organic nursing tea, which has a higher dosage of herbs compared to conventional drugstore teas and is therefore more effective.
10. Postpartum tea
Even after birth, contractions continue to occur. These so-called "afterpains" cause the uterus, which is initially the size of a soccer ball, to contract back to its normal size (about the size of a fist). Breastfeeding promotes this regenerative process. In addition, special teas with postpartum-regenerating herbs such as verbena, shepherd's purse, and horsetail can provide support.
Many thanks, Karo, for these helpful tips!
If you want to make things easier for yourself, you can order a complete postpartum box from MOX, which includes the most important products for the postpartum period. With the code MOXxKietzee, you also get a 10€ discount on the MOX postpartum box MEDIUM and PREMIUM.
PS: The MOX postpartum box also includes a lovingly formulated letter to the "postpartum manager," which is given to them before birth. This can be the child's father, a good friend of the mother, her own mother... This letter explains exactly what is going on in the young mother's mind, what is natural, and what she needs. Because not only is it all new for her, but also for those who accompany her.
PPS: If you decide to purchase the MOX postpartum box, we will receive a small affiliate fee. Thank you!
