Hi Super Mamas!
As you all know, I gave birth to my second child and first baby girl - Augustina Bricia Maytorena on 7/15/2020. Her and I are home, resting and nourishing our bodies through my postpartum journey and her first days outside of my body. As many of you know, I read the book The First Fourty Days during my pregnancy and it changed my entire perception on pregnancy and the fourth trimester.
I recall my mother telling me over and over again how important the 40 Dias were when I was first pregnant with my son. I have no idea why I never listened to her back then. I was so eager to ‘bounce back’ and be out and about. I would hardly nap during the day, and I was walking the aisles of Target a week after I gave birth. Looking back, I can’t help but think that me not taking care of myself had something to do with my miscarriage later on in life.
This time around things have been very different. I hardly leave my room, I nap as much as I can and do as much skin to skin and bonding with my little girl as possible. I am enjoying my time with her and family. I am nourishing my body with atoles, caldos, teas, warm and soft foods. If you are expecting, and have the ability to stay home on maternity leave for 40 days, I suggest you take full advantage of it.
Aside from food and rest, the items below have been game changers for me in my postpartum recovery. If you have any favorites that are not listed here, let me know on the comments below. I am sure our Super Mamas would love to hear from you too!
TUCKS WITCH HAZEL PADS & STOOL SOFTENER PILLS
I didn’t have either of these in my last postpartum experience and so thankful I do this time around. I was given and then prescribed the stool softener at the hospital and it was the best thing ever, Because I am both breastfeeding and/or pumping every 2-3 hours my body is always hungry. More food equals more frequent bowel movements, and like my doctor said… last thing you want to be doing is pushing anything out of your body. The Tucks pads are great to have as an alternative to wet wipes. They are soothing and will help you heal any postpartum bum discomfort.
PERI BOTTLE , PERINEAL HEALING SPRAY & DEPEND UNDERWEAR
These three are also must haves for ‘down there’ healing. Hospital will give you a peri bottle to bring home with you, but it's worth investing in one of these made specifically for postpartum healing. They work similarly to a bidet and you can always keep it around even after you’ve healed.
The Earth Mama spray is great to help heal any tears or sensitivity you may end up dealing with. It’s cooling and soothing.
As far as what comes out of your body the next few days after birth… Well, let’s just say its ALOT. Hospitals always provide you with massive pads and strange looking underwear that doesn’t make you feel your best self after birth. I highly encourage you to invest in these disposable underwear (aka, adult diapers). Aside from being comfortable they will make you feel confident that nothing is getting past them. Leaking and staining your sheets should be the least of your worries.
BAMBOO NURSING PADS & BOOB SHELLS
Let’s face it, you are going to be leaking for the next few months of your life. Yes, it sucks and there’s not much you can do other than prepare for what's to come. These two products have helped me cope and deal with the leaking. The boob shells have been a GAME CHANGER. I never used them with my first born and wish I would have known about them back then. The shells catch any let down on your boon while nursing on the other. I have caught up to 2oz without pumping! The let down is real ladies.
After I shared about the boob shells on Instagram, SO many of you replied to recommend the Haakaa Breast Pump. It’s worked for so many of our fellow super mamas, so I’m going to look into it for myself. I’ll keep you updated.
As for nursing pads, I opt for these, I have found them to be the most soothing and absorbent. Because I don’t like to use the boob shells all the time, I alternate between these two products
As far as nipple cream, there are so many out there, but I am opting for just a mix of coconut and grape seed oil.
PAJAMAS , SLIPPERS & EYE MASK
Comfort is your best friend during postpartum. Do everything and anything to feel as comfortable and good about yourself. I chose to invest in comfy PJs and house slippers. It is recommended you NEVER walk barefoot in your 40 days of postpartum. I bought these slippers when I was pregnant and are completely obsessed with them now. I even took them to the hospital with me and so thankful I did. As far as PJs go, these are a few I ordered on Amazon (option 1, option 2, and option 3) and I have worn over and over again. I realized early on that I was probably going to live in PJs during my 40 days of postpartum recovery so might as well make the most of it.
Eye masks have also become my best friend. Day and night seem to be blended together during those first postpartum days and having an eye mask come in handy when you want to take a midday nap. Make sure you pack an eye mask in your hospital bag as well. Hospitals can be a difficult place to get rest and eye masks help you not only sleep, but also lets nurses know not to bother you.
