The postpartum recovery period is a time of great change, both physically and emotionally. Read on to explore some tips that could support you on your journey, plus helpful postpartum support resources available in San Diego County.
Having a baby is an amazing and life-changing event. For many new mothers, a wide range of unexpected challenges and changes occur.
Postpartum Support Tips for New Mothers
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are some things that can help make the transition a little easier. Here are some easy to implement tips to support you on your journey to motherhood:
Meal support
Postpartum recovery can take about 6-8 weeks. During this period, a meal support system can help lighten the load of responsibilities as you give your body time to heal and rest. Here are some options that may support you:
- Plan a community meal train: This is where friends, family or your community can sign up to bring you ready-made meals.
- Prep and freeze meals before the baby arrives: This will give you some quick and easy meal options to have on hand for those first few weeks.
- Have meals delivered to your door: This is a great option if you want healthy and ready-made meals without having to do any of the work. Local meal delivery service Luna Nourish features nutrient-dense meals specifically designed for postpartum women.
DIY self-care celebration basket
Creating a self-care celebration basket for yourself or an expecting mom before the baby arrives can be so helpful for the postpartum period.
Here's some helpful ideas:
- Yummy & nourishing snacks (Boobie Superfoods bars are packed with healthful ingredients to aid in lactation)
- Hemorrhoid cream
- Nipple cream
- Body oil
- Teas
- Your favorite smells
- Belly binds
- Affirmation cards (I exist, I am important…. )
- Boundary cards to support you in communicating boundaries.
- A coupon or gift card to your favorite healing modality (i.e massage, acupuncture, craniosacral etc.)
Padsicles
Short for pad and Popsicle, this frozen pad can help soothe the soreness and swelling that can come after birth. Adding supportive pants like lavender, calendula, aloe vera, yarrow, and witch hazel can also help reduce discomfort and aid in the healing process. Follow these instructions to learn how to make your own.
Yoni steams
One way to soothe and heal the vaginal tissue post childbirth, Yoni Steams have been used for centuries as a way to support new mamas in their healing process. Either done at home or with a practitioner, this practice can help with postpartum hemorrhoids, vaginal swelling, and the release of oxytocin.
Here are some recommended herbs to try in a yoni steam:
- Basil (cleansing)
- Rosemary (antibacterial and antimicrobial)
- Oregano (antiseptic)
- Calendula (anti-inflammatory)
- Motherwort (cleansing, pain-relieving)
- Mugwort (all purpose)
- Lavender (antimicrobial)
- Marigolds (anti-inflammatory)
- Thyme (antibacterial and antimicrobial)
Herbal sitz bath
An herbal sitz bath is a shallow bath intended to soak your bottom. Made by adding herbs, Epsom salt, and water to a tub, it can help with swelling, bruising and perineal tearing.
Some herbs you can add to support your recovery include:
- Calendula flowers
- Comfrey leaves
- Lavender flowers
- Plantain leaves
- Rosemary leaves
- Sage leaves
- Uva Ursi leaves
- Yarrow flowers
- Garlic
Postpartum Support Resources In San Diego
San Diego Postpartum Health Alliance
The San Diego Postpartum Health Alliance is a nonprofit dedicated to perinatal mental health awareness, education, and support. Visit their website to find a community postpartum group or call The Warmline, a free hotline staffed by trained counselors that can listen to how you're feeling or direct you toward community support resources.
Black Infant Health Program
The San Diego County Black Infant Health Program (BIH) works to improve African-American infant and maternal health, as well as decrease Black-White health and social inequities for women and infants. All BIH services are at NO COST and include:
- 10-week prenatal sessions for pregnant women.
- 10-week postpartum sessions for new moms.
- Healthy meals, transportation assistance, and other supportive resources during sessions.
- Individual client plans that address the most important concerns in a woman's life.
- Referrals to Public Health Nursing and other health and social services.
San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation
The San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation increases access to qualified lactation consultants for marginalized groups, such as BIPOC and low-income families and offers reduced fees on a sliding scale from $25 - $75.
San Diego Breastfeeding Support Groups
A comprehensive list of local breastfeeding groups across San Diego County.
University of California Health Milk Bank
Become a milk donor or order milk for your newborn from donors.
San Diego Mom Groups
Get connected with other moms in your local community for fitness, wellness and conscious connection. Read our full article for mom groups across San Diego.
Doulas of North County
Doulas of North County has a team of postpartum doulas and works with each family to customize the ideal support package that suits their needs most effectively.
Joyful Roots
Offering birth and postpartum support, Joyous roots also has placenta encapsulation, lactation support and their signature birth story medicine® offering as part of their services.
Night & Day
Offering postpartum support through companionship and education, Night & Day assist with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and more.
Post Pamper
Post Pamper is San Diego's first postpartum luxury retreat. Choose a stay between 3, 5 and 7 nights at one of four San Diego luxury hotels to rest, restore and receive 24 /7 postpartum care for mom, baby and family.
Tourmaline Collective
A birth and wellness collective, Tourmaline Collective offers midwifery and wellness services as well as resources, classes and events for mothers.
Luna Nourish
With an emphasis on prenatal and postnatal wellness, Luna Nourish provides fully prepared, naturally sourced meals conveniently delivered to your doorstep.
Boobie Superfoods
Local superfood brand offering a variety of healthy snacks and vitamins to support pregnant woman and already mothers on their journey.
Recovery Takes Time
There is no one right way to recover from childbirth. However, implementing some or all of these tips can help support you on your journey to motherhood. Creating a foundation of self-care and care from your community can help make this transition a little bit easier.
Remember to go at your own pace, listen to your body and trust the process.
____________________________
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified healthcare provider.
Looking for More Health + Wellbeing Resources?
Explore our Events Calendar for upcoming yoga events, meditation classes and wellness workshops around San Diego. Or browse all of our Wellbeing articles for the latest wellness news and trends!
More from Wellbeing
View All Wellbeing
