Postpartum Care Essentials for Every Mum

The postpartum period is messy. It's a huge unknown, and for many of us new mums, it can leave you feeling scared, confused, anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed. 

You've likely prepped head-to-tail for newborn essentials – but what about your essentials?

During our time as new mothers here at Coco & Bundle, we've come to realise there are some key postpartum essentials (both products and care tips) that can make a big difference to your new world.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the nuances of postpartum care, offering insights, tips, and product recommendations to support you through this special time.

What’s inside?

• Understanding Postpartum Care
• Healing After Childbirth
• Navigating Breastfeeding Challenges
• Embracing Self-Care
• Essential Postpartum Items
• Create a Thoughtful Postpartum Care Pack
• Our Top Postpartum Picks
• Postpartum Care Resources

Understanding Postpartum Care

The postpartum period, often referred to as the fourth trimester, encompasses the weeks following childbirth as your body undergoes physical and emotional adjustments. 

From recovering after childbirth to adjusting to new routines and caring for your newborn, the postpartum phase is a critical time for self-care. 

According to Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA), up to 1 in 7 new mums may experience postnatal depression, highlighting the importance of proactive care and support during this period. 

Understanding the challenges and changes you might go through can empower you to navigate this phase with confidence and resilience.

Zoe’s Story With Postpartum Anxiety

If you feel like your mental and emotional wellbeing post-birth is suffering, you’re not alone. 

Coco & Bundle founder Zoe experienced a life-changing journey with postpartum anxiety after the birth of her second child, and she’s made it her mission to shed light on what this condition really means and how you can take practical steps to overcome it.

From finding her community to learning targeted breathing exercises, Zoe shared her top tips with us in her bear-all story – read it here to gain her personal insights and support.

How to Seek Support: Struggling with postpartum anxiety or depression? Don’t hesitate to call the PANDA national helpline for free support, counselling, accurate information, and quality referrals. Believe us when we say they’re the real deal.

Navigating Breastfeeding Challenges

For many new mums, breastfeeding is a central aspect of postpartum care. While breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both you and your little babe, it can also present challenges, especially in the early weeks. 

From establishing a good latch to managing engorgement and soothing nipple soreness, it's normal to encounter obstacles along the way. 

Some of our top breastfeeding tips to help you harness this element of postpartum care include:

• Staying hydrated and maintaining proper nutrition (hint: this looks different for new mamas than women who aren’t breastfeeding).
• Healing cracked nipples with a good quality, cooling nipple cream.
• Figuring out which latching techniques work best for you and your bub.
• Using feeding cloths and covers to provide you with more privacy and support.

We also recommend seeking support from lactation consultants, breastfeeding support groups, or online resources to address any concerns or questions you may have. 

Be Gentle With Yourself During Breastfeeding Challenges

It can be scary to reach out face-to-face, so arm yourself with knowledge before any appointments to help you feel more in control. 

The Australian Breastfeeding Association is a treasure trove of supportive resources and information that we’ve referred to countless times.

Remember that breastfeeding is a learned skill, and with time and patience, you and your baby will find your rhythm – whether through traditional breastfeeding or bottle feeding through a breast pump.

Healing After Childbirth

One of the most significant aspects of postpartum care is allowing your body to heal after childbirth. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C- section, your body needs time to recover from the physical demands of childbirth. 

Be gentle with yourself and prioritise rest, hydration, and proper nutrition. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for postpartum essentials care, including taking any prescribed medications and attending follow-up appointments. 

Remember that every woman's postpartum journey is unique, and it's essential to listen to your body and honour its needs during this time.

Related: PANDA’s guide to getting back into exercise after birth

Embracing Self-Care

Amidst the demands of caring for your beautiful little newborn, self-care often takes a backseat for new mums. However, prioritising your wellbeing is essential for your physical, emotional, and mental health during the postpartum period. 

Make time for self-care activities that nourish your body and soul, whether it's taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk in nature, or indulging in your favourite hobby. 

Enlist the help of partners, family members, or friends to support you with baby care duties, allowing you to recharge and replenish your energy reserves.

Related: Discover our self-care tips and resources for life during the first weeks with your newborn.

Essential Postpartum Items

Stocking up on essential postpartum items can make your transition into motherhood smoother and much more comfortable. 

Consider assembling a postpartum care pack filled with items like: 

• The Bare Mum Nipple balm to soothe sore nipples
• The Mere Botanicals Peri spray to keep your perineum clean and refreshed post-birth
• Bundl Australia Wool Nursing pads to absorb leaks
• The Bare Mum Postpartum underwear for comfort and support
• And the Cle Naturals Restore Sitz + Postnatal Soak Epsom salts for sitz baths, which can help the healing process naturally while providing some much-needed relaxation for tired new mama muscles

Create a Thoughtful Postpartum Care Pack

For partners and loved ones eager to support a brave new mama, consider assembling a thoughtful postpartum care pack filled with practical and pampering items. 

From luxurious body oils and cosy robes to soothing herbal teas and galactagogue breastfeeding supplements, select items tailored to her preferences and needs. 

At Coco & Bundle, our curated selection of postpartum self-care gifts and essential products offers an array of options to pamper and nurture new mums during this special time. 

Curate a Postpartum Gift Box: Did you know that we offer beautiful curated Coco & Bundle gift boxes? Simply select the option to bundle your order at checkout and for an extra $5.00 and we’ll wrap your goodies in a gift box to make her delivery extra special.

Our Top Postpartum Picks

Whether you're creating a postpartum care pack for yourself (we love your style!) or gifting it to a loved one, you can’t go wrong with our products all aimed at promoting relaxation, comfort, and healing.

To help you get started on what to buy, here are our favourite postpartum care essentials straight from the Coco & Bundle selection:

• Bare Mum Herbal Infused Postpartum Pads: Made with 100% certified organic cotton and a natural herbal blend, these multi-layer pads aid in soothing sensitivity and balancing your pH levels.

• Bare Mum Perineal Foam: Perfectly paired with the postpartum pads, this soothing Witch Hazel foam helps the healing process and calms discomfort.

• Mere Botanicals C-Oil: For our mamas who have undergone a C-section surgery, this lightweight and ultra-hydrating oil is perfect for soothing inflamed skin and reducing the visibility of scars and stretch marks. Its potent formula includes 10 fatty acid-rich oils, powerful antioxidants, and vitamins A, D, E, K, and B2.

• Cle. Naturals Sitz + Postnatal Soak: This natural blend of Epsom salts, magnesium, Witch Hazel, and essential oils provides a luxurious sitz bath that calms, soothes, and promotes healing.

• Bare Mum Postpartum Briefs and Bralette: Stretchy, supportive, and oh-so-comfortable, these are our favourite postpartum underwear on the market!

• Bare Mum Warm & Cool Inserts: Design to slide easily into the briefs and bralettes above, these breast and brief inserts provide relieving warmth or coolness for those sensitive areas.

• Being Boobie Balm: All natural and multifunctional, this is one of the best nipple balms out there. Its botanical ingredients and super moisturising formula are effective for healing cracked nipples and treating C-section scars and stretch marks.

• Franjo’s Kitchen Lactation Cookies: Bikkies for your boobs never tasted better! These little bites are jam-packed with nutrient-dense superfoods like oats, chia seeds, coconut oil and buckwheat flour, which all support a healthy milk supply.

• Mini + Me Hydramama: Staying hydrated during the postpartum period is essential for both new mamas and their little babes. These hydration support drinks are packed full of electrolytes, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and magnesium to support you post-birth.

Postpartum Care Resources

As you navigate the joys and challenges of the postpartum period, remember that self-care is not selfish but essential for your wellbeing as a new mama. 

Embrace this transformative time with compassion, patience, and the knowledge that you are deserving of love, care, and nurturance every step of the way. 

Support and resources can be life-saving during this time. Here are some of our top online resources from the world’s most reputable organisations – they’ve helped us so much, and we hope they can help you, too:

• Healthline: Week-by-week timeline to postpartum recovery
• PANDA: Self-care for parents and infants
• PANDA: Connecting with your baby
• PANDA: Sleep tips for everyone
• The Royal Women’s Hospital: Your health after birth
• World Health Organisation (WHO): Recommendations on maternal and newborn care for a positive postnatal experience
• Mayo Clinic: Postpartum care: What to expect after a vaginal birth