A major reason that I started Birth Order was because I had a dream pregnancy and a rough postpartum. So much of my pregnancy was focused on what we would need for the baby and preparing for the birth that I wanted, but besides one friend who handed me her leftover postpartum supplies, I was totally blindsided by how many things I would need for my own recovery.
A big part of this was that people, including my doctors, told me that the hospital would send me home with everything that I would need. And let me tell you, that was not true.
My Labor & Delivery nurses were great, and now I know very generous based on some of the stories I’ve heard since, but even their generosity sent me home with more baby supplies than mama supplies and I found myself waddling to Walgreens 4 days postpartum to get some pads. — Did you know you bleed for two weeks after giving birth, no matter how your baby comes out, vag or cesarean?
This is why so many conversations with me are about planning for postpartum. I want every mom to have the dream experience where they deliver a baby and barely skip a beat juggling it all, but motherhood has really taught me the importance of being flexible with plans and overprepared for quick pivots. Worst case to stocking your bathroom with supplies before heading to the hospital is that maybe you don’t need them all and then you can pass them along to an expecting friend who will love you forever!
A big part of this was that people, including my doctors, told me that the hospital would send me home with everything that I would need. And let me tell you, that was not true.
My Labor & Delivery nurses were great, and now I know very generous based on some of the stories I’ve heard since, but even their generosity sent me home with more baby supplies than mama supplies and I found myself waddling to Walgreens 4 days postpartum to get some pads. — Did you know you bleed for two weeks after giving birth, no matter how your baby comes out, vag or cesarean?
This is why so many conversations with me are about planning for postpartum. I want every mom to have the dream experience where they deliver a baby and barely skip a beat juggling it all, but motherhood has really taught me the importance of being flexible with plans and overprepared for quick pivots. Worst case to stocking your bathroom with supplies before heading to the hospital is that maybe you don’t need them all and then you can pass them along to an expecting friend who will love you forever!
Some of our favorite, and often overlooked, products for postpartum recovery are:
Postpartum Support Extract
Developed by STL local clinical herbalist and certified midwife, Forest & Meadow's Postpartum Support formula supports new moms during the baby blues, when your body experiences quick hormone changes in the first weeks after giving birth.
SOS Labor Recovery
For many, a quick shower is the only place to get a break from the diaper-feed-sleep cycle. This sitz bath in the shower tends to the parts of your body needing some special care while the scent of lavender delivers calming aromatherapy to maximize mom's "me time."
Postpartum Journal
Created with certified therapists, this prompted journal asks questions to help mom navigate the transition of adding a family member through check-ins, therapy tips, words of encouragement, and resources specific to the postpartum period.