When preparing for a birth, it’s common for expecting parents to dive into books and classes about baby care or even parenting itself. However, as a culture, we often neglect one of the most important parts of this transition: how to care for the body and mind of a postpartum mother. As a birth doula, I have often seen the physical and emotional demands of the postpartum period take new parents by surprise. The trials of birth do not end at delivery. Alongside the joy of meeting your new baby comes an introduction to a new version of yourself, and that is no easy feat. Books like The First Forty Days by Heng Ou and The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson have helped open up the conversation about the importance of postpartum support and recovery.
It takes a village, and people want to help—they just may not know how. I always tell my clients that when friends and family want to come visit the baby, one must not be shy about putting them to work. They have to earn their sweet baby cuddles! This DIY padsicle and healing bath soak recipe are easy ones to share with your support system. These padsicles can provide cool relief to the perineum post-birth, while the warm bath allows for relaxation to promote additional healing. Both are infused with yarrow, chamomile, lavender, and comfrey—medicinal herbs that have been used for thousands of years.
Depending on your stage of healing and other unique medical factors, it is recommended to consult a health-care professional before use.
Postpartum Padsicles + Healing Bath Soak
Prep Time:15 minutes
Total Time:1-2 hours
Ingredients:
Organic and unscented pads
Witch hazel (alcohol-free)
2 tablespoons organic dried chamomile flower
2 tablespoons organic dried comfrey flower
2 tablespoons organic dried yarrow
2 tablespoons organic dried lavender flower
Large tea strainer
4-ounce mason jar
Epsom salt
Steps:
1. In a small pot, boil 4 cups of water. Once brought to a boil, turn off the heat.
2. Add lavender, comfrey, chamomile, and yarrow. Stir and let sit until well steeped (about 5-10 minutes).
3. Using a tea strainer, carefully strain the liquid into a measuring cup and let cool. This is now your herbal sitz bath tea.
4. Unfold the pads (keeping them attached to the wrapper) on a clean, flat surface. Spray the pad lightly with witch hazel and pour a tablespoon or so of the herbal sitz bath tea to each pad. The pad should not be completely soaked, just lightly moistened.
5. Rewrap the pads in the same wrapper or re-wrap them in wax paper and place in freezer.
6. To use, place the padsicle in your underwear or, better yet, in a Depend adult diaper (to prevent them from leaking). Keep in mind that padsicles should not be worn for extensive periods of time. Once the pad no longer provides cool relief, remove it. Cold can bring relief, but the vagina should not be exposed to moisture or ice for an extended period of time, especially while healing.
7. Pour the remainder of the herbal sitz bath tea into a bathtub and add Epsom salt for additional healing. Use within 24 hours.
Carson Meyer is a California-based birth doula, actress, and founder of the non-toxic and eco-friendly skincare company C & The Moon. In 2016, Carson graduated from New York University where she studied alternative health and the mind/body connection. Carson returned home to Malibu and received her birth doula certification and has been supporting families through their transition to parenthood ever since.
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