“Your body is beautiful at all stages—during pregnancy as we are glowing and growing, postpartum as we are healing and shrinking, and then that period I find the hardest as our bodies are still adjusting,” says Kourt. “And if you’re breastfeeding, that’s a whole other part of it. I try to be kind to myself as my body finds a new normal. The pressure put on us to bounce back when everything is new and different isn’t realistic.”
In navigating postpartum and beyond, we tapped Kourt’s functional medicine and nutrition specialist Leona West Fox, who was kind enough to share the post-delivery resources she gave Kourt.
We also asked Martha Soffer, Ayurvedic Master and founder of Surya, (one of our favorite Ayurvedic spas) for some info on the first 40 days after delivery. Kourt had Martha come once a week to do massage treatments called Abhyanga, with customized oils made with herbs specifically formulated for Kourntey. Martha brought a helper and did a four-handed massage. “It’s nice when mom can take an hour to herself and dad can take some extra time to bond with the baby,” Kourt tells us.
“At the very beginning, it’s all about eating warm, nourishing foods, keeping hair dry and not going outside,” says Kourt. “I started taking walks outside with the baby after about a week or two to get some fresh air. I also kept very cozy, nurturing vibes at home like drinking different hot teas throughout the day and playing relaxing jazz music (and Christmas music because it was that time of year).”
Scroll down for expert tips on everything from calming the nervous system during the first few weeks postpartum to essential supplements.
“The 40-day tradition is observed in many cultures all over the world–Asia, Africa, South America, Middle East, and parts of Europe. Basically, across the world, you will find roots of this practice,” says Leona West Fox. “It’s especially significant in India where it has its roots in Ayurveda. In China, they call it ‘zuo yue zi.’ Many holistic practitioners and midwives encourage it.”
“The first 40 days are such a precious time in a new mother’s life,” Martha Soffer tells us. “The mother’s ‘vata’ dosha, or wind element, is aggravated. Just think about all the effort that’s required to create and push a new little human out of the mother’s body! From an Ayurvedic perspective, it’s all about calming this excess ‘vata,’ especially during the first 40 days.”
“At Surya, we recommend daily postpartum massages, a calming diet, calming body oil, everything that will help the new mother (and therefore the baby) come back into good balance,” Martha says. “Even the organs, like the uterus, need to settle down, and all the open space must gently close and return.”
Martha recommends avoiding going out in public too much for the first six weeks.
She says, “We really want to do everything we can to keep the nervous system calm, not only for the mother’s restoration, but to help the baby via the mother’s state of mind. It makes such a difference. Let everything settle down and go back into place. Then, find a new strength that is right there, available to every mother who invests just a little self-care.”
“Clients who spend this time nurturing themselves have stronger immune systems, calmer nervous systems, healthier organ function, and more balanced functioning and temperament,” says Martha. “And so do their babies. They and their babies sleep better, have better digestion, and there’s just a feeling of happiness and contentment in the midst of all the newness and natural stress. If I could recommend one thing to a new mother—better than all the prenatal prep and gift lists—it’s to take care of yourself during the first 40 days.”
If you can avoid going up and down stairs, Martha recommends that as well. This is because all of the organs are super loose post-birth, and therefore, are liable to shift around in ways that we’d prefer them not to when engaging in movements like going up and down stairs. Martha emphasized the importance of keeping the tummy (and all the organs around that area!) tucked away and as tightly as possible. For this reason, Kourt did not run, jump or do any bouncing or sit-ups for the first six months.
Sitz Bath Soak
This is a “soothing bath for postpartum discomfort,” Leona West Fox shares. It includes plant-based oils like lavender, coconut, and sweet almond as well as herbal botanicals including calendula, comfrey, and yarrow help to promote a quick recovery.
Sitz Bath Soak
Price: $27
Thena
Tearing Supplements
“To recover from a vaginal tear or cesarean, consider taking daily zinc, vitamin C, and collagen for two months for optimal healing,” Leona recommends.
Arnica
“Arnica is essential,” she says. “Whether you have the easiest delivery or challenges, arnica will help you recover faster and with more ease, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties.”
Arnica Montana
Price: $9
Boiron
“Consider taking for the first 7 to 14 days postpartum,” Leona advises.
Arnica 30C
Price: $17
Boiron
“Afterward, consider switching to Arnica 30C for another 7 to 14 days,” she says.
Perineal Cold Packs
“These are ideal for the first few days postpartum,” says Leona.
Perineal Cold Packs
Price: $37
Medline Deluxe
Topical Aloe Vera Gel
“This is essential for healing and support if you’ve had a tear during vaginal delivery or a cesarean,” says Leona. “After the initial healing has taken place (four to six weeks postpartum), start applying fresh aloe or this 100% pure aloe to your perineum or cesarean stitches. Aloe vera increases collagen in the wound and changes its composition for more cross-linkage that speeds healing.”
Topical Aloe Vera Gel
Price: $25
Seven Minerals
Colostrum & Collagen Supplements
Kourt alternated between colostrum and collagen supplements since you don’t need to take them at the same time.
PRO Colostrum-LD Powder
Price: $113
My Village Green
Collagen Fuel Collagen Peptide Drink Mix
Price: $27
Primal Kitchen
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