9 AFTER BIRTH MUST HAVES FOR NEW MAMAS
SHARING ALL OF THE PRODUCTS AND TIPS THAT HELPED ME SPRING BACK AND FEEL GREAT IN MY OWN BODY AGAIN
After having a baby 6 weeks ago, I wanted to share some of my “must haves” which I couldn’t have recovered without and I am still using. Pregnancy and Postpartum can be very overwhelming especially for new moms and so I have written a blog to break it down and share things that have really helped me. I am always doing research and looking to help other mamas and “mamas to be” feel their best during this bumpy journey (see what I did there ;p).
Product No1. The Dairy Fairy Pumping Bra. This has been a life saver for me, as at the start when I was pumping I had to hold the bottles and it would waste so much time as I couldn’t do anything but hold them. It was especially important for me to have this bra as my baby was in the NICU for 2 weeks after birth so I needed to pump around the clock to provide him my breast milk when I wasn’t there. And now I have to feed him through the bottle with my breast milk and then hold him up for 45mins after feeding as he has very severe acid reflux. During the night feeds this was such a long ordeal as I then having to pump afterwards (essentially a 1 1/2 hour process) and would get zero sleep. But now I can pump whilst I am feeding him which has given me 20mins extra sleep each time and when you add that up and you’re a new mum that is a massive amount of time :). And lastly it is a really pretty bra so I feel like I have my sexy back and I’m more confident again. Use my discount code ROXYFIT to get money off and click HERE to view The Dairy fairy to see all of their products :).I use the Ayla Luxury Lace Nursing and Handsfree Pumping bra.
Product no.2 Belly Bandit Belly Band Before I was pregnant I was very skeptical about this product, as I am a firm believer that you can only change and help your body by yourself. However now that I have been through the whole pregnancy, and now post pregnancy journey, my mind has switched. I used the Maternity belly wrap in my 3rd trimester of pregnancy because I was very active throughout but started to feel heavier and uncomfortable around my pelvis even when I walked a long distance. For my workouts and walks I would use the band as it really supported my back, pelvis and groin area and I really noticed a difference when I didn’t have it on.
Now postpartum, after my C section, I decided to give their band a go from day two after the surgery. My doctor had also told me it would help with the swelling and posture. I would thoroughly recommend getting one of these and wearing it everyday post c -section. By day 5 you couldn’t even tell I had had a bump or had been through surgery. I still have the scare tissue, but It amazed me how well I was walking, standing and feeling. This DOES NOT mean it aids weight loss or builds core strength, this is not the reason I use it.
When I did my core exercises and started belly stretching from day 2 I made sure I took the band off for this as I want my muscles to build strength themselves and fully heel, the band won’t help with the heeling of the diathesis rectified (separation of the rectus abdominals). Doing those exercises alongside wearing the band for my light workouts and long walks has helped my recovery and I have surprised myself with how quickly I am bouncing back from this. Click HERE to view the belly band I used post surgery.
Product no.3 Arnica Tablets and gel :- I have always used Arnica for past injuries and aches and am a big cheerleader of this supplement. Arnica is an herb that grows mainly in Siberia and central Europe, as well as temperate climates in North America. The flowers of the plant are used in medicine. The active chemicals in Arnica may reduce swelling, decrease pain, and act as antibiotics. Arnica Gel is a homeopathic remedy and a very natural product, free from parabens, fragrances, or dyes. I also believe this was a massive contribute to my swelling reduction and pain relief especially during the days soon after the surgery. I started taking these the morning after the C-Section and the gel two weeks afterwards, once my stitches were closed up so that none of the gel could seep into my body through my skin.
Obviously with all of my suggestions please check with your own physician first – this is just from my experience and what really helped me. I get mine from WholeFoods or click HERE to purchase online.
Product no.4 :- Ice pack. For short term pain relief, and again for the swelling, I loved putting an ice pack over my scar and lower abdomen. It would totally numb the pain and take away the inflammation. You can find these in any chemist. I got one that can be a heat compress too, as that was useful for the cramming and digestion.
Product no.5 Premamawellness energy sachets and pre natal vitamins :-
I only found out about this company in my third trimester and wish I had sooner. I take their energy mix sachets which help me massively to uplift my energy levels naturally and level out my hormones. They then kindly sent me their prenatal vitamins to also take post pregnancy and I have found they have also helped with my digestion, energy and mood levels. I have always struggled with taking vitamins as they upset my stomach but Premamawellness use natural peppermint to make these prenatal’s easy to take, easy to digest, and easy to enjoy. Each bottle contains a food-grade plastic insert infused with pure peppermint oil, so it smells and tastes better than your typical vitamin. It’s like having a mint! Click HERE to explore their products including these two I have mentioned above. They have also kindly provided me with a 15% off code to apply at the check out ‘ROXYE15’
Products no 6. Eats lots of :-
flaxseed,
dates
protein sources
leafy greens
beans (legumes)
avocado
oatmeal
drink fennel tea
One of the main things a healthy diet can do is give new moms energy. It’s important to spread food throughout the day so that you get an even amount of calories. When you eat foods rich with nutrients, you’ll notice that your calories go a long way. You’ll feel fuller longer, and will have the get-up-and-go mentality you need for those 3 a.m. feeding calls. This will give you lasting power to take care of your baby and yourself. These foods are not only great for recovery and energy levels but also support and help your breast milk supply.
In conjunction with all of these products I am staying active with what was safe for my recovery. Lots of walking, glute exercises to protect my back, foam rolling, gentle stretches and deep core activation exercises including my belly pump which I did through out my pregnancy. I have seen massive improvements in my muscle tissue resilience, recovery and body and I am now back to my pre pregnancy figure. While collagen isn’t the only reason I healed quickly, I’m confident that the inclusion of it in my postpartum daily diet promoted a faster recovery and increased muscle strength. Click HERE to purchase the one I take.
And lastly…product no. 9 :– Rosehip oil
Rosehip oil is naturally a rich source of essential fatty acids which include omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. It is also rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and anti-oxidants. These properties of Rosehip oil make it ideal for diminishing stretch marks.It is also used for heal scarring. I always mix this product in a spare container with my favourite moisturiser and then lather it on my body morning and night ;). This way it lasts longer and it is less oily. Click HERE for the brand I use.
I really hope this blog has help my new time mama readers and mama to be’s out there get prepared. Remember each pregnancy and recovery is different so follow your own journey and what your body can handle. It is not good to compare, it will only make you disheartened and unmotivated. Set your own realistic goals, stay healthy and active and you will rock it ;). Thank you for reading xXx