Postpartum Recovery Tips to Start Healing

New mothers have spent the previous nine months experiencing profound changes to their bodies. After labor, it’s time to start healing. That isn’t easy to do alongside the new demands of motherhood. Effective postpartum care requires time, patience, and the right products to facilitate a smooth recovery process. We hope these tips for postpartum recovery will help you regain comfort and confidence as soon as you’re ready. 

The Postpartum Timeline

Just how long does it take to recover after giving birth? No matter how relatively easy or difficult your delivery was, healthcare professionals consider the first six weeks after birth as the recovery period. Every woman, pregnancy, and delivery is unique, so you may require more time to fully recover.

Take the time to understand all the physical and emotional symptoms of the postpartum process and talk with a healthcare professional to learn more.

How to Heal Postpartum: Recovery Tips

• Rest is best: Postpartum self-care starts with rest. Get the help you need to manage multiple feedings overnight, sleep whenever the baby sleeps (even if it’s just a few minutes), and laydown whenever you can.
  
• Vaginal soreness/perineal tears: Applying ice packs, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and soaking in warm baths can help reduce soreness. If you’re experiencing afterpains, heating pads can also provide relief. 
  
• C-section care: Keep the incision clean with gentle cleanings with warm water and soap. Your medical provider may recommend covering or leaving the area exposed; follow their advice between doctor appointments. 
  
• Address pelvic pain: After giving birth, many women experience varying degrees of pain in the pelvis, hips, and tailbone. The pain can manifest as aching, shooting, or intensifying during specific activities. Over-the-counter pain relief, as well as gentle light movement to strengthen muscles and stimulate bowel movements, may help.
  
• If the pain lasts more than three months, worsens, or interferes with daily life, contact your healthcare provider.
  
• Use a bidet: Postpartum hygiene reduces the risk of infections and other complications. You can use a bidet to gently clean up; check out our postpartum care basket recommendations to find the best bidet for postpartum life.

These are the basics of how to heal after birth, but remember, recovery is rarely linear. Expect progress and setbacks, and never be afraid to ask for assistance from friends and family. 

The Ultimate Postpartum Care Package

Put your body in a position to heal successfully with a mix of postpartum care products to soothe irritation and reduce pain. As much as these items help, remember that the most important factor in postpartum recovery: rest. 

If possible, gather your postpartum care essentials before giving birth, so you have everything you need right away.

Here’s what to look for:

Postpartum Underwear

In addition to maternity pads, find a few pairs of postpartum underwear. These are designed to be extra absorbent and to fit bulky pads and ice packs as you begin to heal. There are both cloth and disposable options available but opting for cloth underwear reduces waste – they’re also just more comfortable!

Perineal Spray

These handheld spray bottles offer quick cooling and itch relief. Most perineal sprays can also reduce swelling and ease the discomfort caused by tears or bruising. Experiment with a few different kinds to find one that works best for you.

Pain Reliever 

Your doctor may prescribe pain medication for a few days after you give birth, especially if you delivered via C-section. Stock up on Advil or ibuprofen for steady pain relief. Always use medication as directed and talk to your doctor about dosage recommendations.

Perineal Spray Bottle

Whether in the hospital, at home, or on the go, using a peri bottle to rinse off can help new mothers avoid infection and irritation. Our Pearl Travel Bidet is a great option to stash in your purse or diaper bag.

Bidet Seat or Attachment

Using the bathroom after giving birth can be uncomfortable enough, but toilet paper feels like sandpaper for new mothers. Instead, consider a bidet seat or bidet attachment to make your postpartum bathroom visits more comfortable. 

Read more: Exercise and Digestive Health

Is a Bidet Good for Postpartum Mothers?

Absolutely. Using a bidet is more hygienic than toilet paper, reduces irritation, and can help keep your recovery on track. Abrasive toilet paper can be simply unbearable in the days and weeks after delivery. Bidets are easier to use and more effective than most peri bottles, plus they help you reduce your carbon footprint and save money in the long term.

The Best Postpartum Bidet for Healing

Finding the right bidet style is all about finding the features you’re looking for. The best bidet for women will always have two nozzles, offering both posterior and anterior cleansing. You might also look for options such as:

• Heated seat
• Warm air-dry
• UV-sterilization
• Wireless remote

Our Favorite Bidet Attachment for Women and New Moms

The SlimEdge is an inexpensive bidet attachment that fits on your existing toilet. It offers dual-nozzle functionality in a simple and stylish package. It offers self-cleaning, is easy to install, and doesn’t require electricity or batteries. It also features adjustable water pressure to further reduce any irritation – a crucial feature for postpartum comfort.

The Perfect Bidet Toilet Seat for Women and Postpartum Recovery

You can’t beat the BB-2000 when it comes to creating a personalized experience. In addition to dual self-cleaning nozzles, it also features a heated seat, a warm air dryer, and warm water, making make every bathroom break relaxing and just a bit luxurious. Nobody deserves extra care and comfort as much as a recovering mom. See all the features built into the BB-2000 and compare it to other bidet toilet seat options.

Prioritize Postpartum Care for Mom

We’re proud to see our products play a small role in postpartum recovery. We hope that using a bidet postpartum along with a combination of rest, recovery products, and patience, will help you enjoy every moment with your newborn. 

Start your postpartum home care kit by taking our Bidet Quiz to find the perfect product for you, or contact our team for personalized recommendations!