Postpartum Essentials: The Natural, Organic Must-Haves for Healing and Recovery
Welcome to the Other Side of Birth
You’ve done it. You’ve brought new life into the world. Your body has stretched, opened, and worked harder than it ever has before. Whether you’re feeling exhilarated, exhausted, or some ever-shifting combination of both, one thing is for sure: your body needs care.
Postpartum is a time of deep healing—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Your body isn’t just recovering; it’s reshaping itself, recalibrating, finding a new balance. Your mind is adjusting too, processing the intensity of birth, the rush of hormones, and the reality of caring for a newborn. And then there’s your heart—expanding in ways you never thought possible, holding more love, more responsibility, more wonder.
And yet, in the midst of all this transformation, the world will try to push you forward. The messages will come: Get back to normal! Fit into your jeans! Be productive! But I invite you to do the opposite. Instead of rushing, let’s honor this time. Let’s return to the old wisdom—the one that says: new mothers should be held, nourished, and given space to heal.
✨ You are allowed to slow down.
✨ You are allowed to rest deeply.
✨ You are allowed to let others take care of you.
This season isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing less—but doing it well. It’s about choosing wisely—surrounding yourself only with what truly supports you.
This isn’t another endless list of “must-haves.” This is about natural, organic, healing essentials—the things that will actually help. Let’s get into it.
Postpartum Recovery Must-Haves (Healing & Comfort)
Peri Bottle: Your New Best Friend
After a vaginal birth, wiping with toilet paper is about as appealing as walking across hot coals. Your perineum is tender, your tissues are healing, and your body is working hard to recover. A peri bottle becomes an essential tool for postpartum recovery, offering a gentle and soothing way to stay clean. It’s one of those postpartum essentials you don’t realize you need until you really need it.
Think of it as a tiny personal bidet—one that makes your postpartum experience a whole lot easier by reducing irritation and keeping things fresh while your body heals.
How to Use It:
Fill your peri bottle with warm water (cold can be a bit of a shock, but some people love it).
Angle the nozzle downward and gently rinse yourself while using the bathroom.
Pat dry with a soft cloth or organic cotton wipes—skip scratchy toilet paper for now.
Pro Tips for Maximum Relief:
Get an ergonomically designed spout – The Frida Mom Upside-Down Peri Bottle makes things easier, so you’re not playing a game of awkward angles. If you prefer a plastic-free option, glass peri bottles work just as well.
Add healing herbs to your rinse water – Brew a strong calendula + chamomile tea, let it cool, and pour it into your peri bottle. These herbs are postpartum care staples, as calendula soothes irritation, chamomile reduces inflammation, and both fight bacteria—gentle but powerful healers.
Infuse with witch hazel for extra relief – A few drops of alcohol-free witch hazel in your peri bottle can reduce swelling and promote faster healing.
DIY Cooling Peri Rinse – If swelling is an issue, refrigerate your peri bottle water before use. The cool rinse calms inflammation and brings instant relief.
This small but mighty bottle will be your best friend in those first few weeks of postpartum recovery—simple, effective, and completely necessary. Keep one in every bathroom you use, and let it do the work for you.Postpartum Pads: Soft, Breathable, and Non-Toxic
(Keywords: postpartum bleeding, postpartum pads, vagina and perineum)
You’ll experience postpartum bleeding (lochia) for several weeks. Many store-bought pads contain synthetic fibers and irritating chemicals—not ideal for a healing perineum.
🌿 Go for:
100% organic cotton pads (Rael, Natracare, or Honey Pot)
Cloth postpartum pads (LunaPads or HannahPad) if you prefer reusable options
✨ Pro tip: Keep your pads in the fridge before use. The coolness reduces swelling and feels amazing.
Witch Hazel Pads: Cooling Relief for Your Perineum
Your vagina and perineum just did an incredible thing. They deserve care. The tissues in this area have been stretched, possibly torn, and are now working hard to heal. Witch hazel pads are a simple, effective way to support that healing process. They reduce swelling, soothe irritation, and promote overall comfort—especially in those first few weeks postpartum.
Witch hazel is a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, making it perfect for sensitive, healing skin. It provides a cooling sensation that helps with discomfort and can even help prevent infection. Many store-bought pads contain synthetic ingredients, but you can make your own using simple, clean ingredients.
DIY Witch Hazel Pads:
Take organic cotton rounds or reusable cloth wipes.
Soak them in pure, alcohol-free witch hazel. Avoid drugstore versions with added alcohol, as they can be drying and irritating.
Store in the fridge and use as needed for a cooling, soothing effect.
Pro Tips for Extra Relief:
Layer the pads inside your postpartum pad for all-day relief.
Add a few drops of lavender or frankincense essential oil to your witch hazel solution. Lavender is calming and anti-inflammatory, while frankincense promotes skin healing.
If you’re short on time, look for pre-made organic witch hazel pads like Tucks, but always check the ingredients for alcohol or unnecessary additives.
Keep a small jar of these in your bathroom, and use them whenever you need extra comfort. Your body is already doing the work—this is just a gentle way to support it.
Perineal Ice Packs: A Soothing Cold Compress
Swelling and soreness are completely normal after birth. Your perineum has been through a lot, and while time and rest will do most of the healing, a little cooling relief can make a world of difference. An ice pack is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce inflammation, numb discomfort, and promote healing in those tender first days postpartum.
Many hospitals provide disposable perineal ice packs, but they can feel bulky, stiff, or overly chemical-laden. Making your own ensures you’re using clean, natural ingredients while also saving money.
DIY Perineal Ice Packs:
Take an organic cotton pad or reusable cloth pad.
Soak in aloe vera gel + witch hazel for added soothing and healing benefits.
Freeze and use as needed, placing it inside your postpartum pad for comfort.
Pro Tips for Extra Relief:
If you need immediate cooling, try storing a few witch hazel-soaked pads in the fridge rather than freezing them—gentle cold can be just as effective.
If making your own ice packs sounds like too much work, look for natural perineal ice packs with organic covers, or use a soft cloth-wrapped gel ice pack instead.
These are also great for c-section scars—just press gently over the area for relief without irritating the incision.
Whether you’re dealing with perineal swelling, stitches, or general postpartum discomfort, having a stash of these ready to go can make all the difference. Keep a few in the freezer and give yourself the relief you deserve.
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Sitz Bath: Herbal Healing for Tender Skin
If there’s one thing that instantly soothes soreness, it’s a sitz bath. This simple practice eases pain and discomfort, reduces inflammation, and speeds up healing—especially for a tender perineum or stitches from a vaginal birth. Warm water alone can be comforting, but adding healing herbs transforms it into a powerful recovery tool.
Best herbs for a sitz bath:
Calendula – promotes tissue healing
Comfrey – reduces swelling
Yarrow – antimicrobial + pain relief
Chamomile – soothes soreness
How to make one:
Steep a strong herbal tea with these plants, strain, and add to warm bathwater.
If you don’t have a bathtub, you can soak in a sitz bath basin or even pour the herbal infusion into your peri bottle for gentle cleansing.
If you don’t have time to steep your own herbs, look for pre-made herbal sitz bath blends that contain these healing plants. Even soaking for just 10-15 minutes a day can make a noticeable difference in your recovery.
Stool Softeners: Make the First Poop Easy
Nobody warns you about the first postpartum poop—but I will. Your pelvic floor is recovering, your muscles are weakened, and if you have stitches, the idea of pushing might feel terrifying. The goal? Make it as easy as possible.
Instead of waiting until things get uncomfortable, start using gentle, natural stool softeners from the beginning.
Best natural stool softeners:
Magnesium citrate – drink before bed to gently promote bowel movements.
Chia seeds soaked in coconut milk – adds fiber and hydration to help keep things moving.
Prune juice mixed with warm water – an old-school remedy that works like a charm.
Extra tip: Take deep belly breaths and use a squatty potty or a small stool under your feet to keep your posture aligned and reduce strain. Let gravity do the work!
Nipple Cream: Keeping Skin Soft & Happy
Breastfeeding can take a little getting used to. In those first few weeks, your skin may feel sore, dry, or even cracked. Keeping it moisturized and protected makes a huge difference in comfort and healing.
Best natural nipple creams:
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter – lanolin-free, safe for baby, and deeply hydrating.
Plain coconut oil – antimicrobial, soothing, and simple.
Pro tip: Let your nipples air-dry for a few minutes after feeding to help prevent irritation. If you’re dealing with cracks or soreness, applying a warm chamomile tea bag for a few minutes can help soothe and heal the skin naturally.
Hydration & Electrolytes: Keep Your Body Nourished
Your body is working hard to heal, and dehydration = exhaustion. Between blood loss, breastfeeding, and hormone shifts, your hydration needs skyrocket postpartum. Drinking enough fluids isn’t just about avoiding thirst—it’s about replenishing what your body is giving. Proper hydration supports energy levels, milk production, digestion, and overall recovery.
Best hydration options:
Coconut water – Packed with natural electrolytes, it helps rehydrate quickly without added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Bone broth – Full of minerals and gut-healing collagen, it supports tissue repair and keeps digestion moving smoothly.
Herbal postpartum tea – A mix of red raspberry leaf (uterine support), nettle (iron + minerals), and oatstraw (nervous system support) makes for a deeply nourishing drink.
Pro tip: Keep a big water bottle in every room where you spend time. Whether you’re nursing, resting, or just trying to close your eyes for five minutes, you won’t have time to go looking for it.
Organic Nursing Pads: Soft & Sustainable
If you’re breastfeeding, you might experience some leaking—totally normal as your body figures out supply and demand. Instead of using plastic-lined disposable nursing pads that can trap moisture and feel sticky, opt for breathable, natural materials that are gentle on sensitive skin.
Best sustainable nursing pads:
Organic Bamboo Nursing Pads – Soft, reusable, and absorbent, bamboo naturally wicks moisture away while feeling gentle on sore skin.
Wool Nursing Pads – Wool is naturally antibacterial and moisture-wicking, keeping your skin dry without the need for synthetic liners. Bonus: They stay warm, which can help prevent clogged ducts.
Having a few pairs of these on hand means you can swap them out as needed while keeping your skin healthy and irritation-free.
Keep It Clean, Keep It Gentle, Keep It Simple
You don’t need fancy postpartum kits or 20 different products. Healing is less about what you buy and more about how you care for yourself.
✨ What matters most:
✔ Rest deeply.
✔ Eat nourishing, whole foods.
✔ Surround yourself with warmth, love, and support.
Your body knows how to heal—you’re simply giving it the space and tools to do what it already knows how to do.
And remember, you don’t have to navigate this time alone. If you have questions or need extra support, reach out to Nets—whether it’s for guidance, reassurance, or just a listening ear from someone who’s walked this path with so many families.
