Postpartum Recovery is no joke. Here’s what you should expect and what to buy so that you’re ready.

Part One: Postpartum Bleeding and Perineal Recovery

First, a little myth busting. Everyone bleeds after birth, regardless of how your baby made its way into the world. Vaginal birth or c-section, it is the uterus that needs to shed the lining and heal from the pregnancy and birth. Very similar to a period, except this time it will take a full 6 weeks for the uterus to fully heal. The placenta that was attached inside, detaches at birth and leaves a pancake-sized wound that must heal. The bleeding is called “lochia” (It somehow manages to sound foreign and gross, very on-brand!)

During your postpartum bleeding you can only use pads or period panties. Due to risk of infection, you cannot put anything inside the vagina so tampons and menstrual cups are out. On that note, no penises, fingers or sex toys can be inserted during the bleeding stage either!

My recommended products for postpartum bleeding:

Always Pads for Postpartum or if you’re feeling fancy and like natural products, try Honey Pot Postpartum Pads. Avoid using pads with a dry weave layer on top because it can be sticky with any stitches if you had a tear.  You’ll need to use heavy flow pads for the first week or two. Some people prefer diapers but I actually recommend Frida Mom Mesh Underwear with a pad inside for comfort and breathability, or a pair of cotton underwear with your pad.

A note on bleeding: your bleeding should be heavier for the first 2 weeks. It should decrease over time and if you notice an increase it is likely because you’re too busy! Slow down. If you notice clots larger than an egg or bleeding that fills a pad in under an hour, call your hospital or Dr. This is a sign something could be wrong.

To heal the perineum you’re going to need to take gentle care of it, just like you would your new baby. Many people end up with stitches after giving birth vaginally, and while it can seem scary, the healing process if pretty straightforward for most. If you take your postpartum recovery seriously, you will be fine!

Nothing is more important for your postpartum recovery shopping list than choosing the best peri bottle. The peri bottle is your new best friend. You will use it every time you pee or poop, and it will help take a very painful moment and make it not so bad/better.

My recommendations for postpartum perineal recovery:

Hospitals give out peri bottles, but you can choose to upgrade to a luxury model like Frida Mom Peri Bottle or Materni Peri Bottle. Both are great options! To use: just angle the spray towards your vulva while you pee, or use it to spray your bum after you poop, especially if you’ve developed hemorrhoids from pushing.

Here’s the real secret though: we’re not just squeezing water to clean. Fill your peri bottle with a few helpful products that will ease the healing process. Witch Hazel and Epsom Salts mixed in with your very warm water will feel like a postpartum pussy spa day.

You can also use these two products mentioned above to do what is called a sitz bath. I recommend this to anyone with tearing more than a 2nd degree or if you’re feeling particularly tender down there. Fill your tub with 3 or 4 inches of regular bath temp water. Add a 1/2 cup of the salt and a 1/4 cup of witch hazel. Gently sit in the tub, and soak with your legs slightly open. After 10 minutes, get out, towel off carefully, put on a fresh pad and underwear, along with your favourite cozy pants and make your way back to your bed or couch for more resting (request a snack be made while you soak so you can eat upon your return!) If you do this for the first 10 days or so your postpartum recovery should feel like a breeze!

The key to an easy postpartum recovery is to plan to take it easy for a solid 2 weeks. Resting, doing minimal efforts, staying home as much as possible and going only for short 30 minute walks will ensure a faster recovery.

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