Postpartum Self-Care Made Simple: The Best Products & Daily Rituals to Make You Feel Like Yourself Again
The postpartum period is a time of immense change—both beautiful and challenging. As new moms adjust to life with their baby, their own postpartum self-care often takes a backseat. But prioritizing recovery and well-being isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential. Taking care of your body, mind, and mind during this time helps you heal faster, feel more like yourself, and ultimately show up as the best version of yourself for your baby.
But here’s the truth: postpartum self-care doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need elaborate spa days or hours of free time to feel rejuvenated. Instead, small, intentional rituals and the right supportive products can make a huge difference in how you feel during those first weeks and months.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best postpartum self-care essentials—from healing products and skincare solutions to meal prep shortcuts and mental wellness practices—to help you recover, recharge, and feel more like yourself again. Whether you’re looking for ways to soothe sore muscles, regain energy, or simply carve out moments of relaxation, these recommendations will make postpartum self-care simple and attainable.
Let’s dive into the top products and daily rituals that can help you nurture yourself as you navigate the fourth trimester.
Wondering who I am and why I'm giving advice? I'm a mom of three and a labor and delivery nurse. I've assisted in thousands of births and helped countless women on their journey to an empowered motherhood journey. I want to bring my knowledge and genuine mom advice to you. I'm so glad you're here. If you're looking for someone to talk to or lean on in this new mom life, I'm your girl.
Please note: The views on this website are personal opinions only and do not represent the opinions or policies of any provider or institution that I am affiliated with. I am not giving medical advice. Information on this website is not intended to diagnose, or treat any form of any disease. This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. I am only telling you what my experiences are. Please refer to my Disclaimer Page for more information.
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Healing from Pregnancy & Birth
The postpartum period is a time of immense healing—your body has spent months growing a baby, and now it needs time and support to recover. Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, prioritizing postpartum healing is one of the best forms of self-care. From soothing sore muscles to supporting your core, small daily actions can help your body recover more comfortably so you can focus on your baby and yourself.
Soothe and Support Your Postpartum Body
After giving birth, physical discomfort is completely normal. From perineal swelling and soreness to C-section incision tenderness, every mom’s healing journey is different. But here’s the good news—there are gentle, effective ways to help your body feel better so you can recover faster and more comfortably.
Ease Perineal Pain and Swelling
If you had a vaginal birth, one of the biggest discomforts in the first few days postpartum is perineal swelling and soreness. The best way to speed up healing is to keep the area clean, cool, and well-supported.
🌿 Try this: Use Earth Mama Organics Herbal Perineal Spray after each bathroom trip for an instant cooling, soothing effect. The witch hazel and herbal blend help reduce swelling and provide much-needed relief. Many moms say this is a lifesaver in the first week postpartum—especially if you had stitches or tearing.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep your perineal spray in the fridge for extra cooling relief!
Another great option is to prepare a postpartum sitz bath. Soaking in warm water with Earth Mama’s Sitz Bath Herbal Blend helps reduce inflammation, soothe soreness, and promote healing. If you’re short on time, try soaking a pad in brewed sitz bath tea, freezing it, and using it as a “padsicle” for relief!
Support C-Section Recovery
If you had a C-section, healing takes a little longer, and incision care is crucial. The first few weeks can be uncomfortable, especially when getting out of bed, standing for long periods, or lifting your baby.
🎗 Try this: Wearing a gentle belly wrap, like the Belly Bandit Postpartum Belly Wrap, can provide light compression and support to help reduce pain and encourage better posture. This is especially helpful if you feel abdominal weakness or core instability after surgery. A postpartum belly wrap like Belly Bandit provides light compression to support weakened abdominal muscles while they heal. This can help moms feel more stable and supported during the early postpartum weeks.
💡 Pro Tip: When getting up from a seated position, roll to your side first and push yourself up with your arms instead of using your abdominal muscles. This puts less strain on your incision and helps you avoid discomfort.
Many moms also swear by coconut oil or scar creams to help with C-section scar healing—just be sure to wait until your incision is fully closed before applying anything to it!
Support Core & Pelvic Floor Recovery
Regaining strength in your core and pelvic floor is an essential part of postpartum healing. Pregnancy and birth put a significant amount of strain on these muscles, and without proper recovery, new moms may experience core weakness, back pain, and pelvic floor issues such as incontinence or prolapse.
Strengthen Your Core Safely
Postpartum moms should ease into core exercises slowly and focus on gentle, intentional movements to rebuild strength. The Expecting & Empowered Fitness App (USE CODE ALIFEINLABOR to get $20 off) provides guided postpartum workouts specifically designed to strengthen the core without straining healing muscles. Their programs include:
- Diaphragmatic breathing exercises to retrain deep core muscles.
- Pelvic tilts and gentle glute bridges to engage the lower abs and pelvic floor.
- Postural exercises to realign the spine and reduce back pain.
💡 Try this: Start with deep belly breathing exercises every morning. Inhale deeply, allowing your belly to expand, then exhale while gently pulling your core in. This helps re-engage the transverse abdominis, your deepest core muscle, which is crucial for postpartum recovery.
Get $20 off your annual subscription for the pregnancy & postpartum workout app that will help you recover and feel like yourself again.
Be Patient With Your Recovery
It’s important to listen to your body and take your time with postpartum recovery. Core and pelvic floor healing doesn’t happen overnight, but by incorporating gentle exercises, supportive wear, and proper breathing techniques, you can rebuild strength and feel more like yourself again.
Prioritize Mental and Emotional Well-Being
While postpartum recovery focuses heavily on physical healing, mental and emotional self-care is just as important. Many new moms experience postpartum mood swings, anxiety, or feelings of overwhelm, which is completely normal. Adjusting to life with a newborn is a huge transition, and prioritizing mental well-being can make all the difference in how you feel during this time.
Boost Mood and Energy Naturally
Newborn life comes with sleepless nights, hormonal fluctuations, and constant demands—all of which can leave you feeling exhausted and emotionally drained. To combat postpartum fatigue and mood swings, focusing on gut health and natural mood support can be a game-changer.
🌿 Try this: Drinking Happy Juice by Amare daily can help balance stress hormones, improve mental clarity, and boost energy levels naturally. This gut-brain supplement is specifically designed to support mental wellness by improving gut health, which plays a major role in emotional balance.
💡 My personal experience: I started drinking Happy Juice during my third postpartum period, and I could actually feel the difference in my energy levels and mood. It helped me manage the stress of newborn life and feel more like myself again so much quicker.
Other simple ways to boost energy and improve mood include:
- Getting outside for fresh air – even a five-minute walk can increase serotonin levels.
- Prioritizing hydration and nutrition – drinking enough water and eating protein-rich foods can stabilize energy levels.
- Taking short rest breaks – even if you can’t nap, closing your eyes and practicing deep breathing can help reset your mood.
Incorporate Mindful Movement for Stress Relief
Movement isn’t just beneficial for physical recovery—it can also significantly impact mental well-being. Gentle postpartum-friendly exercises can help reduce stress, improve circulation, and boost mood-boosting endorphins.
💪 Try this: Using the Expecting & Empowered fitness app. (use code: ALIFEINLABOR), you can access postpartum-friendly yoga, breathing exercises, and low-impact movement routines. Even five to ten minutes of stretching or breathwork can help alleviate tension and restore a sense of calm.
🧘♀️ Simple Postpartum Stress-Relief Exercises:
Walking with baby in a carrier: A great way to bond with baby while benefiting from light exercise.
Diaphragmatic breathing: Helps regulate the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
Gentle stretching: Releases built-up tension in the shoulders, neck, and lower back.
Embrace Small Daily Moments of Self-Care
Postpartum self-care is about finding small, meaningful moments to prioritize your well-being. Simple rituals—like skincare, journaling, or enjoying a warm cup of tea—can provide a much-needed mental reset.
🌿 Try this: Using The Spoiled Mama’s postpartum skincare line, you can create a simple but effective skincare routine that makes you feel refreshed and cared for. Their Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks hydrates and nourishes postpartum skin, while their Brightening Serum helps fade melasma and hormonal acne.
Other easy self-care rituals:
- Writing down three things you’re grateful for each morning.
- Listening to an uplifting podcast while feeding your baby.
- Taking a warm shower at the end of the day to reset your mind.
Connect with a Support System
Postpartum can feel isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Finding support—whether through family, friends, mom groups, or professional help—can make a huge difference in how you navigate this season.
💡 Ways to build your support system:
- Join a postpartum mom group (either locally or online) to connect with other moms going through the same experiences.
- Talk to your partner or loved ones about how you’re feeling—asking for help is a sign of strength.
- Seek professional support if needed—postpartum mental health struggles are common, and talking to a therapist can be incredibly beneficial.
By prioritizing mental and emotional well-being, you’re not just taking care of yourself—you’re also creating a healthy, happy foundation for your baby. Motherhood is a journey, and giving yourself grace during this time is one of the greatest gifts you can offer yourself. 💕
Simplify Your Daily Needs
New moms often feel overwhelmed with endless feedings, diaper changes, and lack of sleep. Simplifying your daily tasks can help reduce stress, save time, and make your postpartum experience more manageable.
Make Mealtime Easier with Freezer Prep & Quick Meals
Cooking nutritious meals can feel impossible with a newborn. My Freeze Easy helps busy moms prepare freezer-friendly meals in advance, so nutritious food is always ready without extra effort.
🍽 Try this: Dedicate a day to prepping slow cooker meals, casseroles, and protein-packed dishes before birth. Having pre-made meals ensures you eat well even when you’re exhausted.
💡 Mom’s Pro Tip: Stock up on healthy one-handed snacks like nuts, protein bars, and yogurt to keep your energy up while holding your baby.
Wear Comfortable, Supportive Clothing
The right postpartum clothing can help you feel comfortable, confident, and put together even on busy days. Storq’s postpartum clothing line offers stylish and functional pieces designed for nursing and everyday comfort.
👚 Postpartum clothing must-haves:
- Nursing bras and tanks for easy breastfeeding access.
- High-waisted leggings for gentle belly support.
- A cozy robe for quick, comfortable coverage during late-night feedings.
Use Hands-Free Tools to Make Life Easier
New moms are always multitasking, and hands-free products can be a lifesaver.
🤱 Try this: A Momcozy Wearable Breast Pump allows you to pump hands-free, so you can pump while feeding, working, or relaxing.
Other helpful hands-free tools:
- Ergo Baby Carrier – Keeps baby close while allowing you to move freely.
- Busy Baby Silicone Mat – Keeps baby entertained during mealtime.
- Diaper caddy station – Organizes all diaper-changing essentials in one place.
By simplifying daily tasks, prepping ahead, and using hands-free tools, you’ll make postpartum life easier and focus on bonding with your baby while taking care of yourself.
Create a Relaxing Postpartum Environment
Your surroundings play a huge role in mental and emotional well-being. A cozy, clutter-free, and organized space can help you feel more at ease, reduce stress, and make daily tasks smoother.
Designate a Cozy Resting Area
New moms spend a lot of time feeding, resting, and recovering, so having a comfortable postpartum nest is essential.
🛏 Try this: Set up a cozy space with soft pillows, a warm blanket, and everything you need within arm’s reach—water, snacks, nipple cream, diapers, and burp cloths. Keeping essentials close by minimizes movement, which is especially helpful in the early weeks.
💡 Mom’s Pro Tip: Place a small storage basket next to your bed or nursing chair to keep all your must-haves in one place.
Use Aromatherapy for Relaxation
Scent has a powerful effect on mood and stress levels. Using natural essential oils can help create a peaceful postpartum environment.
🌿 Try this: Diffuse lavender essential oil to promote relaxation or use peppermint oil for an energy boost.
Other aromatherapy ideas:
- A lavender pillow mist to help with better sleep.
- Chamomile tea bags—the scent alone has a calming effect.
- A warm bath with essential oils for deep relaxation.
Conclusion: Embracing Postpartum Self-Care with Grace
Postpartum self-care is not about perfection—it’s about prioritizing yourself in small but meaningful ways. Every mom’s recovery journey looks different, but one thing remains the same: you deserve care, too. Taking time to nurture your body, mind, and emotions isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
💡 Final Takeaways:
- Healing takes time—listen to your body and give yourself grace.
- Support your mental and emotional health—find connection and moments of joy.
- Simplify your daily routine—use tools and products that make life easier.
- Create a comforting environment—small changes can make a big difference.
- Celebrate small wins—acknowledge your progress and strength every day.
Motherhood is a journey filled with ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. No matter where you are in your postpartum experience, know that you are doing an incredible job. Be gentle with yourself, embrace the season you’re in, and most importantly—don’t forget to take care of you, too. 💕
✨ What postpartum self-care ritual has made the biggest difference for you? Share in the comments below!
