Yes to Birth- A wonderful audio relaxation program by SF birthing expert Rachel Yellin for birth and postpartum prep.
Read about the concept of "The Golden Month" in "The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother" I love the book so much , we have it in our waiting room. Chock full of wisdom, recipes and ideas to help you restore during your postpartum recovery. Although the Golden Month is a tradition of 30-40 days of rest and nutrition, even two weeks dedicated to rest at home can help your body restore blood and Qi lost in birth. Your third week should be partial bed rest, gently returning to activity.
TLC for your vagina- Real talk here, your vagina may need care post-birth. Several conditions can arise such as hemorrhoids or pelvic pain. Postpartum "padsicles"- Perfect to soothe a sore perineum for the first 24-48 hours after delivery. You will need Witch Hazel (preferbly alcohol -free), aloe vera gel and optional lavender oil. For the pads, you can use anything you've got handy:, cloth or disposable menstrual pads, postpartum pads, or panty liners, generic wash cloths purchased in packs can also work well. Mix half witch hazel and half aloe vera gel in a bowl, adding 4-5 drops of lavender oil if you'd like. Spray or spread the liquid onto the pads. Wrap individually in aluminum foil and freeze. Some women create a curved shape to fit your pelvis by placing the pads in a bowl (edges will curve up) in order to freeze. Then seal the pads in a ziplock bag in the freezer for later use.
Besides the aforementioned padsicles, you may want to use an herbal sitz bath after the first 24-48 hours- find the recipe here and hang out in it for 15-20 minutes per day post-birth.
Also we recommend you consider a pelvic floor PT. The women at Pelvic Health and Rehab Center are wonderful and can help you recover from pelvic floor trauma. Plan to see them about 4-6 weeks post-birth.
Mama Tong soup- is a great resource postpartum. Teaming with vitamins, minerals and collagen, bone broth is one of the most nutrient dense, restorative foods possible. I especially recommend the herbal chicken soup or the ginger chicken bone broth. Order online http://mamatongsoup.com/recipes/. or through Good Eggs.
Be sure to hydrate in general post-birth and especially if breastfeeding! Drink 80 ounces or 10 eight ounce glasses per day.
Lactation cookies purchased at the store are often filled with junk. Here is a recipe for homemade lactation cookies that can help if your breastmilk supply is low. You might make some of the dough ahead and freeze the raw cookies, take them out to bake as needed.
Mother Roasting- is a warming treatment done at Double Happiness Health about two weeks postpartum. It utilizes moxibustion to promote deep healing and recovery by vitalizing energy and warming blood flow in the abdomen.
Allow your family and friends to help you. This is a great time to practice saying yes to those offering to help cook for you, run errands or do a load of your laundry. Have some projects for your parents or in-laws to do while they are in-town. Gives them a feeling of value as well as bragging rights and helps give you both space and support.
Let go of doing and being productive during this time. You will be in a special hormonal and experiential period that supports you just being with your baby and partner. Be sure to be loving to yourself and know you’ve just done something incredible. Remember to be patient; you are on the very first steps of your new adventure.
Postpartum Prep: Ten Tips for The Golden Month