We’re all grown-ups here, and we know that birthing a child isn’t exactly a trip to the day spa. But, when you hold that baby in your arms for the first time and look into his eyes and count those tiny fingers and toes…you tend to forget that you’re a bit raw and torn up underneath your hospital gown (especially if you’ve had a tear or an episiotomy). The combination of adrenaline, endorphins and, well, love, truly is more powerful than any painkillers the nurse might offer.
Too bad they can’t bottle up that feeling so you can bring it home with you. Because at some point, it’s going to hit you, and it’s going to hit you right where it hurts. Fortunately, with some inexpensive natural ingredients you’d want to have in your family’s arsenal, anyway, you can put together a soothing solution midwives and doulas have been using for decades to promote the natural healing process.
Naturally Soothing Postpartum Healing Pads
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. comfrey leaves, prepared with 1 cup of boiling water to make a tea
¼ cup witch hazel
3 drops of lavender essential oil
1 Tbsp. aloe vera
Maxi pads (choose extra-large, chlorine-free)
Directions
- Strain the comfrey from the boiling water and reserve the tea.
- Combine tea with lavender oil, aloe vera and witch hazel in a bowl, then spoon a few tablespoons of the solution into each maxi pad (just to dampen, not to soak.)
- Re-wrap pads and put the pads in the freezer—the chill will help with swelling.
- Unwrap and thaw for five minutes prior to use, for the first 2-3 days postpartum. (After that, you may still benefit from the pads, but the freezing no longer will be necessary.)