Bridget Teyler
Postpartum Care: DIY Padsicles, C-Section Care, and How to Eliminate Stress | Birth Doula
Self Care is important in every stage of life, but ESPECIALLY important during those first few weeks during your postpartum recovery. In this video we talk about how to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally so that you are able to have a healthy and happy postpartum recovery. I share how you can make easy DIY padsicles, how to care for vaginal tears or a c-section incision, and how to handle a new kind of normal that can sometimes be overwhelming at first. Comment below any self care tips you loved during your postpartum recovery!
Purchasing through these links is a simple way to support me at no extra cost to you! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you 🙂
FREE MINI ONLINE BIRTH CLASS: www.builttobirth.com/free-mini-birth-class
PURCHASE THE BUILT TO BIRTH ONLINE COURSE: www.builttobirth.com
DOWNLOAD THE BUILT TO BIRTH AFFIRMATION MEDITATIONS: www.builttobirth.com/shop
• Alcohol free Witch Hazel – https://amzn.to/2K1jXG4
• Organic Aloe Vera Gel – https://amzn.to/2K90h3c
• Sitz Bath – https://amzn.to/31mDx5k
• Sitz Bath Soak – https://amzn.to/31jtFcr
• Meal Train – mealtrain.com
____________________________________
SOME THINGS YOU WILL LOVE TO HAVE:
START YOUR AMAZON BABY REGISTRY! – https://amzn.to/2GQmM9p
PREGNANCY MUST HAVES
• BIRTH BALL – https://amzn.to/2I4qX2O
• MEGAFOOD BABY AND ME PRENATAL – https://amzn.to/2IvYZff
• GINGER CHEWS FOR NAUSEA – https://amzn.to/2K4mXBG
All my PREGNANCY Must Haves – https://amzn.to/2Mym0DC
POSTPARTUM MUST HAVES
• NURSING PADS & GEL PADS – https://amzn.to/2I3zzGM
• TUCKS WICH HAZEL PADS – https://amzn.to/2EZR9cT
• NURSING BRAS – https://amzn.to/2EZatqO
All my POSTPARTUM Essentials – https://amzn.to/2WoDIcD
BABY FAVES
• HATCH BABY SOUND MACHINE – https://amzn.to/2MzIW5r
• DIAPER BACKPACK – https://amzn.to/2WoRNqn
• THE BEST LANOLIN (FOR DIAPER RASH, ECZEMA, DRY SKIN) – https://amzn.to/2WZRtm6
All my BABY FAVES – https://amzn.to/2WlZopL
BREASTFEEDING GO-TO's
• LEGENDAIRY MILK LACTATION SUPPLEMENTS – https://cutt.ly/xriJGVh
• LANOLIN – https://amzn.to/2l797mQ
• LACTATION BITES – https://amzn.to/2l509Gx
All my BREASTFEEDING Go-To's – https://amzn.to/2Jydz82
____________________________________
DISCLAIMER
All content and information in this video is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical, psychological or health advice of any kind and I do not warrant that the information presented herein is free of any errors or omissions. I am not providing medical, health care, nutrition therapy or coaching services to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any kind of physical ailment, mental or medical condition.
Although I strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in the medical and health area for your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any medical or health related decisions. For your health related questions, please seek the advice of a licensed physician or any other qualified health care provider immediately.
____________________________________
I am a Lamaze certified Childbirth Educator and a DONA certified Birth Doula in the San Francisco Bay Area! For more information and resources, come find me at builttobirth.com
hey mamas welcome back to my four-part video series talking all about postpartum recovery a big question that mamas have after they've had their baby is how can I take care of myself the best way during this postpartum recovery period so in this video I am talking all about self care tips for that postpartum recovery if you are new to my youtube channel don't forget to subscribe and then hit the little bell next to it so you don't miss any of my future videos I am a doula and I love helping moms love their birth so in this video I am going to be sharing with you tips that I use personally during my postpartum recovery as well as tips that I give to mamas that I'm working with who have just given birth and are entering into that postpartum period as well as tips that moms have shared with me that I am now sharing with you so let's get started so a big one when it comes to talking about healing and self-care for that postpartum recovery is the vagina because you know after a labor after you've been pushing for a while and then given birth your vagina has been put through a lot and so it needs a lot of care to heal properly to heal the best and most efficiently so the first self-care tip that I have for you for vaginal healing is to use Pat sickles now you can either buy your own Pat sickles or you can do them yourself and they're really easy to do so basically all you do to make Pat sickles is that you get a large pad because remember that postpartum bleeding is a real thing you are just gonna you know the next day stop bleeding so make sure you have pads on hand that are nice and thick and absorbent and you don't want to be putting tampons in your vagina right now so to make these Pat's goals you already you're gonna have those big thick pads right and you're gonna want to take witch hazel which you can get at the drugstore you can get online too which you do want to be careful with that is to avoid the alcohol witch hazel because that's gonna irritate your vagina and cause more like inflammation and swelling so avoid alcohol but you can put that in a little spray bottle you can put a few drops of lavender essential oil and you can just spray that on your pad and then you can use aloe vera and you can just put that on like that gel you can just put it on the pad as well you're going to want to make sure that they are pure organic ingredients because remember you're putting it on your vagina which is going to be you know very very sensitive and so you want to really make sure that you are putting only the best products down there so yeah witch hazel lavender if you want you don't have to and aloe vera will make really good pad sickles and then after you've done putting that stuff on you just fold it back up and you can put it in a ziplock bag and put it in the freezer and what that does this just makes it nice and cool so when you put it on your vagina it's gonna give you a lot of relief and help with the healing process the second self-care tip that I have for you for vaginal healing are taking sitz baths and you'll probably be taking these pretty regularly if you've had a tear just because it really brings a lot of relief and make sure you're staying clean and it really helps with the healing process but even if you have it how to tear but maybe you're suffering from hemorrhoids a little bit from labor during that postpartum recovery period then sitz baths are really good for you to be taking and you can either just get like a little sitz bath container again they might give you one at the hospital you could probably buy it online you definitely can buy it online and that'll just sit right on the toilet and you'll fill it up with warm water and you can put Epsom salt in it you can put baking soda in it you can put sea salt non-iodized sea salt in it again a few drops of lavender if you want because lavender really helps with bringing down inflammation and helping the healing process and you'll just sit in that for a few for several minutes five to 15 minutes about to really just let your body soak in all of those minerals that are inside the water and just bringing a lot of relief you don't have to do it in like a sitz bath thing on the toilet you can also do that in the bathtub if you want but it just brings a lot of relief and really does help with that healing process the third self-care tip for vaginal healing are cold compresses and think if you've like rolled your ankle or sprained your wrist or something you're going to put like ice pack on those things because it's going to help with the inflammation to go down and so same with your vagina after you know a long labor and pushing that baby out it's going to have some swelling or it's going to have some tearing and so putting a cold compress is going to really bring a lot of relief so those were all tips for vaginal healing but what if you had a c-section what are some self-care tips that you can use for that c-section recovery the first tip that I have for you is to not overexert yourself and yes this is true for women who have had vaginal births as well but especially for moms who have had c-sections it's super important that you are getting the care that you need from people around you because you have had major abdominal surgery and so it's important that you aren't you know picking up heavier things even having the baby handed to you is a super important thing because you don't want to be over exerting yourself in any way so my first self-care tip for you is just to not overdo it the second self-care tip is to avoid using those abdominal muscles after you've had that c-section to sit up to go from like a lying to a sitting up position because that's really going to put a lot of strain on that incision and on those abdominal muscles and organs that have all been like shifted around during your surgery and so a good way to sit up from a lying down to sitting up position is to roll on your side and then with your hands kind of like push yourself up from the lying down position and that way you're not using those abdominal muscles and putting that strain and tension on that incision so like the vaginal healing using a cold compress on that c-section incision is a good idea for you know helping that heal well just because it's going to again help with the inflammation to bring it down and it's just going to be it's gonna provide a lot of relief for you mamas who had a cesarean birth but we're trying for a vaginal birth and maybe we're pushing for awhile and we're putting strain on the vagina are probably going to have to take care of both their c-section incision and take care of the healing for their vagina as well and so these self-care tips will really help you take care of both of those places after our baby is born things can be a little hectic can be a little crazy but it's super important during those initial first postpartum recovery weeks that you are taking really good care of yourself in eliminating stress from real life so it can be lots of different little things that build up that cause stress from day to day and we want to try to eliminate that as much as possible because the more stress that is on our body the harder it is for it to heal also it does affect milk supply and you want to make sure that you're getting that good supply going for your newborn baby if you are breastfeeding so trying to eliminate a lot of that stress is a huge self-care tip so what are some of those stressors that you can kind of eliminate and get out of the way one of them is maybe your other kids maybe that's having your partner set up playdates so that they're out of the house during the day so that you can just focus on that bonding time with your baby maybe it's having someone come over and just do your dishes or vacuum your floor don't be afraid to ask for that kind of help to eliminate that just little stress of cleaning from your life whatever those stressors look like do your best to delegate them to someone else so that they can help you eliminate them from your day-to-day life the next self-care tip is to eat plenty and drink lots of fluids eating healthy nutritious food like I talked about in the first video which I'll link up here for you if you haven't seen it already is really going to aid in that recovery process which is why it's an important self-care tip to consider and drinking lots of fluids that's going to keep you hydrated that's going to keep your energy going and it's going to help you establish that good milk supply for baby if you're breastfeeding so making sure that you're eating and drinking enough is is super important a good tip to do around your house is just to set up little snack stations around your home especially in areas that you're going to be nursing in and that way you know while you're nursing and you're all of a sudden feeling super thirsty like every mom feels you just had your water bottle right there that you can sip on so that you can rehydrate yourself make sure your your little snack basket is full of healthy nutritious foods you know stay away so much from those chips or cookies things that are gonna give you instant gratification but not like actually help you out long-term I'm you know like dried fruits or nuts or protein bars things like that are really good sources of nutritious energy for you another self-care tip for you is just to keep yourself clean there's something about hopping into a shower that makes you feel so much better especially if you're with a newborn all day like you will be during those postpartum weeks and you don't spit up on you and you like smell bad hopping in that shower and keeping clean can really just like help you feel like a new person and not only that but it's really important that if you have like a c-section incision and your vagina – that you're keeping those areas nice and clean you know with water with soap talk to your care provider about you know your specific situation and how to best care for your health during this recovery period and also wearing you know clean clothes not things that are super tight and form-fitting those are really going to help you feel better and help during that recovery process so another self-care tip is to change positions regularly it's easy to find like one position and be like I'm staying here I'm comfortable I'm tired I'm just gonna stay right here but it's actually better for you with healing to be having a little bit of movement during your day whether that's you know just rolling over in bed or changing positions on a couch but especially for like vaginal healing if you've had any kind of tear in your perineum changing positions is really going to help avoid having any tension or a strain on the perineum and just help with overall healing so all of those are primarily focusing on physical self-care tips for you but it's super important to remember that you have just been birthed into motherhood whether it's with your first baby or with your second baby you have been transformed as a person with each birth that you have and so taking into account your mental and your emotional health is super super important and the self-care tips that I have for you with that is just to be talking about how you're feeling whether it's with your partner or your mom your grandma your sister your friend whoever it is that you can trust be process sing through your birth story be talking about how you feel from day to day or even hour to hour as your emotions are kind of fluctuating in your moods are swinging from one end of the spectrum to the other don't be afraid to feel the feelings that you're feeling but make sure that you are talking to the people around you about the way that you feel so another self-care tip that I have for you is just to join a group of Mamas that are in your area whether that's through Facebook whether that's through your hospital whether that's through a church whatever that might look like join a group of women who are walking this journey alongside of you another big one is just to follow only moms who are going to like make you feel good about yourself on Instagram and I know that's such a silly one maybe to bring up but I think it's a huge one with you know just the prominence of social media in our lives and how it can sometimes make us feel like we're not good enough and we're always comparing it not really does rob the joy of motherhood and so I just really encourage you guys to follow realistic motherhood Instagram pages because it's going to bring you life instead of tear you down last but not least is to ask for help mama that is the bottom line of self-care when it comes to postpartum recovery ask if you need food ask if you need to help changing physicians or going to the bathroom ask your partner to talk even if it's 2 a.m. and you're tired and they're tired ask for help from your care provider if you are feeling like you know you've hit a wall and you don't feel like things are right in your mind or in your body always reach out and ask for help you don't have to wait to talk to your care provider until that six-week appointment talk to them right away if you feel like something is off or you just have some questions about how you're feeling or how your baby is doing so really that's the bottom line of postpartum recovery and taking care of yourself it's a great self-care tip is mama don't be afraid to ask for help so I hope these self-care tips help you as much as they helped me during my postpartum recovery and the way they've helped a lot of moms that I no through their postpartum recovery if you have any questions make sure you comment them below I would love to hear back from you and if you have any self-care tips to add that really helped you out make sure you share those and as always if you know a mama who needs to hear about this send this video on to them and stay tuned for the next video and I will see you later
#Postpartum #Care #DIY #Padsicles #CSection #Care #Eliminate #Stress #Birth #Doula
source
Ms. Bridget I just love you girl… thank you so much for all your videos I cannot tell you how much your happy smile and all your education and encouragement along the way lifted my spirits. I dealt with an extremely difficult pregnancy physically and emotionally. I had to move homes and navigate a lot. I had a C-section and my little boy his name is Jaxson! 💙 Bridget I cannot tell you how much your videos helped me. I watched them every week during my pregnancy and saw this one and it was very helpful. Every video was helpful and made me feel less alone & gave me the education I needed on pregnancy and beyond. God truly gave you your purpose I hope you see this ! Rhea Kay 😊👶🍼 my little boy will be 3 months old next week!
3 weeks pp here from my first birth! Vaginal birth, 30 hours of labor, hemorrhage during birth, had preeclampsia after discharged and I also tore and had stitches! So it’s been rough. My question is-
The sitz bath is super uncomfortable after about 2 minutes because of all the pressure down there. Any suggestions? Also, any advice for bringing down inflammation in the urethra/clitoral area? It stays so moist down there that everything is just super inflamed and painful 🥺.
The crazy part about it is my vagina was fine after birth it was my breasts and stomach that hurt the worst.I had a vaginal birth with no tears.
C section tip from my own experience: warm compresses were better for me than gold compresses
❤👍
I was so stressed with the schedule the hospital sent me home with. Feeding my little girl every 2 to 3 hours, waking her when she didn't want eat. Counting diapers. Etc. Her peds dr. told me I'm doing great with her, just let my daughter set the schedule. Let her sleep when she wants, her eat when she wants to eat.
I had to have a c section and I had to get up myself once baby and I were home. What helped me was swatting down instead of bending, bending really hurt. I hope this helps someone
Heads up, in the Build to Birth courses Bridget does NOT recommend padsicles. Instead she recommends heat and warm compresses to speed up healing.
how many weeks postpartum do we have to follow these things for c section birth
Lol..she said maybe your other kids. Although very true, the way she said it was just too funny
A WHAT bath????
I’m so thankful for every video you have made. You answer so many of my questions and I genuinely am comforted by your advice and information. Thank you for doing what you do
Thank you so much for your all positive birth videos I just delivered my 1st baby vaginally within 4 hrs of labor pain .. I followed you throughout my pregnancy journey and now here I am for my smooth postpartum journey
You should really think about adding some visual aids. This is all good information, but some of us like to see actual examples of products and brands so we know exactly what to use.
Thanks
I gave birth oct 16 22 I had cervix tear during labor. Which was really painful experience for me as a new mom. I feel burning sensation down there and its hard to sit while feeding my baby. What should I do that can help me to recover little faster? Because there are stitches pls tell me what can I do?
I had emergency c section after 9 cm dilation and unsuccessfully pushing while his little head got stuck. I feel like I did both vaginal birth and c-section. After 20hrs in the hospital we got discharged and next day they asked to come back to check baby. So I spent 4-5 hrs waking and in queue in the hospital while having no sleep at all. I feel so overwhelmed and tired and super worried how can I recover. I am worried that I overdid already. I didn’t sleep first 48 hrs. 😢 I am always using abdominals 😢 and my back is killing me. How many hours I should rest during the day? And night?
I'm a learning doula and I feel like you make such a great teacher and I think that it's amazing that you spread your knowledge for anyone and everyone to see
There are sadly some people that a mother cannot ask for help because they do not understand that being pregnant and giving birth is not a walk in the park and they expect the mother to do much more then she is capable of.
I'm due soon and wondering, is it safe to take a sitz bath in the tub when you are still bleeding or should you wait until the postpartum bleeding stops?
You should show all the products that uu are mentioning not just saying it thanks
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”- Matthew 11:28-30 💖
Does it matter what kind of epson salt ?
Am I the only one who hated how padsicles felt 😅
I enjoyed this video! And wanted to share something I like to use after birth, I love using cloth mama pads ❤️. This may seem gross to some people… but I’ve found that for me they are much less gross and sooo much more comfortable then there through away counter parts . I did use disposable for a day or two , and padcickles . But other then that I use the cloth mama pads ! Just another option for you knew mama’s .
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful information 😊. I just delivered a baby 3 weeks ago through normal vaginal delivery. Could you please also help me to know that how can I comfort myself from burning sensation in urethra while peeing 😔
Hi, do you guys experience vaginal itchiness after a few weeks of giving birth? If you also have this issue, can you share how to relieve postpartum itchiness?
can you make a video on what is normal and not normal postpartum as mentally and physcially
Valuable advice Tysm ♡♡♡
Please please tell me they give you something stronger that tylenol and ibprophin? 27 weeks with twin and i have to get a c section at 34 weeks. Im seriously considering this as my first and last pregnancy cause i don't see me taking major surgery recovery well.
So grateful for this wonderful woman and every detailed video she makes. The amount of help her videos have given me is immeasurable. And I only found her 2 weeks before I gave birth.