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Here pregnant and postpartum mamas can find encouragement, support, and advice from one another as well as from our featured pregnancy experts from time to time. We want this to be a safe and uplifting place for you, mama!
My very first awareness of a sitz bath was in the hospital after having my first baby. Nora was the first baby born in a brand new labor and delivery wing of our hospital in Wisconsin. They thought of everything in this place. It’s hard to remember all of the perks because they become a little less important when you are gazing into your 1 day old baby’s face, but the two things I loved and remember well were the family bed (a full sized hospital bed) and the sitz bath room.
The hospital had a small room that a postpartum mama could reserve. It was reminiscent of a bathroom except it contained a shallow, bidet-type seat. The seat held a small amount of water to sit in with a faucet of constant flowing water set at a warm temperature. The sitz bath was so good for my sore body. It is a huge understatement to say that your body goes through a lot during labor. About 5 times during my 2 day hospital stay, I would request the sitz bath room, bring a magazine and just sit. It was as good as any spa I’ve ever been to.
However, there was one element in this postpartum luxury that I was missing…sitz bath herbs. Nature has so much goodness for us. And because of the wisdom of all the mothers and midwives who have gone before us, we’ve learned how to put them together to heal our warrior lady parts after they just took a beating.
Herbs are combined to make a tea…the non-drinking kind of tea. It still needs to be brewed like a tea, but then the brew can be used in various ways.
I think the most comfortable postpartum way to use sitz bath teas is to pour the brew into a pad and freeze it. This combination really helps with swelling and inflammation. Otherwise, you can keep it warm and fill a pad to wear right away. Another way is to put the brewed tea in a peri bottle and rinse yourself with it after going to the bathroom. Or you can create your own postpartum spa by putting the tea directly into the bath and soak.
You can make your sitz bath extra memorable with you baby, too. Sitz bath herbs help heal your baby’s umbilical cord and the lavender will calm your baby as he adjusts to the new world outside of you.
Read more from Gwen’s Nest, who gives great instructions for each way to use sitz bath herbs.
Looking for the perfect dish to cook for new parents? Sandwiches, takeout, and snack food can only cut it for a little while – you can wear on on that stuff so easily! Why not surprise the mom and dad with a home cooked meal instead?
We’ve rounded up three delicious, tried-and-true meals below that are sure to wow! Plus… we’ve included additional tips for how to go above and beyond when pampering new parents with food!
1. Pancetta, white bean and chard pot pies (Smitten Kitchen)
This is one of our favorites! Not to mention the crust is the most delicious. Be sure to make some extra for yourself! Get the recipe here.
2. Fettuccine with asparagus and smoked salmon
Another absolutely delicious option. Creamy and filling the smoked salmon is the perfect addition! Get the recipe here.
3. Portuguese chicken and crispy potatoes (feasting at home)
Goodness. This one has yet to disappoint. While this recipe calls for a whole chicken you could also use skin on pieces for a little more ease. It really is incredible! Get the recipe here.
4.Slow Cooker Lentil and Brown Rice Tacos (melanie makes)
Crock pot recipes are so easy for new parents. Either bring the ingredients and make it in their crock pot while you visit or bring yours to get another day. Lentils and brown rice offer iron and energy for a sluggish, tired mom. Get the recipe here.
5. Lasagna with Slow Roasted Mushrooms and Goat Cheese
Lasagna is a classic post baby meal. Make yours spectacular! Ellie from Kitchen Wench has the recipe here!
When you’re dropping off food for new parents be sure to bring all things in disposable pans. That way mom and dad won’t have to remember who to give items back to and clean up is a snap! We also suggest including a bottle of wine or a dessert of some sort of sweet. A little decadence goes a long way to new parents.
After you gain permission to hold the little one be sure to wash your hands before you reach for baby. A new mom will probably ask you to, but it’s awfully nice to not have to ask!
