Postpartum Recovery Essentials
@marinaUpdated Aug 21, 2026
How I approached postpartum recovery with my third baby.
With my first baby I was in denial that my life had changed forever - I jumped right back into afternoon teas, cafes, outings and brunches with Mum, dressing up, doing my hair and snapping Instagram pictures.
With my second, it was lockdown, and I was forced to stay at home and sip on pumpkin spice lattes. It was far more enjoyable and relaxed. I felt euphoric just being at home, getting out only for the occasional autumnal walk in nature. No cafes, minimal visitors, minimal pictures. I was still quite active, baking, though this time around I was photographing autumnal bakes instead.
With my third baby, however, knowing a house move was on the horizon, I was eager to spend the first few weeks in bed, at home, recovering, tending to myself and adjusting to this new phase.
The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother
This book I wish I read after my first baby. The philosophy of staying mostly indoors, moving slowly, and being genuinely cocooned for the first 40 days felt so right this time around. This book gave me permission to do less and be more.
Nourishment
Postpartum Tea Blend
Nettle leaf, raspberry leaf, chamomile, oat straw, fennel, lemon balm, dandelion, rose petals. I sourced these herbs individually and prepared my own blend. The potency of each herb matters, but what mattered more was the ritual itself. The daily act of brewing, sipping, and consciously caring for my body.
Raw Ceremonial Cacao
Around 3 pm, when hormones hit hardest and the baby blues approached, I'd blend this with a date, oat milk, almond butter, salt, saffron, and cinnamon, then heat it. That drink became my mood anchor that helped me get through the evenings.
Chicken Broth (Itsu, Freja, Borough Broth)
I stocked up on pre-made broth and mixed it up with roasted chicken breast, wholemeal noodles, whatever vegetables I had. So quick but nourishing and warming and I craved it constantly.
Creamy Mushrooms Soup
This one is from The First Mess blog, and I love it in winter and autumn, but it just tasted especially good and warming in the postpartum days. Super easy to batch cook and eat a bowl whenever I feel hungry, even as a snack.
Comfort
Nightdress
A beautiful and lightweight piece perfect for postpartum - buttons at the chest for easy feeding, long sleeves for coziness. Wearing something beautiful while recovering felt like I was living a very special time that is worth celebrating and dressing up for.
YETI Rambler 532 ml Bottle
I wanted warm water constantly, especially during night feeds. This thermos bottle kept water at the perfect temperature for hours. It was so pleasant reaching for water at night and enjoying how warm it is.
Kindle
My push present that I asked for myself. The first week or two, I didn't want to consume content, I just wanted to sleep, exist, slowly return. But gradually, it became the gentlest form of entertainment during feeds, naps, night wakings.
Proper nursing pillow
I didn't use one with my first two kids, but oh, how much more pleasant it is for your posture and arms to have one. I didn't use one at night, but during the day, when we would have long feeding sessions or contact naps while watching or reading, this was so much more comfortable (and for my husband too). You can totally just prop your arm with a cushion or a throw, but having a proper pillow felt so much better.
Healing the body
Kegel Trainer App
Started on day one and the reminders kept me consistent. The app's gradual progression felt achievable, not overwhelming.
My Expert Midwife Spritz for Bits Cooling Relief Spray
I used this one after all deliveries and it was really soothing.
