5 Resources We Love for Postpartum Self Care

Okay, so baby is almost here or here.. maybe this is your first, maybe this is your 5th.. either way, postpartum looks and feels different almost every new baby that arrives. This is because we are not the same person we were pre-pregnancy, whether we have already had a baby before or not, we are not even the same person we were yesterday, because #EVOLUTION.

Between navigating how to meet baby’s needs and juggling our own, understanding the vast fluctuation of hormones, balancing family life, and all the other details of existence.. self care during postpartum is crucial! Did you know that in some cultures, mama and baby don’t even leave their bed for the first 40 days? Also known as the 4th trimester, this time is all about healing and getting acquainted with the new little soul that has graced us with his or her presence, as well as getting familiar with the new woman mama has become.

We at Renegade Mama know the importance of postpartum care, and have come up with what we believe to be a lovely selection of resources so you can feel held in the arms of support during your transition into parenting.

The Renegade Mama Postpartum Support Deck

Our beautiful affirmation deck that offers 52 inspiring cards {created by Mothers} that beautifully illustrate inspiring and relatable messages to support a new mother, both emotionally and physically. The first few years navigating motherhood can be challenging in many ways..The Postpartum Support Deck encourages nursing, self care and bonding with baby. Every Mama deserves to feel supported as she transitions into Motherhood. Each vibrant card is a practical tool and this beautiful deck makes a thoughtful gift for first-time mothers or a mother to many.

The Tao of Motherhood by Vimala McClure

A bedside book that we here at Renegade Mama couldn’t go without. In the foreword, Sue Patton Thoele calls it "a discerning guide, a comforting companion, and a soul friend for those of us navigating the mysterious waters of motherhood.” The reader can jump in anywhere and read sections which address their concerns such as power, contentment, equanimity, no blame, and restraint. In the introduction, McClure explains that "parenting is a spiritual path that can bring you great pain and great joy and that can have a tremendous positive impact on your personality and your behavior.” -spiritualityandpractice.com

The First Forty Days by Heng Ou motherbees.com

This book is so so helpful for not only mama, but partners, friends, and anyone who wants to swoop in and support the new parents. The book includes 60 simple and delicious recipes for healing soups; replenishing meals and snacks; and calming and lactation-boosting teas, all formulated to support the unique needs of the new mother (and to feed hungry partners, too). In addition to the recipes, this warm and encouraging guide offers advice on securing help during the postpartum period, navigating inevitable relationship challenges, and honoring the rite of passage that is pregnancy and birth.

Illuminating HERstory By Arianna P Alloway

WE LOVE ARIANNA, her shares are so raw, authentic, full of humor with big fat doses of truth.. go follow her on IG @oh_thathippiemomwlotsofkids) Her book is a supportive journal that offers a safe space of healing through several mindful pathways including; Feel Freely, Forgiveness, Factor in Your Truth, Forgo the Silence, Face your triggers and more. Encouraging and meaningful practices that have been gathered and created with love. Effort to offer guidance to help hold the reader through their postpartum journey. As well as holistic remedies and recipes. This book was created throughout author Arianna Alloway’s own healing with a wish to support any individual that may be feeling trauma or heaviness from a birthing experience. Perhaps a birth that's not even your own! Although written to the mother, this space is intended for any mother, partner, birth worker, healer or friend that feels a pull to explore a birth experience with more depth. Even the most beautiful and peaceful journey through birth can benefit from reflection and processing.

The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Johnson www.magamama.com

A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality. Pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum offer women some of the most emotionally enriching and satisfying experiences of their life. But many women entering motherhood are shocked at their lack of preparation or awareness about what that actually means for their bodies, minds, spirits, and relationships. Kimberly Johnson, a doula, post-partum recovery expert, and yoga instructor has created a wise and supportive illustrated guide that offers women a roadmap to this very important transition that can last a few months--or even a few years. She draws from her vast professional experience, as well as her own personal experience, and also a number of disciplines including Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, yoga, herbal medicine, energetics, and traditional (folk) remedies, among others, to create a truly rich and holistic guide.

The book offers advice for pregnant women on how to prepare their body for birth; how to organize themselves and their households for the best possible transition to motherhood; simple practices to facilitate healing and restore energy; and how to strengthen relationships and aid the return to sex. Johnson also explores the complex and often conflicting emotions that arise post-partum, and explores the profound nature of childbirth and new motherhood. She helps women contextualize their experience and tap into the spiritual opportunities it can provide.

Head over to our Instagram, say hello and enter to win the Summer 2019 giveaways for these books.

-The Renegade Mama Tribe