As a mother who has birthed 8 babies, and as a doula, this is my go-to for some soothing comfort after birth. Herbs and essential oils are a wonderful natural alternative for vaginal healing after birthing a new soul earthside. I know this is not likely on your list of things to make or get for labor and birth, but it’s something that should be in every postpartum wellness kit. So much of the focus is on pregnancy, labor, birth and getting ready for a new baby, not much goes into the healing and self care post birth. Many women emerge from their labor marathon empowered and elated, having been supported and surrounded by their birth posse. And then reality knocks on the door. The post marathon aches and pains in muscles that you didn’t know were there, exhaustion, engorged breasts, a sweet new babe in need of constant care and feeding and did I mention a sore bottom….yes, your lady parts.
Images of happy hip mamas, with serene newborns cradled in their arms peer at you from every page and screen and you are left wondering if somehow you missed a class on postpartum care. Welcome to the sacred journey of motherhood! You just stumbled upon the least talked about part of having a baby. Having been the recipient of midwifery care for most of my births, I am grateful to have been sustained with down-to-earth wisdom, positive reassurance and healing herbs at the dawn of my passage to the momma-hood. Hopefully I can pass on some of these sage-mama tips and recipes like this one to enhance your healing and wellness. My first initiation to herbal healing post birth was the good ole sitz bath, with a brew of herbs in warm water, a real remedying balm. Fast forward to another post birth with a newborn, a pottly-learning toddler and a preschooler trying their newly discovered talent for coloring on all surfaces horizontal or vertical, the world is their canvas…..you get the picture. Me-time was non existent. So, yes to herbal sitz baths post birth with my midwife snuggling my newborn and the next day when everyone is still in awe and trying to give you some rest-up-mama time, but two weeks later, carpool and cabin fever have got you in the car and running errands too. As modern women, we need everything to go, and everything, including the bathroom sink to fit in our diaper bag or purse. So that’s how this peri spray became one of my go-to, anywhere, anytime healing remedies.
In addition to self care it is important to check in with your doctor or midwife if you have any concerns or something doesn’t feel right. Communicating with your health care provider is a vital part of us women getting the care we need.
According to Dr. Aviva Romm , a Yale trained MD, midwife, herbalist and author; “Having accurate words to use to discuss our lady parts is not only empowering, it’s important to get the proper health care and respect – we deserve in medical appointments. ”
SO, what are the ingredients in the Peri-Spray?
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana ) Witch hazel contains tannins which are astringent and can help fight bacteria, reduce swelling, is soothing and encourages healing when applied topically.
Aloe vera Aloe vera contains plant sterols that have anti inflammatory properties and allantoin that promotes the formation of new tissue cells and helps prevent scarring. Aloe also cools heat. Read more here
Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) Lavender is one of the most gentle and most used essential oils today. Known for promoting calm and relieving stress, lavender is also valued for skin care and skin conditions. It stimulates the growth of new cells, helps prevent scarring. has antiseptic and antiviral properties and so much more. Lavender is a true all-purpose oil. Lavender affects postpartum depression
Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens) Historically, Geranium has been used in wound care, skin care to treat acne, and other skin conditions as well as for hemorrhoids. Geranium has antiseptic properties, encourages healing and recent research shows the potential for easing pain. This oil is valued as a calming and uplifting perfume oil. study on labor Helichrysum (Helichrysum syn,H angustofolium) Helichrysum is a strong aromatic with a honey sweet perfume. With anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, it blends well and works synergistically with other oils with similar properties. Helichrysum is used for muscle aches, pains, sprains and bruises. Cypress essential oil can be substituted for Helichrysum.
Vegetable Glycerine: Glycerine is a humectant (attracts moisture to skin) is naturally emollient and has a cooling effect on skin. In addition some studies show glycerine to have antimicrobial properties Like this one here
Rose water – I like to use rose water instead of distilled water in body products, it is a totally optional ingredient. Rose water helps balance skin PH, soothes, cools and smells divine!
What you need to make 3-4 oz:
2oz witch hazel1oz aloe vera1/2 tsp vegetable glycerine10 drops Lavender8 drops Geranium8 drops HelichrysumRose water or distilled water – fill to just below the topGlass spray bottle
Fill spray bottle and shake before use. Keep refrigerated for extra cooling relief and gently mist as needed.
Can be used to make “padsicles”. Spray pads till damp, not soaked, wrap and freeze.
Not in the mood to DIY? Just click on this link to my etsy store and you can buy your own ” New Mama Peri Spray” handcrafted by me!