The first days, weeks, and months with a new baby are a uniquely transformative time, filled with so much joy and wonder. And amidst these beautiful moments, adjusting to life with a newborn also brings its own set of challenges!
Trust that your natural instincts will guide you as you care for your little one, and please remember that caring for yourself is just as important. Nurturing your own well-being supports both you and your growing family, helping you find balance as you navigate the early days of motherhood.
At Esembly, we’re all about moms supporting moms, and ensuring that the mamas who are in their postpartum season feel that support! So we’ve teamed up with Sydney Bliss, an ayurvedic postpartum doula and founder of Milky Oat , to bring you some tried-and-true tips for postpartum self-care. Sydney’s work with new mothers is all about nourishment, warmth, and balance, and we’re thrilled to share her advice with our Esembly community! (She’s also excited to be cloth diapering her own baby with Esembly, and we’re so happy to have her on this journey with us! 🙌)
Here are 5 tips from Sydney (get to know Sydney and Milky Oat more below!) for planning your postpartum self-Care routine.
1. Create a Restful Space
Think of your space as a sanctuary designed for peace and recovery. Cozy blankets, soft lighting, and a few comforting items can make all the difference in those early weeks. It’s about creating a cocoon where you can slow down, rest, and bond with your baby — no pressure to keep everything tidy or perfect, just focus on a space that feels nurturing.
2. Prioritize Warm Nourishment
Nourishment is key to postpartum recovery. Sydney’s approach? Simple, warming meals that replenish your energy and help ground you. Hearty stews, broths, and warm teas are not only comforting but support your body as it heals. And if meal planning feels like a lot with a newborn, prepping some nourishing meals ahead of time can be a lifesaver. (or getting support from friends and family with something like Meal Train !)
3. Establish Boundaries for Rest and Recovery
This is a big one! Setting gentle boundaries is a powerful way to protect your time for rest and bonding. Don’t hesitate to let friends and family know that this is your time to recover and connect with your baby. People who care about you will understand, and by prioritizing this quiet time now, you’re creating a strong foundation for the months ahead. Remember, honoring your own needs isn’t just okay — it’s a beautiful start to your journey in motherhood.
4. Incorporate Gentle Grounding Rituals
Tiny rituals can help you feel more grounded when the days blur together. Whether it’s taking a few deep breaths, writing down a thought or two, or enjoying a quiet cup of tea, these moments bring calm amidst the busyness. Finding just a minute to breathe can help you reconnect with yourself and navigate the ups and downs of new motherhood.
5. Prioritize a Support Network
It’s natural to lean on your partner, but expanding your support network can be a game-changer. Family, close friends, or a postpartum doula can provide support, so you don’t have to do everything on your own. Having trusted people to lean on lets you focus on healing and adjusting to your new role as a parent.
Nurturing Yourself Through the Postpartum Journey
We know how important it is to feel supported, and we’re here to help make this time as nourishing and comfortable as possible. By following these tips, you’re prioritizing yourself in a way that ultimately benefits your whole family.
For those looking to dive even deeper, Milky Oat offers a digital course and a recipe zine packed with postpartum care tips and comforting recipes. These resources provide valuable guidance from experts in the field, helping you feel equipped and prepared for this beautiful new chapter. You can sign up for the waitlist here .
Your postpartum journey is yours to shape, and a little planning goes a long way. Embrace these moments, take things one step at a time, and remember, you’re doing an amazing job!
More about Sydney and Milky Oat
Sydney Bliss is an ayurvedic postpartum doula, mothers' chef, women's yoga therapist, and the founder of Milky Oat postpartum meal delivery . From intimate kitchens in San Francisco to the dreamy seascape stovetop in West Marin, Sydney felt the call to expand before beginning her own journey to motherhood. Offering more mothers access to postpartum nourishment, Milky Oat finds its home in the kitchens of many mothers at once.
Milky Oat looks to nature for all of their culinary offerings to support the sacred postpartum window. Providing nourishment that is carefully curated for replenishing the body after birth in partnership with local, sustainable, and organic farmers, Milky Oat focuses on a delicious and comforting transition into motherhood, striving to reverently reciprocate the generosity of the ultimate feminine form: mother earth. The team at Milky Oat believes that supporting mothers enables and ensures their own greater vitality in motherhood. The intention is to deliver wisdom and care through food during one of the most integral phases of a mother’s life.
Cloth Diapering 101
Our co-founders host a free, virtual, Cloth Diapering 101 class every month to help cloth-curious parents get all the tools and information they need!
You'll leave with the confidence to Live Less Disposably and a 20% discount code to use on your first order. 🥳 We hope to see you there!
