Just eleven weeks ago, we celebrated the arrival of our little ray of sunshine, Pierre, joining his big brothers Myles, Hart, and Flynn and making us a family of six. Pierre’s arrival has marked another milestone in my journey as a mother of four. He is such a little bundle of joy, and we are all in awe of him. He is healthy and happy, and we are all settling in well. My parents have been staying with us since Pierre was born, so we’ve been spending precious time together and having lots of cuddles. It’s been a juggle entering this new normal, but it’s so heartwarming to see Flynn, Hart, and Myles with Pierre. They absolutely adore their little brother. It really is such a special time for us. 

Postpartum Wellness Journey

Here are some personal insights into my approach to nutrition, sleep, and physical recovery in the last couple of months post-birth. It’s important to mention that everyone’s experience is different, and you need to do what’s right for you. For me, all of my pregnancies were different, and I experienced varying body changes and recovery each time. But with all births, I took a holistic approach to postpartum wellness. Not just regaining physical fitness with gentle exercise, but also mental and emotional well-being too. Everyone’s journey is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach post-pregnancy. I feel like the most important thing is to be kind to yourself. 

Ayurvedic Approach

I’ve learned over the years how important following an ayurvedic approach is to my mental, spiritual, and physical postpartum recovery now, having gone through this experience a fourth time. One practice I prioritize is a type of lymphatic support called abhyanga massage. I start by dry brushing with our Dry Body Brush and follow by massaging my body with circular movements toward the heart using our Noni Glow Body Oil. I’ve been using this oil religiously during pregnancy and postpartum to support my skin as it stretches and heals. I also turn to Surya Spa for support, who recommends adding ghee mixed with lavender oil on my feet to calm the nervous system. After 6 weeks passed, I was excited to add on their Hormone Soothing Bath Soak to help support and rebalance hormones.

Additionally, I like to follow the Eastern philosophy that keeping my body warm allows for optimal recovery and hormonal balance. I do this by keeping my feet cozied up in socks and slippers (I’m loving Comme Si socks and Apparis slippers right now), wrapping myself in the Bumpsuit Cloud Robe as well as not letting my hair stay wet. It’s such an important time to honor and nourish your body and spirit.

A great resource for postpartum Ayurvedic practices is a wonderful book, Ayurveda Mama by Dhyana Masla. Some of my favorite recommendations include:

• Breast massage techniques for engorgement and lymphatic support
• Lactation teas and warming foods for increased milk supply such as oats and ghee
• Guidelines on timing of meals to improve digestion and my favorite Moon Milk Tea for increased relaxation at night. Recipe below:

During the postpartum window, drink this tea before bed for a deep, relaxing sleep. Note: if you are co-sleeping with your babe, be cautious of overdoing sleep aids. If you sleep too deeply, sharing a bed can be dangerous for your newborn. Use your motherly intuition to do what is best for you and your babe.

• 1 teaspoon blue lotus (omit this ingredient during pregnancy)
• 1 teaspoon rose
• 1 teaspoon passionflower (use sparingly during pregnancy)
• 1-3 tablespoons (to taste) honey
• 1 teaspoon chamomile
• milk or nut milk to taste

Bring a pot of water to almost boiling on the stove. Leaving out the rose, honey, and milk, steep all the other ingredients in the near-boiling water for five to seven minutes. Remove the pot from the stove, add the rose petals, and steep for three minutes. Strain out the tea leaves and petals. Once the tea is cooled enough to sip, add honey. Enjoy warm, adding milk to taste if you wish.

Quick takeaways:

• Ayurveda Mama
• Apparis Slippers

Nutrition After Birth

Since welcoming Pierre, I’ve been following The First 40 Days protocol by Heng Ou based on the Chinese philosophy of zuo yuezi, which is focused on slowing down to take the time to recover and bond with the baby in the time following delivery. It has many warm, healing recipes to try during those first days at home.

In support of that philosophy, I’ve been enjoying Erewhon’s Roasted Chicken Bone Broth with Herb It Up’s Adrenal Rescue. I also love their Hug in a Cup Tea, which supports your digestive and nervous systems. My focus on food and nutrition post-birth is all about supporting recovery and nourishment.

While I recognize it’s not for everyone, I’m also a fan of placenta encapsulation. I’ve made this a practice in all four of my pregnancies as a way to support hormone-balancing milk production and lower my risk of postpartum depression.

Quick takeaways:

• The First 40 Days 
• Erewhon’s Roasted Chicken Bone Broth with Herb It Up’s Adrenal Rescue

Sleep Adjustments

Managing sleep with a newborn is challenging. I’ve established a routine of scheduled breastfeeding every three hours during the day and a little longer stretch during the night this past week. This not only gives us a routine but is also such a special bonding time for us. With three other boys underfoot, it’s important for me to try and make up for lost sleep while my other boys are at school by sneaking in a nap when Pierre naps, relying on nourishing foods for energy, remembering to ask for help (and faking a good night’s rest with our Noni Glow Sleeping Mask it gives the most dewy skin upon waking!).  

I’ve found the Skinny Confidential Mouth Tape has really helped to improve my sleep quality. At night, I also enjoy taking Sleepy Nights & Fresh Mornings, which is pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe and aids in calming my mind and allowing me to drift off to sleep more easily.

Quick takeaways:

• Skinny Confidential Mouth Tape
• Sleepy Nights & Fresh Mornings

Physical Recovery

Each of my pregnancies has been a unique experience. I’ve learned to embrace the varying changes in my body with a deeper sense of appreciation of what the human body is capable of and approach the journey with gratitude. 

RELATED: Miranda Kerr’s Secrets to Postpartum Recovery

For the first 45 days after Pierre’s birth, I didn’t exercise as I wanted to allow my body time to heal and recover. Since then, I’ve started gentle pilates on my reformer and quick 21-minute sessions on my Vasper Bike to get my body moving again. Megan Roup’s quickie workouts on The Sculpt Society app have also been so helpful and convenient. She just launched a new postpartum program that I’m trying – you can even take the classes with your baby!

I also have been wearing my favorite pieces from Bumpsuit, like the Lucy Bumpsuit which I wore right through pregnancy and loving their belly wrap, which supports my abdomen and posture as I recover. For light walks, I use the Armadillo Baby Carrier, giving me the flexibility to stay active and interact with my older boys. 

Quick takeaways:

• Recover the first 45 days
• The Sculpt Society

Stress Relief

Juggling life as a mother of four while recovering my body and spirit has its moments. I’ve found that in addition to my meditation practice, practicing pranayama breathing techniques has supported feeling balanced and regulated. I’m also loving Ayurveda Mama’s recommendations on incorporating essential oils, particularly the DoTerra Balance Blend, to create a sense of calm. Additionally, acupuncture has been something I’ve really leaned on for healing as well.

I’ve also been tapping into my KORA Organics range to create a little daily ritual. I have all of my certified organic products charged with crystals and infused with essential oils. Taking even just five minutes with my favorites for pregnancy and postpartum has been essential to helping me feel like myself, whether throwing on a mask in the shower or lathering up in our nourishing oil. 

Most importantly, as I’ve made it through my fourth birthing experience, I’ve learned over the years that there is no such thing as “bouncing back.” I’m enjoying taking things slow from home with my family, allowing myself to opt-out as it feels right, and honoring all that my body has experienced in this process! Remember, be kind and gentle with yourself. Your body has done amazing things.

Quick takeaways:

• Pranayama Breathing
• DoTerra Balance Blend
  

This period of postpartum recovery is a time of immense change and adjustment but also incredible joy. I hope sharing my journey can help new Moms navigate their paths with confidence, self-care, and a commitment to wellness.