Postpartum Healing Essentials

Gentle Natural Care for Your First Weeks After Birth

Photo credit: Perelel

Bringing your baby into the world is one of the most powerful and emotional moments of your life. After giving birth, your body is adjusting, healing and learning new rhythms. The postpartum period is a time to rest, recover and care for yourself and be cared for with the same tenderness you give to your baby.

Here are a few simple, natural remedies I recommend to help soothe and support your healing after birth.

1. Green Clay for Soothing and Healing

You can find ready-made green clay (arcilla verde) in a tube at most health stores or pharmacies. Make sure the only ingredients listed are water and green clay — nothing else.

Apply it directly to the perineal area as often as needed, and rinse off daily in the shower or bath. The clay helps calm inflammation, soothe tenderness, and support natural healing — especially if you have swelling or stitches. It’s gentle, cooling, and very effective for postpartum recovery.

2. Herbal Infusion for Cleansing and Comfort

Prepare an herbal infusion using thyme (tomillo), horsetail (cola de caballo), and calendula. This is not an infusion you drink, rather an infusion for cleansing and soothing the perineal area. Boil a pot of water and add the herbs, then let it cool to room temperature. Be sure to let it cool completely before using. This combination of herbs gently cleanses and promotes healing thanks to their natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. A fresh infusion should be prepared daily. This is a wonderful task for your partner to do each day as an act of caring for you and your new baby.

You can use the infusion in two ways:

• For cleansing: Pour the cooled infusion into a squirt bottle (like a Powerade bottle) and rinse your perineal area after each visit to the bathroom. Be sure you've cleaned the squirt bottle thoroughlly before using it. Clean the bottles thoroughlly every day (another great task for your partner!) before refilling.

  
  

• For soothing pads: Soak your postpartum pads or maxi pads (compresas tocológicas) in the infusion, place them in the refrigerator, and once cool, apply them to the perineal area for soothing relief.

This simple ritual can bring a lot of comfort in the first days and weeks after birth.

Self-care can feel difficult but remember...

Your body has done something extraordinary — give yourself permission to rest, heal and receive care. These natural remedies are meant to bring comfort and support as you recover and bond with your baby.

And remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. Along with your partner a postpartum, a

doula can be there for you through every step of this beautiful journey—helping you feel nurtured, informed and confident in this unique moment.