Underconsumption Postpartum Edition
There is truly no need to purchase everything brand new. I have learned as a doula for over 12 years that what my momma clients more than anything is healing elements, nourishing meals and a cozy cocooning environment. My Postpartum Guide: Heal, Nourish, Cocoon shares everything you will need for postpartum. If you haven’t already, enroll in The Postpartum Course: Heal, Nourish, Cocoon to learn the essentials for postpartum.
Here is a simple underconsumption guide to support you as you learn about all things postpartum:
🌟Focus on the essentials: I have found that the essentials really are -
Healing elements
Nourishing Meals
Cocooning Environment
You truly can achieve these foundational pieces with very little. This can look like asking friends for their gently used healing items like belly binders, swap out a baby shower for a nesting party and invest funds into high quality breathable materials to make your journey even more cozy. A few of my favorite resources:
My handmade cotton belly binders sown to last for generations can be passed along to friends after you use
My nesting party planner to focus on the concise essentials for your postpartum instead of a baby shower focused on things. Ask your trusted inner circle to throw a small nesting party to prepare meals and organize your space. Friends often feel so much more apart of the journey and want to shower you with this kind of tender care.
My birth bag guide shares only the absolute essentials to support your healing after birth. This means a lot less purchasing and a lot more healing. My guide is completely free and filled with all of the tips!
🌟Save money for doula care vs baby items:
I understand that first time parents especially want to enjoy the experience by purchasing all the baby items. While it can be exciting and filled with creative energy, I ask you to consider saving a bit more funds. What if you put aside the items you think you will need for baby and only purchase the essentials. We live in a world that for the most part we can purchase any item at a tap of our phones. I challenge you to set aside the funds of each item you want to purchase for baby and place them in an account. Place baby items on a wishlist and share with friends and family. Watch your funds grow and ask yourself if you really need these baby items after 1 month of waiting. If not, start connecting with doulas for the most nurturing care. A simple “let’s wait and see what we need for baby” thought can allow for $50-200 per day placed in a doula fund. You will never regret pausing over an extra baby sweater when you are in the depths of postpartum and your doula is bringing you a tray of warming foods to settle your body.
Are you in San Diego California? I would love to support you - fill out a form for my services today!
🌟A few more ways to under consume:
Realize that all your baby really needs is snuggles and love - what you provide as extra is for the most part, for yourself to enjoy
Grow a herbal garden - start a garden when you conceive and watch it grow as you grow your baby. When herbs are ready, dry them in the sun and use in sitz baths and herbal teas.
Absolutely need something? Check on different apps like Facebook marketplace for gently used items or ask your friend circle first before purchasing.
Meal prep nourishing foods around 30-32 weeks prenatally for your postpartum - nourishing foods can be prepared in such a minimal but impactful way. The Postpartum Recipe Book: Heal, Nourish, Cocoon contains everything you will need to prepare your most nourishing postpartum. I share all the recipes I use daily and the meal plans for 1-6 weeks post birth.
Ask your friends to add funds to your postpartum doula account versus a baby shower - most friends that have had a baby already will get it. Supportive hands on care from your doula will be essential for those tender after birth days with your newborn.
Mommas, always remember you are a newborn too!
Wishing you all the healing!
This is how we heal
Your healing matters
You matter 🤍
