The postpartum period is an intense and life changing part of motherhood. Your physical, mental and emotional body is undergoing major changes. You may be feeling pain during your recovery, a rollercoaster of emotions after giving birth or experiencing baby blues while spending many sleepless nights bonding with your new baby. You’re probably feeling things you’ve never felt before--physically and emotionally. It’s important to take a deep breath, slow down and know that you can do this.

The Importance of Self Care

Postpartum care is as important as pregnancy care. However, it is often overlooked by the typical medical care model. In the hospital, you’ll be expected to stay for around 48 hours, but after that, you’re on your own until your 6-week follow up visit. If you’re looking for a more personal care model, I’d recommend considering hiring a birth doula or using a midwife, as these individuals are better educated on how to help care for the postpartum mother during her recovery.

Bare Essentials:

• WishGarden Herbs AfterEase Tincture

• Rael Organic Cotton Disposable Underwear

• Rael Organic Cotton Overnight Pads

• Frida Mom Peri Bottle

• The First Forty Days by Heng Ou

• Cotton Nursing Bras

• Sitz Bath Soak

• Comfort Colors T-Shirts

• Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter

Breathe. You got this, Mama.

If you’re able to, have someone come help you and your partner during the postpartum period. Even something as simple as a meal delivered during this time can make a huge difference and allow you to sleep more. If you don’t have friends or family nearby to help you, consider meal prepping during the last few months of pregnancy. Try to pregame for your postpartum period.

Prepare Before You Give Birth

Think about comfort items you’d like to have during this time. Favorite protein-packed snacks or nourishing, home-cooked meals are great things to have on hand. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Try asking mothers you know what they liked to have during their postpartum recovery. Preparing for the time after pregnancy is as important as the preparations you made before you were pregnant.

Get Out in the Sun

It’s easy to get caught in the trap of becoming an overly tired shut-in during recovery. While some moms may enjoy staying secluded for weeks or even months after birth, don’t be afraid to step outside--even just on your porch--to get some fresh air and sunshine. Postpartum depression is real and natural light can definitely help combat this. Gentle morning strolls with your baby are also very healing.

Take It One Day at a Time

Be gentle with yourself. It’s normal to find yourself crying uncontrollably for no reason or to feel emotionally numb during this time. Just know that it will pass. Try to take things minute-by-minute and day-by-day. Don’t worry about the future. Read your Bible, listen to new podcasts and talk with loved ones for encouragement.

Don’t Isolate Yourself

Seek out a community with other new mamas in your area, if you don’t have one already. Most likely, these women will be able to relate to how you’re feeling. Every postpartum recovery is different, but it will feel good to talk to someone who can truly empathize with you. Interacting with other adults and planning small outings will help play a key part in making you feel human again after birth. Try dabbling in some of your favorite small hobbies to lift you out of the postpartum funk.

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Dedicate One Day to Laundry

The first step in defeating your mountain of laundry is to dedicate one day a week (or two for larger families) to be your laundry day. Gather all the laundry in your house, towels, sheets, everything! Sort colors accordingly into loads. Be sure to switch the laundry to the dryer or hang it dry promptly after removing it from the wash. After clothes are dry, immediately fold them and put them away.

Put the Clothes Away Immediately!

Putting away clothes right after drying them has been a game changer for me. Resisting the urge to leave piles of clean clothes on beds or couches will lighten the load of doing laundry--pun intended. The best part about doing this is when you put them away, you’re DONE! Say goodbye to clean laundry impending doom.

Make Your Own Detergent

I’ve written my favorite non-toxic laundry detergent recipe below. I love making about three batches of this at a time, which is enough to last our family about 6 months and fills a gallon mason jar. I use wool dryer balls instead of fragrance-filled dryer sheets. For a deeper clean, add 1 cup of vinegar to a load of laundry to help remove intense odors. Try hanging stained laundry outside in the sun to dry. The sun will naturally bleach stains on cloth diapers and other items.

Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Fragrance-Free Epsom Salt

• 3 Cups Pure Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

• 3 Cups Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate)

• 1/2 Cup Sea Salt

• 10 drops citrus essential oil (Optional)

Method:

Mix and store in a mason jar.

Sprinkle 1-2 tbsp on laundry load.

Yields:

About 120 loads.

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This is my new go-to white bread recipe. I make it once a week because it’s so simple and turns out perfect every time. My favorite thing to do is freeze one loaf, so I have a spare one to use any time. You can also use half of the dough to make one sandwich loaf and use the other half to make dinner rolls, garlic knots or buns. My favorite brand of flour to use is King Arthur.

Oven: 350F | Prep Time: 1.5 hrs | Bake Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

• 2 cups warm water

• ¼ cup sugar

• 2 Tbsp active dry yeast

• 2 tsp sea salt

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 5-6 cups all purpose flour

• Butter for greasing

1. Combine water, yeast and sugar in a stand mixer and let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.

2. Add salt, olive oil and 5 cups of flour. Use a bread hook attachment and knead for 5 minutes. Add up to 1 more cup of flour if dough is too sticky.

   

3. Cover bowl with a towel and let dough rise for one hour. Meanwhile, grease two loaf pans with butter.

4. Knead the dough by hand for another 5 minutes. Divide it in half and knead it into each loaf pan.

5. Let the dough rise for 30 minutes in the pans covered with a towel.

6. Preheat oven to 350F. Bake for 30 minutes. Let bread cool completely before slicing and serving.

   

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Why Choose Cloth?

Never Run Out

When you’re caught between diaper sizes for your little one, you never have to worry about running out of diapers. Instead, keep a stash of your favorite cloth diapering system on hand. Cloth diapers have more sizing flexibility than disposables, since you can simply adjust the snaps when your baby grows. Say goodbye to those last minute, late night grocery store diaper runs!

Natural Materials

If you’ve been wondering what your disposable diapers are actually made of and want to look for an all natural option, this is perfect for you. With cloth, you can choose from a wide array of natural fibers, including cotton, bamboo or even wool. I’ve found that my babies get less diaper rash outbreaks when I use cloth, and I think it’s because the material is gentler for delicate baby skin.

Budget-Friendly

Did you know you can save on nursery storage space by switching to cloth? You don’t need to stock boxes of diapers anymore. Instead, you just need to keep about 10 to 30 cloth diapers on hand (depending on your little one’s age). Cloth diapering is often viewed as more budget-friendly, since you only have to buy the diapers once. My suggestion to soon-to-be moms on a budget is to add cloth diapers to your baby shower registry. Because cloth is made from better quality materials, it does have a steeper up front cost compared to disposables. But, these diapers are meant to last you for years. You can also consider looking for used cloth diapers on Facebook marketplace or at a local baby consignment store. Just make sure to do a deep cleaning of them before use.

Return to Tradition

Did you know, back in the day, the diaper companies really had to convince mothers to switch to their disposables? The mothers back then thought disposables were a cheap alternative. Today, in our fast-paced society, it feels like no one wants to slow down. There’s something therapeutic about diapering your baby the same way our grandmothers did. Cloth diapering gives you a unique sense of self sufficiency, in that you don’t need to rely on modern synthetics like polyethylene and polyacrylate. You can also know that if you were in a situation where you didn’t have access to modern grocery stores, you could still diaper your little ones.

Consider Hybrid Diapering

The switch to cloth diapers can be intimidating. If you have multiple littles that require you to buy a lot of diapers, the cost is definitely a factor. No one says cloth diapering has to be all or nothing. You can enjoy most of the benefits of cloth while using them part-time. One option is to use cloth during the daytime and keep disposables on hand for overnight and going on outings. This is also a great option if you’re not sure about cloth and don’t necessarily want to go all in yet.

The Diapering System

The first step in cloth diapering is figuring out what diapering system is right for you. There are a large variety of cloth diaper types and combinations to try. Here, I’ll discuss the various types and then make my recommendation based on what has worked for our family.

The two key parts of a cloth diaper are what we call the inner and the outer. The inner is the absorbent layer, often made of bamboo or cotton and the outer is the waterproof cover, often made of polyester or wool.

Pre-folds: A flat piece of absorbent cloth that is manually folded to fit baby and secured with a clip or pin. Requires outer cover.

Fitted Diapers: An inner that is fitted to the baby and has built in snaps, similar to the outer cover. Requires outer cover.

All-in-One: One single fitted diaper that contains an inner and outer sewn together. No outer cover required.

Pocket Diapers: A fitted diaper that has a pocket to insert an absorbent inner layer into it. The pocket diaper acts as the outer cover.

The most popular cloth diapering system today is pocket diapers. I don’t prefer these because pocket diapers are often made of polyester and “stuffing” the inserts into the diapers can be quite a chore as a busy mom.

I’ve really enjoyed the fitted diaper system. You can still use the popular outer covers on the market, but you can choose what inner is best for you. And, no diaper stuffing is required! I really love the Nora’s Nursery outer covers used with Green Mountain Diapers’ 100% organic cotton “Cloth-EEZ Workhorse Fitted Diapers.”

This part of cloth diapering requires some trial and error to learn what system works best for you and your family. You also may decide you like a certain system, like the all-in-ones, for your newborn baby, but then you switch to pocket diapers as your baby gets older.

Just remember, with proper care and maintenance, cloth diapers can last your family for years. Don’t let the higher investment cost scare you. With disposables, you’re paying for the ease-of-use. With cloth, you’re paying for good material that will last.

The Washing System

While washing cloth diapers can seem intimidating, it’s easier than you think. Once you add them to your laundry routine, it’ll seem like a piece of cake. Here are the six simple steps I take when washing my cloth diapers:

1. Separate and Sort

Separate the outers and inners, removing any inserts from your diapers. Place wet diapers directly into a wet bag. A wet bag is a waterproof laundry bag used for cloth diapers. It’s best to keep the bag open to prevent odors and allow the diapers to air out.

2. Spray Off the Poo

For poopy diapers, I recommend installing a bidet sprayer, so you can easily rinse them off into the toilet. Be sure to remove solids before placing poopy diapers into a wet bag. This also helps prevent staining.

3. Quick Rinse Cycle

When it’s time to wash, empty the wet bag into the washing machine and put it in with the diapers. Add a small amount of laundry detergent and run a quick rinse cycle with hot water. Visit my laundry day article for my gentle laundry detergent recipe.

4. Regular Wash Cycle

After the quick rinse, add more laundry (this will help agitate the diapers for a better clean) to the washer along with a regular amount of detergent. Run a regular wash cycle with warm or hot water. You can add vinegar if you feel like the diapers need a deeper clean.

5. Machine Dry the Inners

After second wash is complete, move the inserts and inners to the dryer (along with other laundry). Run the dryer on a regular cycle on medium to high heat.

6. Hang Dry the Outers

Be sure to hang dry the outer covers, All-in-One diapers and wet bags. The heat of the dryer will damage the elasticity of your covers and ruin the fit.

A Note on Washing:

When you buy new cloth diapers, you may need to run a special wash cycle to maximize the diapers’ absorbency. Be sure to follow the special instructions provided by the diaper company.

Diaper Rash Creams:

You’ll need to choose diaper rash creams that are safe to use with cloth diapers. Some creams will stain your diapers over time and ruin the absorbency. Check out my go-to diaper rash cream here.

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Time: 3~ hours | Oven: 375F

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups flour

• ¾ tsp sugar

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• 1 stick (1/4 lb) cold butter

• 3-4 Tbsp cold water

Pie Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree

• ¾ cup honey

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• 2 eggs lightly beaten

Start by making the crust. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar and salt. Then, use a grater to grate in the cold butter. Add 3 Tbsps of cold water and begin mixing with your fingers. Slowly add more water until you can gather the dough into one ball. Flatten the dough into a small disk and cover in plastic wrap. Cool in the fridge for at least one hour.

After dough has chilled, turn the ball onto a floured surface. Roll it out a few inches larger than your pie pan. Gently transfer it to the pan and shape the edges using your fingers.

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Use a mixer and combine pumpkin puree, honey, vanilla, salt and pumpkin pie spice together until blended. Add the heavy cream and the beaten eggs. Mix on medium/low until well combined. Carefully pour pumpkin pie filling into your pie crust. Use foil to cover the edges of the crust to prevent burning.

Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 35-40 minutes. For the last segment, test pie doneness by gently jiggling the pie in the oven or using a toothpick. Let pie cool before slicing and serving. Store in fridge.

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The high waisted skirt could be your next secret weapon. It can serve as a staple in almost any wardrobe. Whether it’s knee or ankle length, this piece is almost guaranteed to give you a slimmer waistline to create that hourglass figure. It’s also a great way to create an effortlessly feminine look whether worn casually or formally.

Consider adding two or three plain or patterned high waisted skirts to your closet. When choosing colors, experiment with neutrals to create a timeless look. Style the skirt with a knit sweater, crewneck shirt or an elegant button down. The best part of this piece is it fits almost any occasion and can be worn in any season.

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Instead of opting for popular diaper rash creams that often contain zinc oxide or petroleum, consider an all natural solution. Motherlove’s Diaper Balm is olive oil based and contains gentle, natural ingredients. It’s the perfect option for sensitive skin and has only six ingredients.

Another perk to this diaper balm is that it’s compatible with cloth diapers. Many diaper rash creams and lotions will cause your cloth diapers to become less absorbent over time. This an all natural diaper balm works well for both disposable and cloth diaper users.

Consider using Clara & Fritz’s Unscented Whipped Tallow Balm for those extra aggressive diaper rash outbreaks. I find that one small dollop of this works wonders to fight redness and sensitivity on your baby’s bottom. This is also my favorite baby lotion to use since it contains no fragrance and is extremely gentle.

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1. Little Tikes Story Dream Machine

This adorable mini projector uses small book cartridges to read stories to your child. It’s the perfect toy for moments when you need to distract a busy toddler without turning on the TV. There are multiple book packs available for purchase that include titles like The Very Hungry Caterpillar or classic Golden Books.

2. Tula Explore Woven Cotton Baby Carrier

A soft, cotton baby carrier provides great back support while still being fast and easy to put on. The material is washable and easy to clean. It comes with a sun shade and a front pouch, perfect for holding your keys in the grocery store. A solid baby carrier is a must have when handling two young children.

3. Dockatot with Waterproof Organic Cotton Cover

If you need to give your toddler a snack, but you also want your infant where you can see them, a dockatot is essential. Be sure to invest in a cotton cover to ensure easy cleaning and maximum comfort without synthetic fabrics.

4. Graco DuoGlider Double Stroller

What I love about this double stroller is it can easily sport two young babies without breaking the bank. The rear seat can recline completely to give your tiny one a nap while your older child enjoys the ride. It also has a handy key compartment and cup holder, as well as a large under carriage.

5. Ruvalino Diaper Bag Backpack

A large, well organized diaper bag is a must for easy outings with two littles. This bag is great because it has two cup holders, two bottle holders (inside) and plenty of pockets.

If you know someone who’s a soon-to-be mother to two young babies, these can be some great, affordable gift ideas. These have all been my most used items during this phase of life while I have my hands full.

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Inside, you’ll find recipes, practical tips for wives and mothers and uplifting graphics and words of encouragement.

Your free download will include a 28-page PDF to read digitally (with clickable links) or printed out at home. I’ve even included coloring pages for your littles!

This magazine is written and created by Grace--by a mom, for moms. I hope you enjoy my new passion project and please feel free to share it with moms you know!

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Homestead With Grace

Navigating motherhood and homemaking with a Christ-centered and natural minded perspective.

-Grace, Creator, Editor & Author

Homestead With Grace

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