When you have a newborn, everyone talks about the lack of sleep, but they somehow overlook the recovery of the birthing parent. The physical aftereffects of giving birth such as dealing with discomfort when sitting down, recovering from a C-section incision or struggling with breastfeeding, puts an incredible amount of strain on the body, along with many other adjustments that come with a beautiful new baby.
Ob-gyns say the postpartum period is one of the most overwhelming moments for women for several reasons. The responsibility of caring for a new life that depends entirely on you, the shifting dynamics with your partner, and the hormonal and body changes alone can be a lot for anyone to handle.
Having reliable postpartum kits or supplies on hand can make a world of difference during this crucial period of adjustment. They are tools that can provide essential support to help ease recovery and mental well-being.
If you’re looking to make your postpartum journey as smooth as possible, check out our selection of some of the best kits and products from Black-founded companies that are culturally sensitive to maternal wellness.
Fourth Phase
Fourth Phase is a maternal wellness company started by Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo and Marcia A. Cole, two friends and former magazine and digital editors who love to give back. Their mission is to help new moms heal, feel better and have their voices heard with special kits that focus on physical and emotional recovery. These boxes contain carefully chosen, all-natural, organic, eco-friendly products to support moms during this critical time in motherhood.
Ebi
When Breighl Robbins had her daughter, Phyllis, she faced the same challenges as many new moms: she was so focused on taking care of her baby that she neglected her own well-being. Even though she had help, she felt unprepared to handle the emotional and physical demands of the postpartum period. What she needed was someone to guide her and provide her with the tools for self-care.
After consulting with doctors and doulas, Robbins, who has a background in public health and integrative medicine, has created Ebi, (it means “family” in Yoruba), a line of wellness essentials designed specifically for the period after the birth of your baby.
It’s the missing piece that Robbins wished she had when she became a new mom, and she is now committed to supporting others. She appreciates how taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your newborn, and Ebi’s carefully crafted, plant-based essentials that can be used to treat challenges like C-section scars, itchy nipples and diaper rash do just that.
Matrescence
Matrescence is a cool wellness brand that totally gets what it’s like to be a mom. They aim for what they call “mothering the mother” by offering a high-performance line of plant-based skincare products made just for new mothers. With bestsellers that include their Rose Glow Trio, a 3-step ritual that gently tackles hyperpigmentation and breakouts in sensitive, hormonal skin and the Stretch Mark Relief Restorative Butter that nurtures pre and postnatal itchy, overextended skin, these products are designed to help them feel amazing, even when life gets crazy.
The Honey Pot Company
Bea Dixon changed the future of feminine care when she pledged to create something special for women. She founded The Honey Pot Company, a brand that seeks to promote female health with all-natural, plant-derived personal care products that actually work. From their herbal-infused menstrual pads to their gentle feminine washes, they encourage self-care in the best ways possible.