Easy Home Spa Treatments for New Mothers

New mothers encounter many difficult challenges in the first days home from the hospital. In addition to the difficulty inherent to caring for a newborn, many new mothers are also in pain, exhausted, and feeling less than beautiful.

In spite of the some of the traditional wisdom, birth is not always an experience that leaves mothers refreshed, in charge of their bodies, and more confident than ever. The aftermath can leave some feeling overly exposed, even depressed, and generally as though their body is entirely utilitarian.

The following are some ideas for at-home baby-friendly Spa treatments to soothe both Mom's body and mind:

Spa Treatment 1. Pour baking soda into your sitz bath:
More than likely, a new mother is going to be advised to take multiple so-called Sitz baths every day. These serve to soften any stitches that might exist, as well as probably hemorrhoids. These baths are meant to be shallow, tepid-to-lightly-warm baths in which Mom should sit for up to 10 minutes at a time. What can make the time more constructive in many ways is putting a tablespoon or two of baking soda in each one. The baking soda will not only soften the stitches and help them dissolve (and Mom heal) in record time, but it also serves as an amazing exfollient for the skin. Mom will emerge from the tub in less pain, and with glowing legs and feet.

Spa Treatment 2. Baby yourself with oil:
Time and energy are often limited for new mothers, and the ability to go get a manicure or a pedicure may seem like a luxury that will never again be. In order to keep Mom feeling pampered, let her give herself a pedicure as she comes out of the tub. Simply put some baby oil on her moist (and exfoliated) feet before her socks go on. The oil will work its way in as she goes about her day, and she will emerge at night with pedicured feet, no visit to the salon needed!

If Mom does dishes also, tell her to put the baby oil (or Vaseline or olive oil, if that's handier) on her hands before dishwashing gloves, then use very hot water to wash them. The heat and oil will combine to be a super moisturizer that will soften cuticles and make her hands baby soft.

Spa Treatment 3. Got five minutes? Slather yourself in honey and saltWhile baby's napping (or even just occupied a few feet away), Mom can help feel and look refreshed and dewy by mixing honey and salt and using it as a face and neck mask. Leave the mixture on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse off with a warm washcloth, and the fresh and glowing skin will be immediately evident. In the days following birth, there are a lot of photos normally taken, and Mom will appreciate if she doesn't feel she looks bedraggled and sallow in every single one.

It's important for new mothers to concentrate a little on themselves following the birth of a child. While the new baby will, and should, occupy the vast majority of her time, reminding a new mother that she is a beautiful woman worthy of pampering is important, quick, and inexpensive.