Nights feel very different postpartum, I feel like its the “quietest” part of my day so I cram in as much as I can while I can…while still trying to go to sleep within 2 hours of putting Kaia to be so that I get as much rest as possible!
Even when the day is over, your body doesn’t fully switch off, you’re trying to rest while staying half alert at the same time.
So lately, I’ve realized my nighttime routine is less about doing everything perfectly and more about creating small rituals that help me unwind, feel comfortable, and prepare for sleep.
The Wind-Down Starts Earlier
I try to start slowing things down before I actually get into bed.
Usually, that means making a cup of tea. I like Rest & Digest tea. It’s simple, but signals to my body that it’s time to relax. It also helps with digestion and is calming. I’ll dim the lights and keep only a few on so everything feels softer and less overstimulating. With my tea, I try to put my phone away and instead will grab my Kindle and pick up wherever I left off in my current reading.
I’ll usually also put on my Therabody face mask while using my Momcozy M6 to habit stack a few things at once.
Skincare + Body Care
For my nighttime face routine, I’ll use Dieux Baptism gel cleanser, followed by some other favorites which include:
- Le Prunier Plumtox Clarifying Enzyme Mask (Use Code: TASHA15 for 15% off)
- True Botanicals Chebula Eye Patches
- True Botanicals Chebula Active Serum
- Dieux Air Angel Hydrating Cream
When it comes to body care, postpartum recovery is long. I don’t think people talk about that enough. The initial recovery phase may be only a few weeks, but full postpartum healing really can take months/over a year.
Throughout my pregnancy and after, I’ve been using the NĒMAH Nourishing Belly Oil and Stretch Mark Cream consistently before bed. Because I had a C-section, I’ve also been loving the Pure Mama scar care kit with reusable silicone strips to help reduce the scar and minimize it widening.
Once in bed, I also really like using red light wrap on my stomach itself. I’ve found it really soothing for my stomach area and scar recovery.
Setting Up the Room
Before bed, I also make sure everything I might need during the night is already nearby.
Water with electrolytes on the nightstand. Burp cloths. Swaddles. The ELVIE milk catcher. My Nod Pod sleep mask. Kindle. All the little things that make middle-of-the-night wakeups feel slightly less chaotic.
The Hatch sound machine is always on nearby too. It helps create a calmer environment and routine for both me and the baby.
Bedtime Comfort
Changing into comfortable pajamas changes my mood immediately.
Right now I live in the soft Eberjey pajamas because they’re easy for nighttime feeding and so comfortable to sleep in. I also keep everything underneath soft and comfortable too… nursing bras, seamless underwear, nothing restrictive.
I also found a new favorite sleep mask. It’s weighted and something about it works, because I’ve been getting so much better sleep lately, even while waking up to feed, I can get back to sleep quickly.
Find everything here:
- Eberjey Comfy Pajamas
- Nod Pod Weighted Sleep Mask
- Lace cotton Nursing Sleep Bra
- Amazon Seamless Nursing Sleep Bra
- Kindred Bravely Racerback Nursing Bra
- Kindred Bravely Postpartum Recovery Panties
Magnesium + Sleep Support
This is probably the most consistent part of my routine.
WeNatal supplements that are good pre and post-pregnancy.
Legendairy Milk Liquid Gold Lactation Support.
I take Ritual’s magnesium every single night. Or I will add Moon Juice Magnesi-Om instead. It’s become one of my favorite ways to wind down before bed.`
What I’ve Learned About Postpartum Nights
Some nights I do this full routine. Other nights it’s just magnesium, pajamas, and hoping the baby gives me a decent stretch of sleep.
But overall, these are the little things that help me feel more settled at night and slightly more rested the next morning.
I’ve learned that postpartum evenings are less about perfection and more about creating small moments that help your body and mind slow down. Especially during a phase of life that can feel physically exhausting and mentally nonstop.
Sleep with a baby is never fully predictable. But having a few comforting rituals in place does make the nights feel softer, calmer, and a little more manageable.