Health products for busy mums – as recommended by other busy mums
From vitamin supplements to pelvic floor aids, these are the hero health products that will take the leg work out of looking after yourself
1. Instant Perineal Cold Pack, from £12.25
Type: Post-partum product
This is First Days Maternity Supplies’ second year in the top spot for their amazingly soothing and comforting Perineal Cold Packs.
Because there is no need to pre-freeze and they provide instant relief, they’re a must-have items of any new mums and perfect to pop into a hospital bag.
MadeForMums tester Ruth says: “I've recommended these to all my pregnant pals for their hospital bag. These instantly soothing cooling pads are easy-to-use, look like an ordinary maternity pad and last for 30 minutes.”
Available from: Amazon and First Days Maternity
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2. Peri Bottle - 650ml, £12.99
Type: Post-partum product
Going to the loo following childbirth can be uncomfortable, which is why First Days Maternity Supplies’ Peri Bottle has wowed the judges.
With 90 seconds of continuous flow of water, the Peri Bottle’s angled nozzle also reaches all the right places unlike jugs - and can really soothe and cleanse during a trip to the bathroom.
MFM tester Catherine says: “Very effective to use and convenient when using at home. The steady flow gives constant cooling/cleaning effect.”
Available from: Amazon and First Days Maternity
3. Spatone Liquid Iron, £12.49 for 28
Type: Health supplement
Taking iron during pregnancy can help increase the mother’s haemoglobin levels, as well as half the risk of the mother becoming anaemic.
But while iron can normally be quite difficult to absorb, Spatone’s liquid iron supplement which contains iron-rich water sourced from Snowdonia National Park, has proven otherwise and comes in single sachets so also great to take on the go.
MadeForMums tester Jenny says: “Much tastier than other liquid iron I have tried and the hint of apple makes it much easier to stomach. The individual sachets are hygienic and easy to carry in handbag.”
Available from: Amazon, Boots and Holland & Barratt
4. CARiFiT Babywearing workouts, £89
Type: Exercise subscription
Being able to exercise and bond with your new baby at the same time is a great solution for new mums looking to get fit and back into shape.
Devised by an ante and postnatal fitness expert and approved by leading health, fitness and babywearing authorities, CARiFiT workouts are done whilst wearing the baby.
From core exercises to interval training, there’s even a nutrition guide to this personalised plan.
MFM judge Samantha says: “It’s a great way to do exercise postnatally at a time that suits you and your baby. The website is easy to use and provides a number of exercise routines. I like the fact you can choose to do between 2 and 4 routines a week and change the frequency to suit you.”
Available from: CARiFit
5. My Expert Midwife Spritz for Bits, £19.50
Type: Post-partum product
Spritz for Bits is a revelation for any new mum, especially if you experience the discomfort and soreness that can come with giving birth.
Spritz for Bits has a combination of soothing lavender oil, antibacterial tea tree and witch hazel which anti-bacterial and painkilling properties and can be sprayed directly and provide instant relief from pain. It can also be sprayed onto surgical wounds.
MFM tester Bonnie says: “I would definitely recommend this product as it really helped me in the time after giving birth. The soothing elements in the spray helped beyond belief, I’m very happy to use this regularly!”
Available from: My Expert Midwife and Amazon
6. My Expert Midwife No Harm Nipple Balm, £16.50
Type: Breast-feeding
Completely 100% natural, as well as tasteless and odourless, the No Harm Nipple Balm is an essential product for all breast-feeding mums.
Easy to dispense with just one hand, the balm can be easily applied over sore and cracked nipples to provide relief and moisture.
MFM tester Kara says: “Easy to use product and pump. Great that you don’t need to remove prior to feeding. Similar ingredients to cheaper products on the market, so it is a little pricey but the product does go a long way. Had no nipple issues using this through breast feeding.”
Available from: My Expert Midwife and Amazon
7. PureLan 100 nipple cream 37g, £6.95
Type: Breast-feeding
The PureLan 100 nipple cream is so safe, that you can also use it on baby’s skin. No need to remove before breast-feeding and with all-natural ingredients, the judges were impressed with how easy it glides over the nipples and its multi-purpose uses.
It can also be used for dry skin, cracked lips and on your hands - so a fantastic all-rounder.
Christy, MFM Reviews & Consumer Editor and mum of 2, says: “A good value cream and I really like that fact it’s all natural so you don’t need to wash it off.”
Available from: Morrisons and Amazon
8. Made For Life Restorative Body balm, £48
Type: Skin product
With gorgeous heady mix of carrot, rosehip oil and Gotu Kola, as well as a Rose Geranium fragrance, this is a luxurious and indulgent body balm.
Smooth over the whole body to feed the skin and restore elasticity, as well as repairing damaged skin tissue. Fantastic for helping prevent stretchmarks and improving suppleness.
MadeForMum judge Leona says: “A £48 cream is not the top of everyone’s hospital bag list, but this product is brilliant and so worth the money. The luxurious packaging will make a new mum or mum-to-be feel extra special. I can feel its firming properties and as soon as it’s finished I will be rushing out for more!”
Available from: Made For Life
9. Fybogel Hi-Fibre Orange, £3.49 for 10 sachets
Type: Health product
Unfortunately, constipation is one of the most common symptoms after pregnancy.
Rather than resort to laxatives, use the qualities of ispaghula husk in Fybogel Hi-Fibre Orange to help your digestive system work more efficiently and gently relieve constipation in a natural way.
Available from: Boots, Superdrug and Amazon
10. Yes WB Personal Lubricant, £5.99
Type: Health product
Designed not to interfere with your most intimate area, the Yes WB Personal Lubricant is natural and nourishing, designed to tackle dryness and help relieve tension post-birth when you first have sex. Completely water based, the lubricant is non-sticky and comes in discreet packaging.
Available from: Yes Yes, Amazon and Superdrug
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