Recovering from birth during an Australian summer isn't easy. With approximately 30% of babies born between December and February, plenty of new mums face postpartum recovery during the height of summer in Australia. Navigating intense heat, humidity, and constant sweating isn’t easy on top of caring for a newborn. Here's how to stay comfortable using simple methods and natural ingredients for postpartum care.
Why Summer Makes Postpartum Recovery Harder
Heat doesn't just make you uncomfortable; it actively interferes with healing. High temperatures increase inflammation in sensitive areas, while humidity slows postpartum healing by preventing proper cooling and causing excessive sweating that irritates wounds.
Dehydration can also become a concern, especially if you're breastfeeding. When you're already exhausted and recovering, the Australian summer heat compounds every challenge.
Your Summer Recovery Toolkit
Your body is doing incredible work right now, and these hot climate hurdles deserve real solutions. Here are practical ways to support your recovery through the heat:
Keep Inflamed Areas Cool
Postpartum cooling products like reusable gel inserts make a genuine difference when dealing with swelling and heat. Pop the Bare Mum Warm & Cool Inserts in the freezer and use them throughout the day on perineal or breast areas (Warm & Cool Inserts for Breasts) for targeted postpartum healing and heat relief.
Wear Breathable Fabrics
What you wear matters during summer recovery. Our Postpartum Recovery Shorts feature breathable, moisture-wicking material to keep you dry, with a pocket for cooling inserts and space for postpartum pads. Compared to wearing a belly band over your outfit, our shorts won’t trap sweat in the area and make you feel constricted. Paired with a loose, breezy linen button up, you not only have a cute, feeding friendly outfit, but a fit to keep you cooler.
Soothe Irritation with Witch Hazel
When heat causes irritation around healing areas, such as a vaginal tear or episiotomy site, natural gentle skincare for hot weather becomes essential. Our Perineal Foam uses witch hazel's anti-inflammatory and cooling properties to provide instant relief without stickiness.
Choose Better Care Down There
One of the best postpartum sweating solutions is choosing cleansing solutions and absorbent pads that handle both bleeding and summer moisture. Moisture creates an environment where bacteria thrives, leading to a higher chance of infection. Our Herbal Infused Postpartum Pads with organic cotton are infused with witch hazel and aloe vera to soothe skin while keeping you dry and balancing your pH. Meanwhile, a quick rinse after a trip to the bathroom with our Perineal Wash Bottle will keep your tender areas fresh and clean.
Support Healing with an Herbal Bath
A soak in our Sitz Bath Salts before bed can ease discomfort and promote healing. Adding natural salts and herbs like Epsom salts (rich in magnesium), calendula, and chamomile helps reduce inflammation and supports tissue repair. The best part is you don’t need a hot bath to reap the benefits, our bath soak formula is a super fine and concentrated formula that quickly dissolves in cool water too.
Stay Hydrated When Breastfeeding
If you're breastfeeding in the Australian summer, your fluid needs increase significantly. Keep a large water bottle within reach and nurse in air-conditioned or shaded spaces when possible. Use cooling inserts between feeds for engorgement and eat water-rich foods like cucumber and watermelon to stay hydrated.
Time Your Day Around the Heat
Stay indoors, or in the shade, between 10 am and 3 pm when the sun is strongest. Use these peak heat hours for feeding, napping, or resting with your baby in a cool space.