Best for Bits: The Memos 2022 Nominees for Best Postpartum Recovery Pals

Because the gain usually comes with pain.

The Memos recognise the absolute in parenting essentials, the best baby brands in the biz, the products worthy of your time, adoration and money. This year, we have eight categories ranging from bath time BFFs to the most innovative baby gear in the game. The judges have finalised the nominees, now all you need to do is vote! Consider it your civic duty and cast your vote by Tuesday March 1st, 11.59pm AEST and let parents everywhere know the products that made your parenthood experience that little bit easier. But first, a closer look at the nominees for Breast Besties: The Best in Breast Care, as curated by out panel of expert judges.

All the gain can come with a lot of pain. As your body recovers from the intensity of childbirth, these soothing saviours get all the credit for giving expert care for down there.

And the nominees are...

As voted for by The Holistic Birthing Expert Yahna Fookes, The Community Advocate Maggie Chretien, The Midwife and Lactation Consultant Tanya Maschio.

Pregnancy and childbirth involves its fair share of discomfort, so the perineum strip from Body Ice is truly a godsend! Use the strip hot or cold on the sensitive perineal area during pregnancy and postpartum for soothing relief. It can also be used to treat Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) as well as haemorrhoids.

What our judges say:

"I swear by these cooling strips and used them in my own journey for the first 4 weeks postpartum. Easy to insert in your undies, re-freezable and hygienic, these are must for your fourth trimester.” — Yahna Fookes, The Holistic Birthing Expert.

Perineum Strip 101:

Use hot or cold
help reduce the occurrence of perineal trauma
Use to treat Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) & haemorrhoids
Includes x1 perineum strip and x5 washable perineum sleeves

As voted for by The Editorial Director Alexandra Whiting.

Here's one to help improve your postpartum recovery before bub is even here! This nourishing oil from Mere Botanicals is specifically designed to be used on the sensitive perineal area to help prepare it for childbirth. Use this oil from 34 weeks pregnant onwards to soften and relax the delicate area.

What our judges say:

"Perineal massage is a great thing. It's also the kind of thing you want a dedicated product for.” — Alexandra Whiting, The Editorial Director.

Perineum Massage Oil 101:

Made with Sweet Almond Oil, Calendula and Hypericum Oils
Keeps skin supple, soothed and flexible, ready for childbirth
Use in the shower or after bath
Begin using from 34 weeks pregnant onwards

As voted for by The Editorial Director Alexandra Whiting and The Nutritionist Jacqueline Alwill.

Ideal for all new mums regardless of whether you've had a c-section or vaginal birth. These inserts are designed to provide soothing heat or cooling relief depending on what works best for you. Simply fit them into your underwear for vaginal and perineal comfort. With a curved design, they easily provide comfort to sensitive areas, contouring to your body comfortably.

What our judges say:

"I remember after my first born, Jet (12 years ago now!), I wished someone had invented something as magical as the Bare Mum Reusable Warm and Cool Insert for post birth healing and here it is. I’d be giving this in a heart beat for a mum-to-be." — Jacqueline Alwill, The Nutritionist.

Reusable Warm and Cool Insert 101:

Soothing heat and cooling relief
Freezer and microwave safe
Reusable
Naturally derived, non toxic gel and real botanicals
Can be used on c-section pain or for vaginal and perineal comfort

As voted for by The Holistic Birthing Expert Yahna Fookes.

An essential for your hospital bag. These disposable pants are ultra breathable and keep things mega hygienic and comfy. Thanks to allowing for unrestricted air flow, they actively support healing after birth. We think they're a most for c-sections as they allow skin and scars to breathe and recover.

What our judges say:

“What can I say, every woman needs an adult nappy after birth.” — The Holistic Birthing Expert Yahna Fookes.

Features of Disposable Pants:

Breathable mesh weave
Disposable/allows for 20 washes
One size fits all
Hold pads in place

As voted for by The Nutritionist Jacqueline Alwill.

This one doubles up for expecting mums as well as postpartum superwomen. Use it on stretch marks, and C-section scars alike to soothe, nourish and strengthen the skin. This is excellent to help relieve itching and diminish the appearance of scars.

What our judges say:

"As a mum of 3 I’ve never loved oils massaged into my belly more and this Bare Mum Skin and Scar Oil is a nourishing treat to your skin." — Jacqueline Alwill, The Nutritionist.

Features of Skin & Scar Oil:

Made from Argan Oil, Vitamin E, Sweet Almond Oil and Calendula Oil
Non-greasy formula
Soothes delicate skin
Use during pregnancy and post-partum

As voted for by The Editorial Director Alexandra Whiting.

This is utterly ingenious and should come with the disclaimer of 'things you didn't know you needed until postpartum'. Thanks to its angled narrow, retractable neck, this is the best bottle ever to cleanse your perineum. The ergonomic squeeze bottle is easy to use and mess free, developed to relieve the sting of urine and gently cleanse sensitive areas.

What our judges say:

"With cleansing your bits postpartum, non-touch is best. I love that this bottle is a way to easily get water on your bits when it's not the easiest to bend over. Just sit on the toilet and squeeze to splash. Pure relief." — Alexandra Whiting, The Editorial Director.