9 Ways to Live Your Best Postpartum Summer Life

You're right, Barton Springs Saloon. It sucks outside right now.

At La Mama Care, we have 99 postpartum problems (give or take), and summer in Austin is at the top of that list, with the recent heat wave making us extra cranky. Between hormone fluctuations that keep your body temperature in flux and keeping a baby safe from the summer sun, summer for the postpartum mama is a far cry from the party boat days of yore.

Fear not, sweaty and stressed Mama - here are 9 tips to help you keep your postpartum cool this summer.

1. Bookstores

There aren’t too many public places where you can cool off indoors, get an iced beverage, sit for as long as you want, and read whatever the hell you want without being interrupted or asked to leave. The bookstore is a seriously underrated summer destination for the postpartum mama and also happens to be a great place to take babies and kiddos, too.

2. Fresh Air

While going outside sounds like the last thing you want to do in the middle of summer, a little fresh air can go a long way for both the postpartum mama and baby. The key is to be outside in a way that doesn’t expose either of you to too much sun or heat. Find a 30-minute window of time in the morning or early evening to go for a walk or sit in a shaded outdoor space. Babies are so stimulated in nature and you can get a break from feeling cooped up in the great indoors! Don’t forget to use insect repellent - we love the baby-friendly kind by Babyganics.

3. Get Out of Town

When you’re ready, plan a weekend out of town with your family that’s a comfortable driving distance from your home. It doesn’t have to be anything too ambitious, even as simple as a quick trip to see family or friends. The experience can really help break up the routine nature of the postpartum phase with a newborn, while also building your confidence of being out and about with your baby. Small trips can also be a nice time for family bonding. Pro tip: have a packing and baby gear plan with your partner ahead of time, and remember - less can be more!

4. Frozen Washcloths

It may sound zany, but keeping frozen washcloths in the freezer can be a lifesaver when temps start to rise. If you have a sudden postpartum hot flash or need to cool off after being outside in the summer heat, this is a quick, inexpensive and guaranteed way to cool off! Wet a few washcloths (feel free to add an essential oil of your choice - we love citrus for a nice boost of energy) and then roll each washcloth individually. Place all washcloths in a gallon-sized freezer bag and store in the freezer for at least two hours before using. For maximum cool down, place ice cold washcloths on pulse points (think: neck, wrists and insides of elbows).

5. Sundresses!

The Mamas LOVE sundresses. There’s no better way to stay cool and comfy and also feel pretty as a postpartum mama than in a classic sundress. Some of our current favorites can be found at Walmart, Target and Nordstrom at a variety of price points. We also love hitting up our local Goodwill and trading with other mamas for flattering postpartum summer favorites.

Photo via Jillian Harris

6. SUMMER

Not on our list of postpartum summer problems? Jay-Z. Track 1 (“SUMMER”) on The Carters’ new album, Everything is Love , takes us back to carefree summer days and is the perfect thing to listen to when the heat and poopy diapers have gotten the best of you. Bonus points if you can leave the baby with your partner or trusted adult to listen in the comfort of a dark, air conditioned room by yourself. Close your eyes, take some deep breaths, and let the music lift your spirits for 4:45. Go ahead and take an extra 15 seconds for yourself - we won’t tell anyone.

Photo via Shoppe Black

7. Netflix and Chill

No, not like that. With the ever-present pressure of doing a million things a day, sometimes doing absolutely fuck-all is just what you need. Grab some powdered donuts, flip on the Queer Eye and spend the day cuddling and cooing with your sweet babe in your lap. Be present and enjoy the small moments because they’ll fly by, trust us. Or, if you and your partner want to Netflix and chill the old-fashioned way, we say, get it girl.

8. Hit the Movies

The brutal summer heat makes us want to crawl into a cool, dark hole every once in a while and there’s no better place to do that than a movie theater. Theaters have wisened up to the fact that in addition to childless teens and 20-somethings, parents also like to enjoy a movie without the crushing expense of a babysitter. Check out your local theater to see if they offer baby-friendly movies where the crying baby or poop blowout are just part of the movie experience.

9. Make a Play Date

Chances are, your friends with little ones, especially those with kids out of school, are dying to find something to fill the time between when their partner has left for work and when they plan to come home. Invite one (or multiple!) mamas over to commiserate on how freaking difficult it is to have a real conversation about world affairs with your two-month-old -- we’re positive you won’t regret it!