7 Postpartum Must-Haves For Recovering In The Tropics
A hot list of items to help every new mum stay cool
By Gwyneth Goh -
Postpartum recovery in a hot and humid climate like Singapore is really tough — especially if you’re doing a traditional confinement period with all its fussy rules about not showering or being exposed to air-conditioning.
To help you stay cool in this heat, we’ve put together a list of must-haves for postpartum recovery in Singapore, contributed by real mums. But this isn’t just limited to after birth: they’ll also come in useful during pregnancy, especially when you’re feeling hot and bothered in the third trimester.
The idea of a cooling bra may not be unique, but one of our mummy friends found this sleek seamless version at a very affordable price just north of the border. Malaysian award-winning maternity brand Bmama offers a wide range of high-quality maternity wares online, and also supplies to top confinement centres and maternity stores all across Malaysia.
This full-coverage Ultra Cooling Seamless Nursing Bra is crafted from rich soft cooling yarns and cooling silk lining touted to lower your body temperature. Fitted with hidden clasps for easy one-handed operation, this seamless bra makes a slim silhouette and offers all-day comfort for both mama and bubs—it will keep mama cool and be gentle on baby’s skin when nursing.
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The worst thing to wake up with is a sweaty head, especially if you’re not supposed to be washing your hair. While there are many other fancier brand names offering more expensive pillows with “ultra-cryo-icicle” cooling technology, our featured pillow comes from an established local brand which has been providing quality bedding products locally since 1978. Nature Basics products from Kingtra Enterprises can easily be found in local department stores like Tangs, Metro, OG and more.
The Cooling Touch Standard Pillow is a premium dual-sided cooling pillow that consistently wicks away heat through its “special cooling fabric” to keep you cool as you sleep. Fluffy and ultra-soft with a high loft fibre, this breathable pillow provides good head and neck support for a good night’s sleep. Bonus: it is also hypo-allergenic, anti-dust mite, anti-bacteria, anti-fungus, odourless and OEKO-TEX certified for greater peace of mind. Pair with our next item for a doubly cool effect.
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Another proudly Singaporean label offers these amazing premium bamboo woven sheets that promise to be super cooling and incredibly soft. While listed as 300, these high-quality bamboo sheets are said to feel like 1000 thread count. Bamboo fabrics are naturally breathable, naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial, resistant to odours and less prone to tearing due to their long fibres. They also stand up better to repeated washing, and are more sustainable and eco-friendlier compared to cotton.
These sheet sets come as basic (with fitted sheet) or complete (with duvet cover) sets. All sets come with pillow cases and — many will be delighted to know — bolster cases, two for queen and king sets! There are also 12 colours to choose from, so you’ll surely find something that vibes with your boudoir.
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Some well-deserved pampering for all your hard work and literal labour, this Sova Silk Rest and Relax Set will definitely help make the most of every precious sleep minute you get. Postpartum specialist, certified personal trainer and local mumfluencer @Vannytelly, who is a big fan of the Sova Silk range, recommends their silk pillowcase for staying cosy and cool amid the heat and fatigue, and their silk hair accessories for effortlessly keeping your hair up without damaging it.
Made of 100% pure highest-grade 6A 22-momme mulberry silk, these naturally hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating luxe bedfellows will ensure you wake up cool, refreshed, crease-free and frizz-free every day. The fine silk doesn’t just help your skin retain moisture—it is also anti-crease to prevent wrinkles, and can reduce bed head and split ends!
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Another contribution to this list by @Vannytelly, Uniqlo’s AIRism range is smooth, comfortable and definitely cooling with its Cool Touch and quick-drying DRY technology. Functional, lightweight and stylish with clean lines and muted tones, you can find almost anything in the range to clothe you from the bedroom to the office to the gym. Vanessa also recommends the AIRism undergarment range which she describes as “always feeling cool on your skin”.
The AIRism range comprises casual t-shirts and camisoles, leggings, joggers and sportswear, loungewear including shorts and cute pyjama sets, as well as dresses, long-sleeved tees and even zip hoodies.
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Dry shampoo is an absolute must, says @Calista_evangelista, Dr’s Secret spokesperson and popular Singaporean mumfluencer. Easy to use, fast-acting and effective at absorbing oil and grime without water, this 100% vegan Rosemary and Peppermint dry shampoo is also certified USDA organic and free of parabens, sulphates, mineral oils, petroleum, formaldehyde, cruelty and general nasties.
Simply puff some out onto your clean palms or brush or directly onto your hair, work it into your scalp and comb through to the ends. This will keep you feeling cool and clean and fresh on those messy days between hair washes.
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Made from just one ingredient — 100% pure steam-distilled USDA certified organic Rosa Damascena — this is a personal favourite and completely safe all throughout pregnancy and postpartum, even for most sensitive skin types. Rich with essential oil micro-elements, organic rose water has multiple benefits in skincare and wellbeing. It supports skin rejuvenation and renewal, helps soften, tone, hydrate and maintain pH balance, and also has soothing properties for calming down unhappy skin and relieving redness. To top that off, rose water is also a known mood enhancer that has been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Alteya’s award-winning formula has been featured in People Magazine, ELLE, In-Style, New York Fashion Week and other notable global publications. It is a skin-grade distillate with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that you can use like a toner, as a body mist or personal fragrance (extra perk for fans of rose fragrances), as part of your haircare regime (because it also improves hair manageability, softness and shine), or even in cooking because this formula is that pure. For a cool refreshing pick-me-up during those hot postpartum days, simply spritz over your face and air dry or gently pat dry with clean hands. Your skin will thank you!
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