As holistic-minded moms know, the journey to motherhood is filled with both joy and challenges, and it often encourages a focus on healthier, more natural products for ourselves and our babies. Yet, shopping in today's market can be tricky. Many store-bought items come laden with unnecessary additives, preservatives, or synthetic ingredients—even when labeled "organic" or "natural." Add to this the appeal of convenience and sales prices, and we might end up buying items that fall short of our values.

Why DIY is Worth It

Creating your own products can offer benefits that go far beyond the initial effort. When we make items ourselves, we know exactly what’s going into them, often resulting in safer, more nourishing products for ourselves and our babies. The process itself is empowering: we’re able to craft, tweak, and customize things precisely to our needs. Plus, DIYing can save both time and money in the long run, as homemade products often last longer and are more effective.

As a second-time mom choosing DIY for the second time around, I've found the simplicity and quality of these homemade products to be unmatched. Each recipe here has become a staple in my routine, offering peace of mind and real benefits for me and my baby.

DIY Shopping List for Moms

Here’s a basic list of holistic ingredients that will serve you well in many recipes. These items can be purchased from health food stores, herbal apothecaries, or trusted online sources.

Kitchen Essentials

• Coconut oil – moisturizer, anti-inflammatory
• Olive oil – nourishing and safe for sensitive skin
• Honey – natural sweetener and wound healer
• Baking soda – gentle cleanser, deodorizer
• Apple cider vinegar – balances pH, adds shine

Apothecary Basics

• Shea butter – deeply moisturizing and skin-protecting
• Beeswax – gives body to creams and protects skin
• Vitamin E oil – heals and protects skin from free radicals
• Essential oils – lavender (calming), chamomile (anti-inflammatory), peppermint (cooling), frankincense (skin healing)
• Witch hazel – soothing and astringent, great for postpartum
• Calendula flowers – promotes healing and reduces irritation
• Aloe vera gel – soothes and cools irritated skin
• Cabbage – a natural remedy for engorged or sore breasts

Top DIY Recipes for Moms & Babies

Each recipe below offers a natural and effective alternative to commercial products, crafted with ingredients that work with your body to support healing, comfort, and bonding with your baby.

1. Stretch Mark Cream

Combine:

• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 5-10 drops of frankincense essential oil
• Melt the shea butter and coconut oil together, then mix in the olive oil and essential oil. Store in a glass jar and apply twice daily to reduce stretch marks and nourish your skin.

2. Labor Aid Drink

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut water
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/8 tsp pink salt
• 1/2 tsp magnesium powder (optional)
• Mix well for a natural electrolyte drink that replenishes energy and supports hydration during labor.

3. Honey Ice Cubes

Pour honey into ice cube trays and freeze. These can be sucked on during labor for quick energy, and the honey provides soothing relief if your throat is dry.

4. Labor Foods

Some quick, energy-dense labor snacks:

• Dates (packed with natural sugar and fiber)
• Small bites of banana with almond butter
• Dried apricots
• Protein balls with oats, honey, and nut butter

5. Postpartum Padcicles

Ingredients:

• Sanitary pads
• Aloe vera gel
• Witch hazel
• Lavender essential oil (optional)
• Spread a thin layer of aloe vera gel on each pad, sprinkle with witch hazel, and add a few drops of lavender oil if desired. Fold, freeze, and use as needed postpartum for cooling relief.

6. DIY Baby Wipes

Mix:

• 2 cups distilled water
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp witch hazel
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• Pour over soft cloth squares or natural paper towels in a container, and use for gentle, chemical-free baby wipes.

7. Bum Cream

Combine:

• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 tbsp beeswax
• 5 drops chamomile essential oil
• Melt and mix the ingredients, then let cool in a jar. Apply as needed for gentle protection against diaper rash.

8. Baby Powder

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
• 1/4 cup kaolin clay
• 5 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
• Mix ingredients in a small container. This powder is soothing, safe, and talc-free.

9. Baby Bath Wash

Combine:

• 1 cup castile soap
• 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional for sensitive skin)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 5 drops chamomile essential oil
• Mix in a gentle foaming pump bottle for a baby wash that nourishes skin without harsh chemicals.

10. Nipple Cream / Remedies

Make a simple balm with:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 1 tbsp beeswax
• Melt and mix. For sore or engorged breasts, chilled cabbage leaves can be placed directly on the skin for natural relief.

Why These DIYs are My Top Picks

As a mom who’s chosen DIY for a second time, I can say these recipes are lifesavers. They’re cost-effective and made with safe, high-quality ingredients, ensuring that what I put on my skin (and my baby’s) is clean and healing.

• Stretch Mark Cream and Labor Aid Drink support the body’s natural processes, keeping skin resilient and energy levels high.
• Honey Ice Cubes and Labor Foods are quick, easy labor resources.
• Postpartum Padcicles offer the cooling relief needed after birth, a comfort I couldn’t have done without.
• DIY Wipes, Bum Cream, and Baby Powder are essentials that allow me to care for my baby’s delicate skin safely.
• Nipple Cream and Cabbage for Boobs are classic remedies that help nursing go smoothly.

These DIYs are tailored to support every stage of this beautiful journey, from labor to postpartum care and baby bonding, while saving time and money. Going natural is not only a healthier choice but also an empowering one—knowing I’m giving myself and my child the best care, crafted with love.



Each of these DIY essentials is about creating a routine that nourishes and supports. Embracing these small rituals has transformed my journey, providing not only the best products for my baby and me but also a rewarding sense of independence and confidence. Here’s to a holistic motherhood journey filled with health, happiness, and handmade goodness!

If you’re a DIY-loving mom who values natural and holistic solutions, let’s connect! I’m here to share more tips, recipes, and support on this amazing journey. Whether you’re looking to create a more natural home, prepare for birth, or simply want a community of like-minded moms, I’d love to be part of your story. Follow me on Instagram at @ElementalGrowth or visit my website to learn more about my coaching services. Together, let’s make motherhood even more meaningful and empowering!

Holistic Resources for DIY Moms

1. Wellness Mama – An excellent source for DIY natural products, recipes, and holistic health tips: Wellness Mama
2. Earthley – Offers holistic products and resources on natural remedies and DIY tips: Earthley
3. The Herbal Academy – A great site for learning about herbal medicine with classes and resources: The Herbal Academy
4. Natural Baby Mama – Focused on natural parenting, with DIY recipes and holistic tips: Natural Baby Mama
5. Mountain Rose Herbs Blog – Learn about herbs, DIY recipes, and natural wellness ideas: Mountain Rose Herbs
6. Elemental Growth – My own blog and coaching site for personalized support on natural motherhood, wellness, and empowerment.

Books for Further Reading

• The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood
• Healing Herbal Infusions by Colleen Codekas
• The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother by Heng Ou
• Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols

Stay inspired, stay empowered, and enjoy the beautiful benefits of a holistic motherhood journey! Reach out—I’m here for you every step of the way 🌿