Preparing for Your Baby's Story
We all know there's a lot of prep and joy that goes into having a baby. And it's all worthy!
But what about mama? I did a lot of internet sleuthing and asked a lot of mamas for help getting a list together prior to my daughter's birth...and then I made a list while recovering! This list is everything (and then some) that you may need. If you have a c-section, I do not currently have a list for that, but I'm working on getting one together with help from other mamas.
***Click the bold words for the Amazon links.***
HEALING
•Frida bidet - I know it’s $15 but you’ll use it every single time you go to the bathroom while you heal for 6 weeks. (It’s every bit as sexy as it looks.)
•Bath sitz - Daily bath salts that feel great. Side note: do not get anything scented because it can cause infection.
•Tucks - Cooling relief when you’re sore down there (you’ll get some at the hospital as well)
•Depends for women - The truth is that there are two humans in your home who will need diapers but only for a couple of weeks.
•One time use undies - I got some as a gift and they were so easy and comfortable.
•Cotton undies - Your body will change, and if you’re nursing, your booty will shrink, so the undies that go up over your stomach are very forgiving.
•Padsicles - The cold will only last about 30 minutes but the relief is welcome.
•Perinium balm - Because hemorrhoids are exactly what you want down there while going through pregnancy and post-partum. This helps with discomfort and is cooling.
•Caddy - Get yourself a caddy of some kind to store and organize all your healing stuff next to the toilet. It’s nice to have it easily accessible!
NURSING
•Boppy/nursing pillow (personal preference but I liked it for support)
•2 super soft bathrobes - If you get engorged for a few days (like growing two cup sizes overnight), you will not want to wear a bra or shirt cause anything rubbing up will hurt. A bathrobe is an easy alternative, is accessible for nursing and is also comfortable for sleeping in. Having two bathrobes is nice so you can rotate.
•soothies - These are reusable ice packs/heat packs (they can be used for either). Cold helps soothe engorgement and overall soreness and heat is good for getting milk flowing.
•soft, loose t-shirts - Nursing hurts (initially) and you’ll want something soft to wear especially at the beginning.
•lanolin (nipple cream) - Accept the small sample bottles at the hospital and you won’t need to buy this!
•Brewers yeast - Instead of buying “lactation cookies” to help with your milk supply, you can just add brewers yeast to a regular batch of cookie dough when you make cookies (and freeze them so they last) or add some to smoothies. (Side note: This is not scientifically proven but is widely believed to help with milk production, along with oats.)
•milk bags - If you have a pump and end up with excess milk, it’s nice to be able to freeze your milk right away so it lasts longer (it lasts 6 months frozen or a few days in the fridge).
•nursing bra - only one or two because your size might change (I feel that Kindred Bravely is worth the price once your size settles.)
•overnight nursing bras - easy access for feedings, super comfy and just enough support for sleeping
•nursing tops - personal preferences if you will use this but I have found it’s easier to have privacy with a quality nursing top. This is my favorite nursing sweatshirt.
•nursing cover - always nice to have because you never know when you might need to unexpectedly nurse
Give yourself plenty of grace cause nursing is HARD and can be physically painful as you get the hang of it. It’s worth it, though! If it doesn’t work, remember that a fed baby is all that matters!
Tidbits I have learned…
-Zipper pjs are easier for midnight changes (buttons are a hassle in the dark!)
-Luvs diapers are thin and honestly just terrible. Not recommended.
-In my one experience, healing takes longer than 6 weeks. Listen to your body!
-Take baths a lot
-If circumstances allow, consider offering your baby a cold bottle before warm ones. We gave our baby a cold bottle at 6 weeks and she’s taken a cold bottle ever since! This of course does not apply to premie babies or newborns who will expect and need a warm bottle.
-Poopie clothes? Rinse it out and put it in the sun. It disappears like magic!
-While recovering and maybe beyond, you will wet your pants sometimes when you sneeze, run, laugh, jump…just like in pregnancy…so keep panty liners handy. Do your kegels before AND after your baby is born.
-If you are concerned about how pregnancy will impact your fitness, GlowBodyPT with Ashley Keller (YouTube workouts with minimal equipment) has been life changing for me. It has been the best investment I could have made in myself as a mother. Ashley has a free prenatal plan and her 12 Week Post Pregnancy Plan is about $130. It also comes with a cookbook of healthy, delicious meals. Her programs are HARD but will help you earn your goals.
OK, MAMA! That's all I've got for you! You're going to rock this motherhood thing! :)
