Have you ever wondered what you really need for the hospital?
Maybe even during pregnancy? How about the good ol’ postpartum period that we all try to avoid talking about?
Because, come on ladies… we know it’s not the prettiest stages of lives for us.
Our bodies are lookin’ a little different now because there is no baby making our tummy perfectly round or maybe or boobies leakin’ a little (or a lot of milk).
Our hormones are turning 180’s quicker than I don’t know what.
We might be dealing with mom guilt because it’s easy to get burnt out as a mom.
Don’t worry about having a schedule or being productive right now.
Take time to enjoy this sweet sweet period with your new little baby.
I wish I had a GOOD list of what I really needed even though no one ever really said “Here Amy, this is the list of do’s and don’ts”. I had to learn this advice the hard way.
Well, today you can think if as your fairy godmother is here! Hayyyyy! That’s me.
So, save yourself the facepalm and grab a pen and paper.
Don’t Pack up Your Maternity Clothes Just Yet
I had a c-section so I couldn’t wear anything that had a regular waist to it. I had to wear my leggings or pj’s up so high I’d look like my great-grandpa Joe. I really don’t have a great-grandpa Joe but you get the gist.
But hey, who’s really noticing? Pajamas and leggings are going to be your new BFF for the next few weeks.
This is a time when it’s a little awkward because maternity clothes might be feeling a little lose but your pre-pregnancy clothes are still a little too tight.
It’s okay to stay in your pajamas. Well, maybe just the bottoms if you’re having a hard time agreeing with that. 😉
Sweat pants are an excellent choice too!
Sleeping in Bras are a Must!
Yep, sorry gals. The boobies are going to be put away even at night just for now.
I hate sleeping with a bra and thought I could cheat the system but no. Nuh-uh. Your boobs are rock hard when your milk comes in and they leak constantly.
You will want some extra support for your back as well.
If your breasts are really sore it helps keep a cool pack so you won’t have to hold it all the time.
There are so many different styles of nursing bras.
The ones that don’t have any clips are best for at night because you won’t have any annoying plastic parts. Your boobies will get milk everywhere and you want to keep the mess as less as possible. My poor baby would end up soaked if I didn’t wear a bra and nursing pads. This leads me to what is next on the list!
Opt for Reusable Nursing Pads
I had no idea they even made washable pads.
This is a good one especially boobies aren’t going to discriminate if you chose to bottle or breastfeed! Your milk WILL come in and your breast will be engorged with milk. My 22-year-old self didn’t know it was possible to grow that big so quickly.
But hey, I just had my first baby. Anything is possible with this new body!
Nursing Pads
There are two types of nursing pads. Washable pads and disposable.
Personally, I did not like the disposables. It felt like I had a maxi pads stuffed in my bra and it looked weird from the front of my shirt. I felt like I had a sticky paper bullseye attached to my bra.
Make sure you don’t put any fabric softener with your pads because the pads will not absorb as well.
Whichever you prefer they work really well and make sure you buy PLENTY.
They work a lot better than toilet paper or paper towels stuffed in your bra. Don’t ask me how I know that.
Incontinence Underwear and Pads are Lifesavers
Yes, that sounds embarrassing but do yourself a favor and make sure you aren’t going to be running out anytime soon.
In the hospital they will give you the large pads maybe even a few to go home. For the extra bleeding it’ll be nice so you won’t have to ruin your granny panties.
The pads are very large in case there are any mishaps and they’re also disposable.
You won’t have to worry about ruining your sheets.
Don’t worry about using your good sheets for a few weeks.
The underwear is amazing especially for c-section mamas!
They rise high above your waist so you don’t have to worry about the incision. Also, it wouldn’t hurt if you got a size larger so you have plenty of room for comfort.
The main goal here is comfort.
You will want to be as comfortable as possible because you will be feeling a lot of discomfort in the next few weeks.
However, it’ll lessen with each new day. Yay!
Think Again About Using Beauty Products
I wanted to look really cute especially my hands and feet you know for the big day.
So, I might as well give my toes a pretty pedicure before baby arrives!
Lo and behold did I regret painting my fingernails. The polish was chipping once I got home and I was getting it on my new baby!
Yes, I know I need to buy better nail polish.
No one told me that it was just going to be plain annoying once I was home after just having a baby.
You could probably forego the perfume too. It’s strong for them and he or she just wants to smell you not Victoria. 😉
Honestly, having too many beauty products that you bring with you and use might be just getting in the way of what really matters and going on!
I wish I hadn’t had to paint my fingernails.
If you feel like it’s a burden or just one extra thing on your to-do list: don’t do it. It’s hard to get out of bed after you had a baby to wash your face or taking out your contacts.
I’ve even read where some doctors will not allow you to wear makeup if you are having a c-section!
I’d definitely ask your doctor before you go to the delivery room. Always remember that you’re beautiful no matter if you have a fresh manicure or not.
No one is really noticing except you and if you’re okay with that. That’s all that matters here!
It may Be a Little Hard to Look in the Mirror
There are SO many changes that your body goes through when your pregnant and especially after.
I gained about 50 lbs with my first baby and I had no idea what my body would look like after. I had a cute little round tummy that had been growing and all of a sudden my stomach is all squishy and it looks like I’m still 6 months pregnant!
No one ever told me that! Remember, it took 9 months to create your baby and it’ll take at LEAST that for your body to adjust again. It just created a miracle so don’t be too hard on yourself and judge it for it not looking like it did on your wedding day.
I promise you will get your sense of normal back but it will be a new and improved normal.
Postpartum is only a stage in life we go through.
It’ll pass and you’ll soon be rockin’ those mommy jeans.
Motherhood: it’s hard, it’s tiring but it sure is amazing.
We’re all in this together so please ask for help if you need it.
I got postpartum depression with my babies. It’s hard not to have all the new changes not affect you.
This is going to sound cliche but we’re really all in this together.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or say yes when someone offers. I regret doing that. Give your body that much-needed break. You can do it, beautiful mama! I hope you have a safe and healthy delivery!
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