Hi lovelies! I’m writing this post mostly for first time mommies, because after having a baby I feel like we learn SO much! While buying itty bitty outfits & stocking up on diapers in preparation for baby, don’t forget about YOU!

Bringing a baby into this world is a momentous occasion, and I feel a Mama needs all the love, respect, and help she can get. So let’s make it easier on ourselves, and prepare for this joyful (if not a bit crazy!) time of postpartum. We have just birthed a child! That in and of itself is a miracle. Whether you got your perfect natural birth with birds singing in the background, or something unexpected happened and your birth plan got altered… you are amazing and so is that baby of yours. I hope you really take the time to enjoy this beautiful time in life, and aren’t stressing about anything!

33 Weeks!

My Postpartum Tips 

1. Pick out your outfit for after delivering baby! AKA comfy and cute nursing friendly bra and jammies/robe. I didn’t do this with Scar so afterwards people were shuffling through my dresser trying to find clothes for me! Maybe this is a no brainer if you are having a hospital birth, but us home birthers have to remember to prepare as well! I also didn’t really think too much about a “postpartum” wardrobe, but remember you are still going to look about 5-6 months pregnant for the first while after giving birth. Make sure you have lots of comfortable clothes, but things that won’t make you feel too frumpy either.
2. Get nursing supplies. Make sure you have plenty of nursing bras & nursing pads because you will need them! I would say get at least 2-3 to start off with. Even if you don’t plan to pump it’s nice to have a breast pump on hand if you get engorged and need to express some milk. Also, nipple butter is amazing! This time around I will have a toddler, so I’m planning on making sure she has lots of little activities to do while I am nursing baby. I love the idea of having an activity box by the bed/couch just for this.
3. Relax. The last thing a new Mommy needs is stress. SO much is going on with your body & hormones, holy cow! So please just avoid negative thoughts/people anything that will add to your load. Don’t be afraid to be bossy about who comes over and for how long. You need lots of rest, and sitting there for hours while every friend and distant relative comes and ask a bizillion questions and offers advice when all you want to do is SLEEP is not the way you want to spend this precious time!
4. Take loads of pictures and videos! Make sure your at least in some of them too! I was very sick after I had Scarlet, in hindsight I probably would have done much better if I had been given a blood transfusion. So I didn’t feel like documenting myself at this time, but now I wish I had more pictures of me with my fresh newborn! You will never regret the pictures you take even if they aren’t “Instagram” worthy. These are the photos we will hopefully show our kids ten years from now! Also plan in advance if you want professional family/newborn photos done and plan that out. If you have a nice camera even just self timing a few pictures would be great.
5. Stock up on all the self care items you will need afterwards! Things like your favorite shampoo to padsicles (pinterest has several recipes), bath sitz, herbal teas, whatever you plan on using! This is a time to be so gentle and caring with yourself so don’t skimp!
6. Make sure you have meals on hand. I’m not saying you need a months worth of frozen casseroles, but just make sure you atleast have things on hand that are easy to make for your husband/mom, who ever will be helping around the house afterwards. Healthy snacks are a must because nursing takes a lot of energy! Also don’t be afraid to making shopping lists for people! If someone offers to help, take them up on it.
7. Make sure your home is clean + organized + simplified as much as possible before baby. You will not have time afterwards! For example at 39 weeks pregnant don’t have hampers full of dirty laundry that will take you days to finish. You never know if baby might be a week early or two weeks late, so it’s nice to just keep things tidy as much as you can! Do any really big tasks a few weeks before your due date.
8. Don’t have crazy postpartum expectations. As magical as this time is with a new addition to the family, there is going to be moments of pretty raw emotional tension. I distinctly remember snapping at my poor husband for grabbing the wrong sleeper, just a few days after I had Scarlet. I think just being aware that you are going to be more emotional, will help a lot! Like if you’ve ever had PMS and your crying for no reason then your husband (lovingly ;)) asks if your about to start your period….It comforts me knowing, ah that’s why I feel this way, the world isn’t actually ending…Everyone takes time to adjust and to feel comfortable and confident with all the newness. Surround yourself with nothing but love!

I’m sure this list will get longer each time I have a baby, but I feel like this is a pretty good start, especially if this is your first time!

Thanks for stopping by Mama’s!

xo

-Caitlin