As I am starting to have more friends expecting AND before I forget what I will absolutely need for baby #2 (which will NOT be coming anytime soon btw!) here is my can't-live-without mommy essentials (in no particular order).
1. Medela Pump In-Style:
It hurt so much to nurse at first that pumping sounded more appealing.....six months later I cannot wait to kick this pump to the curb. BUT, this pump has saved me so many times. I recommend starting to pump extra breast milk as soon as you can (at about 1 month in I started pumping extra milk after almost every nursing). That way you can build your milk supply and start a stash that will allow you to go on date nights, have other people do feedings so you can get extra sleep, and in case you accidentally miss a pumping session when you return back to work....ugh.
2. Yoga Ball:
Baby doesn't understand that it's nighttime. Baby won't stop crying. Baby needs soothed! Bouncing on the yoga ball in the wee hours of the earlier morn was routine. For some reason our rocking chair, bouncing up and down, or the swing was just not the same. It really had to be the yoga ball! Not to mention a great little work out.
3. Lanolin Cream:
I was first applying tiny little drops. But what you really need is to be as liberal as possible. So buy extra bottles so you don't feel guilty! This cream helped me to continue nursing even when I thought it was a lost cause.
4. Comfy Clothes for Post Delivery:
Your body just doesn't feel right after dumping out a watermelon sized object. You are sore. And achy. And just want to be covered in soft, warm, goodness. I loved Gap Body clothing. Especially things that had drawstrings or spandex.
5. Fisher Price Rock n' Play Sleeper:
I didn't register for this item because I thought that a co-sleeper (pack n' play) would be sufficient. But I was so so so very wrong. Newborn babies sleep so well in this thing. Also, you can put it next to your bed and when baby gets fussy you can just rock it a little and, like magic, baby is back to sleep and you are still half-asleep.
6. Aden & Anais Swaddles:
They are soft, surprisingly warm, cute, and breathable. They are also the best for doing tight swaddles--which turns out to be pretty key for lengthy sleep stretches. This was really the only swaddle we really used. You have enough to worry about when the baby is asleep and you don't need to add suffocation to that list--so it was reassuring to know that if the baby did wiggle out of the swaddle and it covered the face there wouldn't be a problem....because that did happen more than once....
7. Summer Baby Monitor:
Watching baby sleep is fun and reassuring. This camera also becomes essential if you start sleep training because you need to know when baby is crying because she is about to go to sleep and when she is crying because she is pissed. Being able to check on baby without going in the room (and waking her up) is such a life saver!
8. Chicco Snap and Go Stroller:
Talk about easy. I wish they made one of these for non-newborns because now when baby falls asleep in the car I have to take her out of her seat to put her in the big kid stroller.....missing the snap and go.
9. Frozen meals:
We made about 20 frozen meals before baby was born. Nights that we were too tried to cook and after the rush of friends bringing you meals is over (those friends bringing you meals are essential too) these meals were SO crucial. Planning ahead paid off!
10. Bravado Nursing Bra:
Initially I went with some cheap Target nursing bras (and I hear these are great for some people...!) but when you have as much trouble nursing as I did you need the good stuff. As soon as I made the investment my life changed for the better. Comfort is key when you are already tired and in pain.
***The thing this list is missing would be family. Thank goodness for my family because without them I don't know how I would have survived that first stretch. Cooks, cleaners, entertainment, and baby holders while you shower and sleep are the best! xoxo
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