After experiencing pregnancy, labor, delivery and the initial postpartum period – I’m paying it forward by sharing some goodies that other mamas in person and on socials shared that help me generally prep as best as I could for the initial post-partum period.
*Please know that this isn’t an all exhaustive list, these are just things that reallllly helped after my best girl was evicted from her oh so comfortable home*.
- A supportive partner or village. It’s too isolating dealing with pregnancy symptoms – the worst cherry on top is to be in the trenches of postpartum and suffering solo. Loved ones who respect boundaries, post-partum doulas, meal service trains are all valuable components to said village.
- A home delivery service – preferrable same day delivery service – Target Circle and Prime were life savers (understandable about their recent ethical issues though and not wanting to support). Unfortunately, I couldn’t drive for a long time while postpartum and lived too far from convenient spots or small businesses I’d want to support when my husband had to go back to work with no paternity leave.
- Nutritional Foods & Hydration Solutions – I’m a simply modern girl with lots of ice and Body Armor!! Eating foods high in protein were essential to energy and healing. Shoutout to hubby for keeping me stocked on the right goodies!
- A baby wrap – my wrap was from Solly baby and it was perfectttt within the first 3 months of carrying my little mama to have free hands!
- A postpartum cart in our bathroom and nursery cart in our room – less steps and more ability to take it easy as I maneuvered myself for peri-care and then little bean’s diaper and clothing changes. She’ll spend the first 6 months in our room or more (LOL).
- A mini fridge in our bedroom – easy and safe storage of breast milk and bottles.
- A secondary changing table on our main floor. Convenience + pelvic floor support was the combo in mind.
- Comfortable clothes – Loose dresses, two piece ensembles & button – downs. Easy breeze movement and less pressure on my abdomen!
- Nursing bras and as needed accessories. Soft, convenient and tender on the body. More on that in another post!
- A simple skincare routine. Less steps yet powerful players.
- A simple hair style. Easy to upkeep and yet look well!
- Last but certainly not least – weekly to biweekly therapy sessions! My therapist was a huge part of my village but the mental health piece needed its own notable mention.
I’m certainly open to another pregnancy, so as we all progress through this postpartum chapter – we’ll see what else changes the next go around.
Have you surpassed the trenches or still thick in it? Are there any other things you’d add to the list? Wherever you find yourself – remember you are literally doing the best you can by putting your best foot forward. You are exactly the mama that God intended for you to be for your little ones(s). Sending hugs!
