WHAT I ACTUALLY USED FOR BIRTH & POSTPARTUM

When I was pregnant, I asked my Instagram following in this post here what we should pack for the hospital. So many veteran moms chimed in with things they loved having during their births. I posted to the blog here what we packed, and I wanted to share now being on the other side what things I was so glad to have.

My bucky (similar). The number one item I was glad I packed both for labor and recovery was this, handmade by mom but similar ones are available lots of places, a reusable heat pack made of buckwheat or something similar. I grabbed it as we were racing out of the house because my contractions were immediately so intense, and I needed it for pain relief. I used it both during labor, and during those follow up contractions when first nursing.

Speaker. Loved this. We picked Foy Vance to play during the birth, and it was perfect. Every time we'd hear those songs again that first week home we'd cry. We've seen him in concert once before, and lucky for us he's coming to Seattle this fall and we grabbed tickets to see him again. Having music at the birth was really special, I remember the songs that played and they mean the world to us now.

Snacks and gum. Just before pushing I got nauseous and really wanted minty gum, and all I brought was a random fruity flavor, which I normally love but tasted gross. My nurse graciously gave me a piece of minty gum she had on hand and it was the best. Next time I'll bring lots.

Water bottle. Used constantly.

Flip Flops. The only pair of shoes I needed the entire time. Great to have on while showering too.

Swaddles. Trey had dark spit up that first day from the birth process and every time we'd swaddle him (in white of course) two seconds later it would be stained dark. We'd reswaddle him so the stains wouldn't show in photos, but I was glad to have a few on hand. (Note: the hospital provides these, and you can totally use if you like, but I preferred having our own, super soft ones)

Hats/outfits for baby. We planned to take him home in this (which was/is my favorite newborn outfit) but it was a record breaking 93 degree heat day so he just wore the onesie, but I was still glad to have the softest outfit to put him in.

Outfits for me. We only stayed one day, and I only needed one outfit. I wore a black stretchy maternity dress which was perfect since I was so swollen from the pain relief drugs.

Nursing help: nursing bras, nipple balm, comfort packs. All were useful.

Makeup and shower things. It was so nice to feel semi put together after the birth.

Baby nail clippers. Our hospital provided nail files but not clippers, but you could use them if you brought your own.

Home from the hospital, for postpartum recovery I loved the Earth Mama Angel Baby line, and Thinx undies.

So glad to have all these things. Looking forward to sharing Trey's birth story soon.

LET'S TALK NURSING

Before having Trey, I did my nursing research. I took online courses, watched videos, read books, and felt as knowledgeable as I could, but still, each baby is different and each mama is different and sometimes you just need a little extra help. Our lactation consultants were lifesavers, I cannot recommend those enough. Here are some other nursing products that have helped us along.

Good Nursing Wear

Wearing something with easy access, especially when trying to nurse in public, helps. It's tricky to find good nursing wear that's functional and also cute, but these are some to recommend:

Navy tank by Nom. With the lace detailing here you'd never guess this top was designed for nursing. Use code FRIENDS for 20% off through August.

Swing top by Nom. Easiest fold over access, no snaps or buttons to navigate, and a sweater-like feel. Use code FRIENDS for 20% off through August.

Snap front tank by Nom. Love this classic look. The side ruching makes it perfect for pregnancy as well. Use code FRIENDS for 20% off through August.

Striped tank by Bun Maternity. Soft and long, and hidden snaps at at the top shoulder.

Swing top by Bun. Stretchy, great material, and a well-designed double layer with pull over access.

Poncho by Bun. An easy cover and top in one.

Nursing Pads

I didn't anticipate how many of these I would need. I wear them daily, and my favorite are by Bamboobies. They're the softest and thinnest, while still absorbing so much. I like having the overnight option as well for those first couple of weeks when your supply is adjusting.

Nursing Bras

Two to recommend here. Both by Bravado and available at Figure 8. This is my favorite seamless one and this is my favorite more structured one. I tried various brands, and I like the cut and fit of these two the best. They come with adapter clips to convert them to regular bras once you're through nursing as well. (Bonus: these are 20% off through August 15th! No code needed.)

Mobile Pump

Talk about a game changer! When we traveled to California, there was one point where I needed to stop and nurse in the car. Luckily the car we were in had an outlet adapter, but in case you're ever in a situation where you can't find an outlet, this pump is great. Medela is the brand that was recommended to me over and over again, and having this mobile option is so nice to not be stuck near an outlet while nursing.

Hands Free Pump Bra

Similarly to the pump, this is a must-have. I remarked to my husband at one point how glad I am to have this product, and he said "They don't all come with hands-free bras?! That's terrible! It's like the same as when they started putting wheels on suitcases!" It truly is a lifesaver and saves me so much time.

Radiation Blocking Blanket

This is an "extra" for sure, but I had no idea this kind of product existed and I looked for something like it during my pregnancy. Although I hate to admit it, I sometimes work on my computer while I nurse. This blanket blocks 99.9% of radiation, and I like not subjecting Trey to anything more than necessary since there isn't much conclusive research about the long term effects. 

Love all these products! I've learned a lot in navigating how to nurse and I'm so glad to have these things that have made it easier.

Nursing wear photos by Moch Snyder.

Shared in partnership with most companies listed. Product choices are my own.

MOTHERHOOD SO FAR

We're 6.5 weeks into this new babyhood and motherhood season, and I have so many thoughts on all of it. I shared on Instagram that: "It's so much love and it's also hard, but it's the good kind of hard, the kind you want to work for. Like running a marathon with your spouse and the best support team of all your family and friends. I feel like every time I get an encouraging text, or a thoughtful gift, or dinner dropped off, I'm passing a water station. Feeling thankful for my people and especially this baby and this season of life. Best one yet."

I think the biggest adjustment for me has been learning to let things go, leave things unfinished, choose my priorities, and shift for a season. Newborn life is crazy on some levels. The first week was the hardest; emotionally, physically, logistically, just everything. But I also just felt so happy. It seemed like Daniel and I were both crying every day, mostly because we were so happy but a few times because we were so overwhelmed. But, each day got a little bit better on every account: my recovery, figuring him out, getting through the early nursing hurdles, just all of it. It's a huge lifestyle adjustment that nothing can really prepare you for, but is also so so wonderful and indescribable.

The weeks following were more adjusting. We took Trey on his first plane flight to California when he was 4 weeks old, over the 4th of July weekend to meet up with my entire extended family. We do this trip every year and we were so glad that the timing worked out for us to take Trey. That was the sweetest, we have so many memories at that lake including our wedding three summers ago, and also I remember feeling so exhausted. He didn't sleep great being away and that was our first experience with that.

When we got back from that trip I feel like I found my rhythm for the first time in July. I started running again, something I missed hugely in my pregnancy, and was able to take on work here and there and started to feel really productive during naps. I still feel like I have to choose though, I can't get everything I want to get done in a day, so I choose what's most important and let the rest go. I'm trying to focus on the few things I did get done in a day instead of all that I didn't get to.

Thoughts on Trey: he's an "easy" baby. I say it in quotes because in reality, no baby is easy and all babies take lots and lots of work, time, and care. He's "easy" in the sense that he currently is sleeping in one 5 hour stretch a night, which he's done since the early weeks, he nurses like a champ (and it used to be extremely painful for me, but it no longer is), he naps great during the day, he's generally easygoing, and we're starting to get smiles which is the best thing I've ever seen. He's a typical baby in the sense that he gets fussy in the late afternoon and needs more help from then through the evenings. Some moments are blissful and some moments are hard, and I think that's just the way it goes.

I'm continuously thankful for my mom squad, and friends online and off who constantly encourage me in this sometimes crazy but always rewarding new role. Glad to have this space where I can process the adjustment. Looking forward to sharing more, including his birth story, in the coming weeks.