Today, we are going to discuss some first time mom essentials that are going to make your life MUCH easier. When I was at the end of my pregnancy, I found so many baby essentials lists, but nothing targeted to the mom. Motherhood is already a whirlwind, so lets talk about some items that you are going to love!
Okay sweetie, drop the baby bottle and set down the pacifier. Lets take the time to understand what first time mom essentials you are going to need to survive motherhood. We are going to cover both pregnancy and postpartum related items that are going to make your life so much easier.
At the end of my pregnancy, I was so hyper-focused on the brand new baby, I totally forgot that taking care of myself was also a priority. It is so easy to get lost into baby blogs and checklists so you are prepared.
As we all know, in order to take care of our family we must take care of ourselves. So lets discuss all things mom related that you will need to make your pregnancy and postpartum journey a little better.
This post is all about first time mom essentials to make your life much easier.
Must-Have First Time Mom Essentials
first time mom pregnancy essentials
Prenatal Vitamins
You just found out you are pregnant, yay and congratulations! So what do we all need for you to have a happy and healthy pregnancy? Well first, we need to be sure we are taking a trusty prenatal vitamin. To support the growing baby, your body is doing everything it can to take care of baby. This means, it is important for you to get enough nutrients (for both you and babe). Below, I have listed all of Amazon’s top prenatal vitamins!
Morning sickness relief
So you just found out you’re pregnant, you bought your prenatal pills, and now what? Well next will probably come the morning sickness. You may not experience nausea through your pregnancy, and I really hope you don’t! It is important to remember that every pregnancy is different. For example, you maybe didn’t experience morning sickness for your first pregnancy, but you may experience it with this one. So lets be prepared. I didn’t experience morning sickness until the end of my THIRD TRIMESTER. Yes crazy. I didn’t even know that was a thing. So don’t be a Britney and don’t be unprepared. I found for myself sucking on candies really helped! I really liked the Preggie Pop Drops. They taste like an actual candy and do help your nausea.
preventing stretch marks
Once your baby and belly start growing we will need to add some beauty items to your bathroom! I really wanted to do my best to avoid stretch marks. Research does say stretch marks are more of a genetic thing, but I truly didn’t care and was willing to do whatever I could. I never ended up getting a single stretch mark so either my theory worked, or mama Renee passed down some gold genes. So my tea is applying cocoa butter lotion and bio-oil TWO times a day. I shower at night so I would apply after the shower, and then also in the morning. I really believe using both these products together helped me avoid any and all stretch marks!
maternity clothes
Okay, so now you are nearing the end of your pregnancy (major, MAJOR accomplishment) and you’re belly is getting bigger by the hour. You stare at your closet and have zero idea what to wear. RIBBED LEGGINGS. RIBBED MATERNITY LEGGINGS. If I actually had somewhere to be and couldn’t just be pant-less, I would only ever wear ribbed maternity leggings. The ribbed material makes them extremely flattering. Pair these with a ribbed tank and/or cardigan and you are good to go.
for you labor and delivery anxiety
During the end of my pregnancy, all I could think about was experiencing labor and delivery. I was terrified. I didn’t know what to expect. Although I had some experience as a nurse on the OB floor, I was still horrified. I was scared of the pain, the unexpected, and thinking about all the things that could go wrong. I was introduced to the book called Nuture from a friend and to say this book put me at ease is an understatement. Nuture really allowed me to trust my body and trust in baby. This book also does a wonderful job in explaining the fourth trimester- which loves to get downplayed in our society. Nuture gave me all the confidence I needed heading into birth and postpartum.
for the sleepless, restless nights
At the end of my pregnancy I did not sleep. I would wake up around four different times a night. I heard that this is a common occurrence during the third trimester to help women prepare for being up all night with baby? Lol not sure if it’s true or not, but either way it’s a bitch. Something that really helped combat my sleepless nights and allow me to relax was meditation. I wouldn’t always fall asleep immediately, and sometimes I still would lie there awake. Meditation created such a safe space and made it known to me that it was okay that I couldn’t sleep. I meditate through the Insight Timer app, which has specific sleep meditation playlists. They also have meditations specific for in the middle of the night.
must-haves for new moms after delivery
for your vagina
Labor and delivery takes a major, major toll on your vagina (which is an understatement honestly). I still think and question how I actually pushed a tiny human out of me, it blows my mind. In order to completely heal, we NEED to take care of our lady parts. Pads, large granny panties, ice packs, wipes, and spray bottles will now be all your best friends. When you get discharged from the hospital, you will get sent home with extra of these items, but it will not be enough. So below I have provided the link to some of my favorites when I was in my immediate postpartum recovery period.
For the first few postpartum days, you will be bleeding a decent amount (heavier bleeding may occur if this isn’t your first pregnancy). What they give you at the hospital is okay, but I found it more useful to have disposable underwear instead of layering with pads. Then when I got home, I really found it helpful to wear the granny panties along with a light to medium absorbency.
Going to the bathroom is no joke within the first couple of weeks. It hurts, a lot. Using a perineal spray along with using a bottle filled with luke-warm water will be a life changer.
With having all your new luxurious vagina essentials, I really suggest getting a storage bin to put all of these items in. It will be much more organized, and be incredibly more accessible when you are sitting on the toilet. Ease and accessibility will be key because A. you will be in pain and B. you will be there about every hour of the day.
for your mental
As if your physical body hasn’t taken enough damage, lets get into essential items to help the emotional side of the postpartum period. I was really, really sad and anxious during the first couple months. In the beginning I thought it was something I would just have to deal with. Why? Well because everyone seems to go through it so I thought I just needed to tough it out. Although baby blues, postpartum depression and anxiety are common, it does not need to be something that you just “deal with.” Below I have listed my first time mom essentials that were key for my mental state.
- Sunlight: I didn’t have much of it living in North Dakota and it being winter, but even just opening up all the shades in the house to bring in as much natural sunlight really increased my mood.
- Walks: Whether it be outside or at the gym, this can be extremely helpful in re-setting your emotions and get you to focus on something else. Obviously make sure to take it easy since you know, you did just push a baby out of you or have a major surgery.
- Meditation: Whenever I would feel a meltdown coming or the sun would start to set, I would immediately have to leave the room to deep breathe and meditate. Focusing on your breath and oxygenating your body and brain can do more for you than you think.
- Essential oils: Whether it be eucalyptus, mint, or lavender dapple that shit everywhere. I would spray some in the bathroom, shower, and even my bedroom.
- Music and/or Podcast: Hand over your baby to a loved one or partner and throw in your AirPods and listen to your favorite podcast or some music.
- Baths: This is a two for one. Baths can really help vaginal swelling, and it can really help calm you down. At night time when I was feeling incredibly overwhelmed, I would put some warm water in the tub, light some candles, and listen to a meditation. This really helped reset my mind.
Misc.
After giving birth, along with breastfeeding and just being hormonal, I was hungry ALL THE TIME. So I found it extremely important to have nutritious snacks always at hand. Snacks like protein balls, smoothies, and fruits were major to fulfill my cravings and hunger.
I cannot stress enough how important hydration is during your postpartum season. Whether you are formula feeding, breastfeeding, had a vaginal or c-section delivery- you need to hydrate your body. So do whatever it takes whether it is to add some lemon or buy the newest Stanley cup. Go do your body a favor and drink some water.
Last on my list for first time mom essentials are comfortable clothes. This probably goes without saying, but I had to include it. Stock your closet up with sweats, crews, leggings, a robe, and slippers. You will be living in these the next few months.
I know it can be extremely overwhelming and a major headache trying to figure out all the necessities during your pregnancy and postpartum period. Take a couple deep breaths, because girl I promise you go this. It is by no means a walk in the park. You are going to have your good, happy days and you are also going to have more challenging days. The days are so very long but the years are incredibly short. Soak it all in the best you can, you are amazing. xxx
This post was all about first time mom essentials to help you get through your pregnancy and postpartum period!
Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor with any and all issues related to your pregnancy and postpartum period.
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