Becoming a mama is one of the most beautiful, exhausting, rewarding, tiresome, and joyful experiences you’ll ever have. While I know that all the attention is on the baby after they are born, it’s important to remember to prioritize you too!
Below you’ll find a list of helpful items from breastfeeding products, to favorite mom apps and podcasts, to new mama tips that I have found on my journey as a new mama. My hope is that by sharing these it will make your transition to motherhood easier, as it did mine! <3
The Haaka
So I was blessed to be an absolute milk machine. I mean leaking all day and night and ESPECIALLY when I breastfed. Who knew that you leak from one side while your baby is nursing on the other? Not me!!!
That is where the haaka comes in. It is an absolute GAME CHANGER when it comes to breastfeeding. Basically you attach the haaka to one boob while your baby is on the other. You’re no longer wasting that liquid gold, but instead collecting it in the haaka to store in the fridge or freezer. This is a great way to build supply without pumping. Or you could even use it while pumping if you want to do one boob at a time!
PRO TIP
- To save over $10 on buying the lid, keep a coffee mug or cup by your bed to put the haaka in after you’re finished. I have only had it tip twice by putting it on my bedside table and accidentally knocking it over and it’s truly the worst feeling to see all that milk go to waste.
- Make sure you Google or watch a YouTube video on how to attach it correctly so you’re squirmy baby doesn’t kick it off!
The “Wonder Weeks” App
I wish I discovered this app when I first had Blakely, but I didn’t until a few weeks after! It displays a monthly calendar that is unique and personalized for your baby based on their due date. The calendar shows “leaps” your baby has in mental development which indicates a fussy phase. For each leap, it shows you how to recognize the signals they have started the leap, the skills they’re developing, and it offers tips and tricks to help you support and understand your baby’s leap.
On the app it says that based on research started in 1971, they know that babies go through 10 mental development leaps in the first 20 months of their life. The app is a MUST HAVE to help moms know when a difficult period may be arising and how to best help your baby get through it.
PRO TIP
- I have found Facebook groups with other mamas whose babies are going through the exact same leap as mine based on their due date! For instance, Blakely’s due date was Decemebr 6th, and I am in the FB group called “Wonder Weeks December 2020.” It’s helpful to see and hear other mamas going through it with you!!!
Comfy Nursing Bras
If you’re planning on nursing and/or pumping, comfortable nursing bras are another must have. I have lived in nursing bras since I had Blakely. I even sleep in them still and I’m not nursing anymore! I have tried a few out, and I’ve found that my favorites are the one you can easily pull to the side. I’d recommend having at least 7 on hand! In the early days when my milk was coming in, I leaked ALL the time and sometimes changed my bra 2-3 times a day.
Here are some links below to my favorites!
- This is my absolute favorite, although it’s a little pricey. The material is EVERYTHING and I don’t feel suffocated at all.
- I’ve loved these also for a better priced option! You get two for $20. I would recommend sizing up in these. I usually wear an XS/S but I sized up to a medium and it fits great.
- Here is another pack I have and these are also comfortable, but a different style. They have the clip on the strap that you pull down when you are ready to nurse.
DoorDash
If you’re a new mama and someone asks you what they can get for you, DOORDASH GIFTCARDS! I was lucky enough to have my mom and Casey’s mom with us for the first week which made life easier because we didn’t have to think about cooking any meals (especially recovering from a c-section!)
Having food delivery options is a life saver in the transition to motherhood as it’s one less thing to think about and take care of. I prefer DoorDash, but there is also Uber Eats and Grubhub that I have tried! You could even look into meal kit providers like HelloFresh or Home Chef.
Lillemer Breastfeeding Pad
Breastfeeding is a beautiful thing, but it’s also HARD! The Lillemer breast pad has saved me to help relieve breast engorgement AND to help clear my occasional clogged ducts and prevent mastitis. You can warm it up and use it hot or put it in the freezer and use it cold depending on what you need it for. These SERIOUSLY work!!!!
This is another great gift item for new mamas, but if you aren’t gifted it I think it’s worth it to gift it to yourself!!
Nursing Pads
On the topic of breast pads, nursing pads are a MUST if you are planning to breastfeed. I tried both the disposable and washable breastpads, and I found I liked the washable better. In the beginning I had the disposable pads and it was a pain to keep having to buy a new pack at the store.
I would recommend getting TWO of these 4 count washable breastpads if that is the way you wanna go. If the disposable is what you are looking for, I used these! They really help, especially in the first few weeks when you are leaking like crazy!
Comfortable Clothes
If you can’t tell, comfort is KEY when you are postpartum. After all, you just had a freaking baby!!! Your body deserves all the comfort you can give it. I mainly wore my postpartum leggings and pajama pants day in and day out the first few weeks. On the occasional day where I had to go out in public button up shirts that you could easily nurse or pump out of were my go to! I also LIVED in my Lululemon align leggings. I sized up two sizes during my pregnancy and they were so comfortable postpartum.
Moms on Call book
I have been ~loosely~ following the Moms On Call schedule starting at 4 weeks and it has been super helpful for some guidance and structure. The Moms on Call book provides tons of helpful information for new mamas that is CURRENT and REAL! It gives guidance on routines, schedules, feedings, and other helpful information like a baby shopping list and weaning off breastfeeding.
One tip I have is that all babies are different so don’t forget to be flexible. Their schedule will not always be perfect and that’s okay!
Mom Podcasts
Some of my favorites are:
- Mommies Tell All (two fun mamas talking all things mom life)
- Be Well by Kelly (covers health & wellness topics for pregnancy/postpartum)
- #MOMTRUTHS with Cat & Nat (two mamas unveiling the realities of motherhood)
- Mom Brain (they have super cool guests that give expert advice on all things mama life)
Postpartum Exercises:
My go to exercises for the fourth trimester as its called were Melissa Wood Health postpartum videos and Barre3 postpartum videos. Each of these subscriptions were gentle on my body and helped me feel confident in my recovery. You could also search for postpartum workout videos on YouTube for a free option!
Here are a few I found:
- 15 Min Postpartum HIIT Workout
- 10 Min Postpartum Core and Abs
- 30 Min Postpartum Barre Workout
And one of the most important postpartum tips I have is not to be afraid to ASK FOR HELP. This is something I struggled with because I never wanted to inconvenience someone else. But every time I did others were more than happy to help!
I hope these postpartum favorites help you in your transition to motherhood and as always, please reach out if you ever have any questions!
Stay Well,
Courtney
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