Hey girl, I am so glad you stopped by today so we can talk about the essential things new moms need for themselves.
I know you have been incredibly busy getting ready for your new baby to arrive but have you thought of things new moms need for themselves? I am talking about you, girl, and what you will need.
As a mom of 4, I am here to share the must-have things new moms need for themselves, and having these items ahead of your delivery is best.
Whether you have a vaginal birth (like I did 4 times) or a C-Section, these are the things new moms need for themselves. Girl, I do know there are a few extra must haves if you have a C-Section so be sure to check in with your doctor about those.
Let’s jump into the must have things new moms need for themselves. You will be so glad you have these!
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Best Things New Moms Need For Themselves
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1. Comfy Underwear
Now is not the time to be thinking about wearing sexy underwear, nor will you want to.
Your bottom will be sore along with your lower abdomen so comfy underwear is a must. The best kind is maternity underwear, the kind that sits under the bump.
You may have to buy them in a size smaller than you were wearing during your pregnancy but they are the best!
You’re welcome!
2. Feminine Pads
You will need a few different absorbency levels of feminine pads.
In case you don’t know, after you have your baby, you will have a postpartum period of about 4 to 6 weeks and you can’t use tampons. Girl, you don’t even want to use tampons!
It is heavy at first and then gradually becomes less and less until it stops.
3. Pain Medication
Your doctor may recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication, and they are right.
I only used Tylenol and it did wonders for me.
4. Water Bottle
I know the hospital gives you a water cup to take home but that one does not fit in cup holders.
Get yourself a fantastic water bottle.
You will need it to stay hydrated.
Dehydration after giving birth is real and it is not pleasant.
5. Nursing Pads
It does not matter if you plan to nurse or not, your milk will come in so you need nursing pads.
I ended up trying a variety of nursing pads and these are the best. They are absorbent, stay in place, and soft, making them so comfy.
6. Comfortable Bras
Your boobs are going to be sore when your milk comes in so try to make them supported yet comfy.
These are the sleeping bras you need!
They are so comfortable that you will be wearing them around the clock for about the 1st 2 weeks and that is just fine!
Side Note
It is time to get a little personal.
I was not aware of what it was like when your milk does come in and it is not the same for every pregnancy.
When my milk came in for my first 3 babies, my boobs just felt full – slightly uncomfortable.
However, when my milk came in for baby 4, my boobs were so swollen and no kidding, hard as rocks. I had to take a warm shower and try to express enough milk so my baby could even latch on. It did not work though.
Thankfully, I had a breast pump and had to use that to release most of the milk. I am not going to lie, it was painful.
7. Heating Pad and Ice Packs
You are going to be sore in places – mostly your bottom, abdomen, and your chest.
A heating pad and flexible ice packs will help with this.
8. Nipple Cream
If you are planning to nurse, you need nipple cream and Lanolin Nipple Cream is the best.
A little bit goes a very long way.
This was one item I didn’t know I needed but girl, you need it! It prevents your nipples from becoming cracked and it is completely safe for your baby.
9. Breast Pump
If you plan to nurse, get a breast pump, especially if you go back to work.
There are so many different ones out there with different features and you need to pick the one that is right for you.
This is a newer model of the one that I used. I loved it.
10. Vitamins
Just because you are done being pregnant doesn’t mean you should stop taking vitamins. Please consult your doctor on which vitamins are best for you.
Since I was nursing, my doctor recommended me to continue taking my prenatal vitamins.
11. Take a Walk
Girl, get up and get moving!
It does not have to be fast or far but get on the move (outside if you can).
This is something you should try and do every single day.
12. Yeti Tumbler
Get yourself a new Yeti Tumbler.
They are so great and your coffee, tea, or any other hot drink will stay hot until the last drop.
Trust me, a Yeti is essential when you have a baby!
13. Coffee
Shout it out – YOU CAN HAVE COFFEE AGAIN!
You can finally have coffee again, so stock up on it! You will have tired moments!
14. Support
Have someone you trust that you can ask questions and be there for you.
I am sure the hospital gave you a few numbers to call with questions. Don’t be shy, it is okay to use them. That is what they are there for.
As for the day-in and day-out support, let people help you!
My husband did not know a single thing about babies but he was in the thick of it with me and his support was rock-solid.
15. Lotion
With all the hormonal changes your body is going to go through after your delivery, your skin can go wacky.
You can end up with dry spots in the strangest places. For me, it was on my neck and the tops of my toes.
16. Shower Steamers
These shower steamers will help you relax. They smell oh so good too.
It is a great way to get a little pamper time in!
17. Bathrobe
Girl, if you don’t have a bathrobe yet then you need to get this one.
It is perfect not only right out of the shower but also when you have to help your baby during the night.
18. Cozy Socks
These cozy socks are so soft and warm.
Even if your baby is born during the summer, these will be perfect for when it starts cooling off in the fall.
19. Hair Accessories
You will not be able to shower as much as you like, so you need a few things to help you out.
Side Claw Clips – Great if you have to lean back since they don’t dig into your head
20. Soft Blanket
For all the snuggling you will be doing with your new baby, you will want a soft blanket.
This Fleece blanket is the bee’s knees! Yep, I said it.
21. Lip Balm
This Laneige Lip Balm, which is actually a lip sleep mask, is going to be a lifesaver for your lips.
Trust me, you will instantly fall in love with this stuff and use it day and night.
It will even stay on with all that water you need to drink.
22. Kindle
Whether you will be nursing your baby or bottle feeding, you are going to have some time on your hands.
Believe it or not, you will get bored of binge-watching all the shows you want to catch up on.
Get yourself a Kindle. You can use it day and night and best of all, with only one hand.
Girl, you can even check out eBooks from your public library so you don’t have to buy all the books😊.
23. Chocolates
Girl, you just went through a crazy marathon that I am pretty sure you didn’t train for.
I am talking about labor and delivery.
Get yourself a small stash of chocolates – you deserve it.
Lindor Chocolate Truffles and Ghirardelli Chocolates are delicious.
24. Nail Polish
Girl, your body will be going through more major changes trying to get back to your “normal self” and you might not feel that confident.
Get yourself some nail polish.
I love the Essie brand and that there are like 1000 colors to choose from.
Taking time for yourself by doing your nails will boost your spirits, I promise!
I love a classic red, what about you?
25. Grace
This is one of the most important things new moms need for themselves - Give yourself grace, mama.
You are in a new chapter with your little bundle of joy and you will be learning together.
Give yourself grace because it won't go exactly as you plan and that is ok!
If you have any pregnancy or baby questions, let me know in the comments below.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.
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