Sweet Melissa

a little blog about a sweet life

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12 Postpartum Must Haves

As I write this post, Ayla is two weeks old and I instantly have my go-to items to get us through postpartum.  These items are must haves to get you through the long days and nights of taking care of baby and yourself.

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Snuza Hero Baby Movement Monitor

The Snuza Hero Mobile Baby Movement Monitor is what lets me sleep at night.  It is a lifesaver and a sleep saver.  The Snuza is a small monitor that clips on to baby’s diaper or clothing and monitors his/her breathing.  If baby stops breathing the monitor will sound an alert and flash red.  Knowing this monitor is on Ayla gives me piece of mind and allows me to sleep when she is sleeping.

Munchkin Lulla-Vibe Vibrating Mattress Pad

When we took Ayla for a newborn photoshoot, the photographer used what looks like this little, vibrating whoopee cushion.  It was AMAZING!  I ordered a Munchkin Lulla-Vibe Vibrating Mattress Pad as soon as I got home.  It’s great to put under a crib mattress, a couch cushion, a swing, etc. and it calms baby right to sleep.

Velcro Swaddles

Shane and I tried our hardest to swaddle Ayla into the perfect burrito but no matter how awesome our burrito looked she always found a way to escape.  As soon as I purchased the SwaddleMe velcro swaddles I realized what we had been missing out on.  Thank heaven I discovered these within the first two weeks.  They are escape proof and calm Ayla down right away.

Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Bassinet Changer Snuggler

We keep the Graco Pack ‘n Play in our living room as Ayla is in it for most of the day.  She loves the vibrating bassinet and the changing table makes changing diapers more convenient than walking up to her bedroom every time.  When Ayla is older we will be able to use the playpen part and the whole piece is easy to pack up and travel with.

Boppy Nursing Pillow

I have a few Boppy Nursing Pillows around the house.  Your arms will thank you when you are able to breastfeed and have this pillow to support baby.  In addition to using the pillow for breastfeeding support, we also use it to prop Ayla up on the couch in between us.  This way she is close to us but we don’t have to constantly hold her.  There are also so many cute covers like this one and this one.

Coconut Oil, Breast Cream and Pads

After each feeding I use either coconut oil or Lansinoh Breastfeeding HPA Lanolin and cover it with Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads.  All of this provides soothing relief so I don’t get sore or irritated.

iPad and/or Kindle

I usually read a book on my Kindle or watch Netflix on my iPad during late night feedings.  They keep me entertained and awake while breastfeeding.  Sometimes I am reading or watching for longer than Ayla is feeding and she just sleeps on my chest.  I love those peaceful moments.

Sound Machine

Before Ayla was born, Shane and I used a sound machine at night to wash out any outside sounds.  My favorite was listening to waves crashing on the beach.  Now, I keep the sound machine under Ayla’s Rock ‘n Play at night and the white noise keeps her asleep for most of the night.

Belly Bandit

I started using the Belly Bandit as soon as I got home from the hospital.  It is a velcro band that you wear around your waist that helps shape your body again as you lose pregnancy weight.  In just two weeks I lost over 20 pounds due to a combination of the Belly Bandit, breastfeeding and eating healthy.

Water Bottle

Breastfeeding makes me really, really thirsty.  I carry the Camelbak Insulated Water Bottle everywhere with me to make sure I’m always hydrated.  I like this water bottle for several reasons.  First, the lid has a hook on it that I can just link my pinky finger into when I’m carrying a million other things.  Second, it is spill-proof.  The top of the water bottle does not leak if the bottle tips over.  Third, it is insulated so it keeps the water cold.

Mini Hand Sanitizer

Between you and all your visitors, hand sanitizer is key.  I use the Travel Sized Jelly Wrap Portable Sanitizer Bottles because I can throw them in my diaper bag, in my car, on my coffee table, etc.  I am constantly cleaning my hands and asking everyone who touches or holds Ayla to do the same.  Having these around makes it convenient to keep clean and sanitized.

Hospital Items

My last piece of advice is to take home everything the hospital provides for you.  In my room, the hospital provided the following:

For mom –

  • spray bottle
  • disposable underwear
  • pads
  • wipes
  • medicated spray
  • cooling relief pads with witch hazel
  • ice pack pads (my favorite)

For baby –

  • shirts
  • swaddles
  • diapers
  • wipes
  • pacifier
  • soap

Pack everything and ask the nurses for more.  The hospital sent me home with so much that I am still using what they provided two weeks later.

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