Postpartum Essentials

Postpartum is no joke!

I made padsicles, got pads with wings so they wouldn’t bunch and make me leak, I bought depends and big granny panties. I prepared everything for being swollen because I tend to swell, A LOT. I heard a lot of advice saying buy this and that but I decided to wait to see what the hospital gave me and what I liked and what I’d run out of and need more of. SO glad I did!

Turns out I got a terrible terrible yeast infection when I was leaving the hospital... so the wings from the pads hurt like heck!!! I thought I was having an allergic reaction to the dermaplast (which was so wonderful) so I had to stop using that.

I got these throwaway underwear and wore one pair for about 10 minutes before wanting to rip them off because they just rubbed against the rash. I preferred the mesh underwear from the hospital much more! But I had a friend that preferred the depends. So it's really just what's comfortable for you.

I started out with Always Overnight Ultathin 5 Pads with Wings to make Padsicles.

Then after I discovered my yeast infection I bought Always Infinity Size 3 after using up the hospital mega sized ones. Then I couldn't find anymore of the Infinity ones... But seriously loved those ones. They're very light, absorbent and soft. So then I got Always Ultrathin Size 3 then eventually switched to a 1 as the bleeding got lighter and lighter. Then I started using panty liners when the bleeding was inconsistent and very light. I loved the Always Extra Long.

Like all things pregnancy, birth, recovering and baby's we are all different. Not in just our preferences but how our bodies react. I'm sure if you're expecting or just had a baby you're getting loads of advice (and I hear it doesn't stop haha) without even asking. I usually take everything with a grain of salt and know people are just trying to care for you. Even though you might not need all the information being thrown at you it's nice to know theres many different options. So just because it worked for me it might not be your favorite or you may not even need it.

My Essentials

»Adding witch hazel, aloe, lavender EO to my peri bottle every time I used the bathroom. I didn't feel the need to buy one aside from the one the hospital gave me. It worked just fine for me. But I've heard a lot of mamas enjoyed the Mom Frida brand. It's available at Target too incase you don't want to buy ahead of time and have someone pick it up for you after you come home. Make sure if you use witch hazel for anything its alcohol free, don't need a burning sensation down there.

»Moisturizing with Vaseline because dude it’s itchy and dry down there & then spraying Claraderm. It’s so soothing and helps the heeling process. Especially because I couldn't use the Dermaplast.

»Having handsani in every room because I had to be extra careful not to spread the yeast infection to my breasts and the baby. And you know it’s flu season and your guests will not always wash their hands...Sad but true.

»The HAAKKA is a saving grace!!! I leaked like crazy! I caught 3oz the first time I used it! I Started my milk storage without even pumping. It helped with the soreness and the rock hard boobs when your milk first comes in.

»Love the app Baby Tracker! I started with a notebook and paper trying to track down when she ate, which side and for how long and all the times we had changed diapers. It was more work than necessary so someone suggested downloading an app. When you’re beyond sleep deprived it’s the little things that help!

»Nipple butter, I think you know why! I love Badger's because its edible so you don't need to wash it off before feeding, its organic and smells wonderful.

»Meds and supplements for pain and postpartum anxiety. Didn’t think I’d be struggling with my body this much!! My chest tightened, my heart beat so fast and I could barely breath. It was so confusing to be so incandescently happy and be crying like a faucet unable to breath. I was and still am so thankful for friends who dropped off things to help me and sent me encouraging scriptures. And a husband and family that surrounded me in prayer and laughter. I'd love to talk more about my postpartum anxiety and recovery eventually too.

»Have snacks and water everywhere! I had pretzels by my bed when I have to get up during the night to nurse for weeks. Have water on every table! Seriously drink drink drink! Eventually I got tired of filling up a glass every time I woke up or simply forgot so I bought a 32 insulated water bottle.

All this to say our body goes through a crapload during pregnancy, birth and now during what they call the fourth trimester. It’s a whirlwind! Everyone’s body is so different but definitely surround yourself with a good support system, take a little time for yourself mama (even it’s a run to Target for pads or a few extra minutes in the shower) and know there’s grace for today.

Sophie's Birth Story

Went in for my 39 week ob appointment and I was 3cm dilated and fully effaced! Wahooo. I was very very swollen (could barely fit into flip flops or any slipper) and my blood pressure was slightly high. So they kept checking me for preeclampsia. All week I tried to induce labor naturally with tea, bouncing, exercising, massages, essential oils, baths, spicy food, long walks. I had contractions that kept increasing but never became regular. Friday night they turned into the 5-1-1 and I told Jeff let's wait 15 more minutes to make sure I'm in labor before we call. Within minutes they were totally gone.

Saturday I went to the gym and walked on the treadmill, the bike and bounced. I tried pumping, curb walking, I kept applying oils and squatting. That evening we went to my parents house to hangout with my sister and I ate spicy tacos for dinner and dates for dessert. I was so stuffed!!!

That night went to bed and had more contractions... I prayed that God would tell me I was really going into labor for real. Either make my water break or stop these contractions I asked. I started cramping again as I got into bed around 11:30! Right before trying to fall asleep I went to the bathroom, of course haha. Then I got into bed and sneezed. Awww man, I peed... happens all the time. As soon as I got up to go to the bathroom yet again I felt a huge gush of water and I knew it was happening. We called the doctor and because I was GBS positive they told me to come in right away to start the antibiotics. We made the bed, threw a few more things in the suitcase, took out the trash and headed to the hospital. This was it! We're actually having a baby!!

We got to the hospital around 12:30am. They confirmed I had ruptured and started my IV . Went through all the boring medical paper work! My contractions got a little more than just cramps but I thought these aren't that bad I guess I'll try to sleep since I was only 4cm. The nurse came in and said the doctor would like to give you a small dose of pitocin to get things regulating since my contractions weren't consistent. Wow did they pick up fast. I tried a few contractions on my hands and knees, I tried sitting up and laying down. I tried standing and felt like I was about to collapse. The rocking chair helped the most because I would sway with my breathing. Then my legs began to shake and breathing became much much harder. I wanted to go natural but I started thinking I can't do this I just can't.

I started feeling a ton of pressure like I was getting close but it hadn't been that long. I was like there is no way I can do this for another 10 hours or maybe even longer. The nurse checked and didn't say anything... she grabbed another nurse who then checked me twice. They said I was 9cm! I felt like my body was pushing on its own, like I had no control. She checked me again after one contraction to be sure and said try pushing just a little. She said two more contractions and you're ready to push. WHAT? Omg, it was happening. It felt so unreal. I had no choice, I was gonna do this! Crazy. The doctor came in and within 5 or 6 contractions she was here! I pushed for about 30 minutes. And just like that, she's here.

Sophie Li Muir

Sunday February 16th, 2020

5:46am

20 inches, 7lbs 10oz

Definitely not the easiest two days of my life but God gave so much grace and I felt way better than I ever would have imagined it would have been like. We walked around, ate lots of yummy food and had the best visitors.

I'm doing pretty great physically. Only one stitch. No swelling or hemorrhoids. Not getting a lot of sleep but have way more energy than feels possible. Thank you God. Not doing great emotionally postpartum... My heart is so happy and full but my body is very all over the place. I know God's got me and it will pass. Pray for peace for me!

Thank youuu for all the prayers and sweet thoughts! We definitely feel loved and are surrounded by the best family and friends.

Sophie is a champion sleeper!! She wasn't the greatest eater the first two days because she was just so sleepy. Doctor said in her defense her cheeks make it harder hahaha. Once we actually get her awake after stripping her down, tickling her, making her dance and stretch and a wet cold cloths she's a good little eater. She's now doing great at home and almost back to her birth weight. She lost 10oz... But so so happy she's doing well now. She passed all her exams and appointments with flying colors!

She seriously is being the best! She barely ever ever cries. She loves to be held and snuggled. Love her sweet cheeks that bounce when we drive. Her eyes are so beautiful. Ahhh we love her so much. I knew I'd love her this much, but I just can't believe she's here already.

All ready to go home!

Welcome home baby girl! Mommy & Daddy love you so stinking much. We thank God for you and can't wait to live life with you.

What's in my Diaper Bag (Newborn)

I have two diaper bags I absolutely love!!! They're different styles and sizes so they're both perfect for different stages of life and different occasions/days!

The one I started out with is my Joone bag! They just rebranded and are called Maden bags now. It's absolutely gorgeous and vegan leather. It looks like a purse so its great for a wedding or if you wanna blend in a little more. However it was a little small for all the things I needed for a newborn! So I'll definitely be using that a little later when I don't need as much stuff for Sophie & me.

My Kinwell is amazing! It has more pockets than a girl could dream of! It holds everything you need when you need multiple outfits and allll the things with a newborn.

Both bags were gifted to me by these incredible companies! Happy to send any mamas videos of the details of either bag!

Now onto the real point of this! What's in my bag!

For Baby

Diapers & wipes of course! I love Pampers Pure & Water Wipes or Young Living Seedlings Wipes. (PSA: Do not get, I repeat do not get Seventh Generation Diapers! They are terrible. They leak every time, they're huge, they're low quality and feel uncomfortable and they smell weird...) And don't be afraid to "hide" a few extra diapers in your car just incase you forget to restock your bag. Trust me, it'll happen once!

Diaper cream & Vaseline! I use Young Living's Seedlings line. I especially put this on at night. I used Vaseline on her dry hands and feet and around her legs where the diaper rubbed because her skin was cracking. It was so sad and lotion wasn't thick enough.

Changing pad! I love my Gathre

Swaddle for the first few weeks! When I was going to my parents I would swaddle her to keep her warm and snuggly. Now I don't really need one. But I keep one in my car just in case.

Pacifier. Sophie only took the kind the hospital gave me. So far that is. Hoping she'll like the Bib's ones soon.

Carrier. I have either a Solly wrap or a Wildbird in my bag! Both are amazing and I'll be posting soon about the pros and cons to both.

Change of clothes, multiple actually. Newborns poop, pee and spit up a lot in the first few weeks so definitely have a few outfits. Sophie was born in the winter so I kept A LOT outfits/layers in my bag. Don't forget a pair of extra socks!

Split up cloth! I like to keep this on the outer pocket of my bag to its easy to grab at any second haha.

Nursing cover/car seat cover Definitely get some practice with the nursing cover before going out because man its hard to use the first few times. Like you make a mess ALL OVER THE PLACE!

For Mama

I like to keep my phone, wallet and keys in a front pocket or an easy access section. The last thing you wanna be doing is shuffling around for your keys when you are holding the carseat, the diaper bag and who knows what else.

Lip balm!!! I like to keep this close! As well as lotion.

Snacks! And a lot of them. You need snacks the first few weeks or sure especially if you're breastfeeding.

Hand sanitizer! Thieves mini bottles are amazing and don't dry out your hands as much.

Pads/panty liners for the first few weeks

Nipple pads and nipple butter. If you are planning on breastfeeding and you go anywhere you will need these. I leaked a TON the first few days and weeks my milk supply came in. Having a wet bra is very very uncomfortable.

Change of clothes for you! I kept this in my car however just incase she spit up bad or I leaked a ton. Didn't end up needing it ever but every baby is different.

Bottom line you'll find out what you need and don't need as time goes on! Every mama and baby are so different so stock up and take out things as you find you don't need them. You can always store extras in canvas bag in your car. I keep an extra sling, blanket, outfit and some diapers and wipes just incase! I hope this post has helped you. I'd love to know what you mamas put in your diaper bags!