Musings of motherhood and must haves for new moms

Motherhood.

It’s been a ride.

No one talks about the sleepless nights of watching your baby breathe and figuring out what each cry means. Infants wake up 3-4 times in the night at least. They can be hungry, need changing or just be uncomfortable.

But, once you near the one month mark it gets better. You are establishing a routine and expectations but there’s no guarantee your baby wont scream bloody murder while you change him at 2 am. It happens.

I’ve found thought that the best parts are in the quiet mornings or when I’m rocking him to sleep at night or in the afternoon or after a feeding. Quiet mornings feel a little like a combination of Christmas morning and a dream. These are moments I cherish and moments when I worship the Lord for His blessings.

In other moments as I continue to heal (because it takes mothers and their bodies weeks to heal after birth), I ask God why couldn’t some of it be easier. The labor, the pain, the process … but one thing is sure. That baby is worth it all. You’ll agree when you have yours.

I remember vividly when they laid him on my chest after labor. He whimpered then cried.

“You’re the best thing I’ve ever done,” I said as emotions took over.

And that is the essence of motherhood. Or so I believe at this moment. And if it took all the pain it did to get him here, I’d do it a thousand times. Because he is worth it.

I carried him and he will always be a part of me.

It’s something only a mother can understand. Because words simply fall short.

And this mama is tired but so so grateful for her sassy, expressive, strong wriggly little boy.

My Favorite Hospital Bag Items

Preparing your hospital bag for delivery day? Here’s a rundown on a few must-haves that’ll make your stay smoother and way more comfortable!

1. Peri Bottle: Not your average bathroom buddy!

After a vaginal delivery, a peri bottle is a lifesaver. It helps gently cleanse without wiping, making bathroom trips way less daunting and promoting healing. Many hospitals have basic ones, but bringing a good, angled peri bottle is worth it for that extra comfort!

2. Button-Up Long Satin Hospital Gown (x3): Your style and comfort meet practicality here.

These gowns are ideal because:

• Easy Access: Button-up style makes breastfeeding, skin-to-skin, and checks super convenient.

• You’ll Feel Like Yourself Again: Hospital gowns aren’t exactly stylish. Having a soft, satin option can help you feel a little more like “you” and less like a patient.

• Spare Options: With three gowns, you’re covered in case of spills or if you just want a fresh change to feel comfortable! You can also opt for regular clothes (I’d pack at least 3 or 4 changes of clothes in case you have to stay longer than a day).

3. Slip-On Sandals: Footwear you can slide on without bending over is a must (trust me).

Whether you’re pacing the halls, heading to the shower, or shuffling back to bed, slip-on sandals keep your feet clean, comfortable, and supported—all without needing to reach down or fuss with laces.

Bottom line? A few well-chosen items make a huge difference in how comfortable and cared-for you’ll feel during your hospital stay. Pack these essentials and focus on the main event—welcoming your little one!

P.S. Those items are needs. The rest will be provided by the hospital! Don’t waste your money on pads or diapers unless you want to! You are already paying for those items as you recover.

Must Haves for Postpartum Recovery (After Vaginal Delivery)

Here’s the ultimate guide to postpartum recovery essentials—packed with practicality, a touch of wit, and lots of comfort (powered by ChatGPT and me):

1. Peri Bottle: Your new BFF for the bathroom.

This gentle sprayer cleanses the perineal area without painful wiping, making “down there” feel like it’s at a spa, not a battlefield, while reducing infection risk and soothing soreness.

2. Diapers or Pads: You might’ve thought diapers were just for babies, but surprise!

These absorbent wonders are perfect for handling postpartum bleeding (lochia), making frequent changes a breeze. Plus, you won’t believe the fashion statement they make (also they’ll help you cut down on some laundry loads too)!

3. Witch Hazel: Nature’s little miracle worker.

With natural anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, witch hazel eases pain and soothes irritated skin around the perineum. Think of it as your skin’s personal therapist.

4. Vaseline Spray: Hydration for the parts you can barely reach!

When mobility’s limited, this spray moisturizes hard-to-reach spots (like your legs) that might become dry or itchy—one-handed magic for feeling refreshed.

5. Sitz Bath with Epsom Salt: Picture it: a mini hot tub just for your nether regions.

Epsom salt helps with pain, swelling, and healing in the perineal area, giving you a private spa moment (and a much-needed relaxation break).

6. Cottonelle Flushable Wipes: Gentle, soft, and perfect for sensitive skin.

These “luxury” wipes make quick clean-ups easy, especially in the early days when the skin is tender and regular toilet paper feels like sandpaper.

7. Loofah with Long Handle: Hard-to-reach spots, beware!

This is your ultimate bath buddy for keeping fresh, even if you feel like a T-Rex trying to wash your back. You can wash your legs and feet with ease as you recover and regain a sense of independence too.

8. Ice Pack Pads: The MVP of postpartum comfort.

These frozen wonders reduce swelling and numb pain in the perineal area, offering instant relief and a moment to say, “Aaahhh.”

9. Love and Support: Turns out TLC isn’t just a 90s girl band.

Support from loved ones is like emotional vitamins, keeping you sane, comforted, and feeling a little less alone during the challenges of recovery.

10. Someone to Confide In, Get Encouragement From: On those days you need to vent, cry, or laugh until you cry, a listening ear is worth its weight in gold.

Talking to someone who gets it is a lifesaver for those priceless pep talks and comfort.

And remember, you’ve got this, mama!

Must Have Items for New Baby

• Graco Snugride 35 Stroller and Car Seat

This combo is one for the history books especially for new parents like us. It’s expensive but very convenient especially if you don’t want to lug around a car seat. Just attach it to the stroller and roll!

Link: https://a.co/d/09BTMCf

• Compact Rolling Cart

Whether you’re breastfeeding or using this cart to stay organized, the convenience of it is unmatched! We love our cart and keep items like toys and even our drinks on it when we are in the living room.

Link: https://a.co/d/16qsEV0

• Dr. Brown’s Slow Flow Bottles

These bottles are lifesavers especially for babies like ours who like to guzzle their milk. Infants are just learning how to drink and swallow and pace themselves. These bottles give them the chance to learn and are supposed to help with reducing gas. There are several bottle nipple options for flow you can purchase. We love the “T” option for our month old baby and had to transition to it when the premie flow was too slow and the level one was too fast.

Bottle Link: https://a.co/d/iqT4YUk

Transition Nipple Link: https://a.co/d/6APF7Fu

• Dishwasher Basket for Baby Bottle Parts

This thing is a lifesaver especially if you don’t have a bottle sterilizer and you don’t like to wash dishes!

Link: https://a.co/d/eY49Cz8

• Portable Baby Bassinet

We have rolled our baby bassinet all over the house from one end to the other. It’s very convenient and I could not recommend it more!

Link: https://www.walmart.com/ip/967892523?sid=661b721c-5252-4c4b-8481-b6e272c6b596

• Nursing Pillow

These pillows are so versatile and are wonderful additions for new parents. You can set this in your lap and lay your baby in it while you rest your arms. My baby loves it. I also lay him sideways in it to help relieve gas.

Link: https://a.co/d/fpCnmou

• Mylicon Gas Relief for Infants

Babies are gassy. This is the magic potion that helps relieve pain. It isn’t a fix all, but it certainly helps!

Link: https://a.co/d/dV3wps6

• Rocking Chair Glider

I bought my glider secondhand but this glider would certainly make life easier. Sometimes babies just need rocking to sleep. And we couldn’t have survived without our glider.

Link: https://a.co/d/9Yy4s6O

• Munchkin Wipe Warmer

Our baby is less fussy when we clean him with warm wipes heated from the wipe warmer. It was a gift from my mother-in-law and is definitely a hit.

Link: https://a.co/d/8bRDeWX

• Backpack Diaper Bag

We have two diaper bags that are showstoppers. One for mommy and one for daddy.

Daddy’s bag is gray and has a pad you can take out and put on any surface to change baby.

Mommy’s bag is white and has a function that allows you to lay the baby inside and change them. It’s convenient. It’s demure. It’s futuristic.

Link: https://a.co/d/50A70OU

Link: https://a.co/d/0VTd8YH

• Wearable Breast Pump

These breast pumps are easily wearable in your bra while you get stuff done or rest in bed. I highly recommend them. I used them at the hospital and home. They have massage functions to stimulate milk glands and various levels of pumping intensity.

Link: https://a.co/d/d6lJYm9

• “Formulizer” (Formula Dispenser)

For formula feeding this is a necessity. I know what you’re thinking. This is so extra. Yes it is. Unless you’re holding a screaming baby at 2 am. Then this thing is worth its weight in gold. The reviews speak for themselves!

Link: https://www.walmart.com/ip/816522191?sid=82778cf0-9cf6-4d56-9f98-ea30e6c39369

We are figuring this parent thing out. And it’s a rollercoaster. But I’ve never been more excited or exhausted. And I can’t wait to see what happens next!