It’s so easy to get caught up in all of the cutesy clothes and trying to make the baby’s nursery look like someone came over and HGTV’d it that it’s not uncommon for new moms to forget about the essential items they will need to take care of themselves in those first few weeks postpartum.  I can personally attest to this.  For some reason, I never bothered to read the chapter about what life would be like for me when baby and I came home from the hospital.  I can honestly say that was probably one of the biggest mistakes I’ve made so far.  Why I would think I’d have time to read (let alone the brain power to understand what I was reading in that sleep deprived haze) is completely beyond me now.  So, don’t make the same error in judgment I did – read about what you’re going to feel like physically and mentally now so really know what to expect.  Even if this isn’t your first pregnancy a refresher course never hurts!

Here is my list of postpartum essentials. Feel free to post a comment below and add to the list!

1. Maxi pads.

Be sure to load up on an assortment of pads before baby arrives - you’ll need overnight and heavy absorbency for the first week or so post-delivery and then lighter versions as the weeks go by.  Get the winged kind to help avoid any accidents.

2. Nursing bras.

Forget about underwire for now and stock up on comfy, pretty nursing bras for day and sleep-style bras for night.  Get at least three of each type (one to wear, one in the laundry and one clean and ready).  You are looking for comfort and support, not necessarily sexy-styles…that can be on the agenda in a few weeks but honestly you probably won’t be feeling up to that for a few months.

3. Nursing bra pads.

Buy two or three boxes of these to start, or at least 6 sets of the washable ones.  In the first few weeks (and in some cases, months) of nursing, many moms experience constant milk leakage while sorting out the whole supply and demand thing (I know I did!).  Avoid embarrassing leaks, multiple shirt and bra changes, and endless loads of laundry by placing these in your bra and changing every few hours.

4. Frozen peas.

Use bags of frozen peas (or corn) to ease the pain of engorgement.  Apply to achy, swollen breasts immediately after nursing, not to exceed 20 minutes.

5. Ready to eat foods.

Send your baby’s daddy, or baby’s grandma or anyone who offers to help, out to the market before your arrival home from the hospital and have them pick up pre-cut fruit and veggies, hummus, trail mix, lunch meat, bread, sliced cheese, protein shakes – basically anything healthy you can eat on the run.  Also stock the freezer with frozen meals, either store bought or homemade, for quick eats.  Having wholesome, ready to eat snacks and meals at your fingertips will make life much easier when you have just a few minutes each day to yourself.

6. Take-out menus.

Gather and post take-out menus from your favorite restaurants in an easily accessible spot like the side of your fridge or on a bulletin board.  Be sure to make a “sleeping baby, please knock,” sign and hang it by your doorbell for the delivery guy so he doesn’t wake baby or cause the dog to start barking by ringing the doorbell.

7. Comfy clothes.

You may not know this but you won’t be back in pre-pregnancy clothes immediately after baby comes.  That’s right.  Your old clothes will be too tight and your maternity clothes won’t fit really well either but yoga pants, loose tees and sweatshirts will feel awesome!  Give yourself some patience when trying to get back into pre-baby clothes, it will take some time.  This is easier said than done.  I have cried many a’time while looking at my reflection in the mirror but just have to keep telling myself I won’t look like this forever.

8. Facial cleansing wipes.

There will be nights when you’ll be so desperate for sleep you’d rather bite off your left arm then spend five precious minutes washing your face.  Get some facial cleansing wipes so you can clean your face while lying in bed.  Another idea - before the baby arrives, have a remote controlled light switch installed in your bedroom so you can turn the lights on and off while in bed.  I have this in my room and it is amazing.

9. Be familiar with the Baby Blues.

In addition to falling in love with their little ones, most moms feel sad, tired and stressed during the few first weeks postpartum. After all, recovering from giving birth and trying to navigate the murky waters of being a new mom under the fog of sleep deprivation is no easy task!  Be sure to read up on postpartum emotional health and know that if you’re not feeling more like yourself after a few weeks, it’s time to give your OB a call and see if you are experiencing postpartum depression.   I had no idea what the Baby Blues were and it was very shocking to me.

10. A cleaning lady.

A definite splurge and not necessarily a must but it sure would be nice to have someone come over and do a few loads of laundry, dust and vacuum the carpet, wouldn’t it?  When a friend or family member says she would love to help don’t be shy about what you need and take her up on the offer!