This post is most certainly not for everyone, but if you happen to be expecting a baby, just had one or know someone who is then this post will hopefully help. By the end of this week I will have made it through 3 weeks of having a new born around and before I forget I wanted to share with you a few things that I have found to be helpful and that might help you as well as you transition into your “new normal” life.

1. The Belly Bandit
   
   The Belly Bandit is “an abdominal compression binder designed to help you get your body back to its former fabulousness post childbirth.” You can order it on their site here and read all about it as well. I personally had a friend who let me borrow hers and it has been great to have. It holds your stomach in and helps to tighten it back to what it used to be or at least close. I found it to work great so far and it actually  feels good to wear instead of still looking 6 months pregnant. It is a little hot to wear, but I haven’t really cared since it has been holding me in so well and I’ve seen such quick results. They have similar compression belts at Motherhood Maternity that are probably a little cheaper and work just as good. This would be a great gift for any new mom if your looking for ideas.
2. New Pajamas
   For some reason you just feel a little frumpy after you have a baby and you’re usually pretty tired so I’ve found that a new set of PJ’s helps. I got some cute PJ’s at Target and they were cheap and comfortable.
3. Nursing Bras and Nursing Tank Tops
   If you plan on nursing your new born I would highly recommend investing in some good nursing bras and nursing tank tops. The tank tops are great to wear with your new PJ’s or under your other clothes. You’re going to need some extra support and comfort especially when you first start nursing so don’t skimp on these.
4. Nursing Pads
   There is nothing worse or more obvious than when you’ve sprung a leak right where everyone can see it:) So be sure to purchase some nursing pads to have on hand everywhere you go. They fit right into your bra and you can either get washable ones or disposable. I’ve tried the Johnson and Johnson brand so far and they seem to work great. I haven’t used the washable ones yet, but I’m sure they do the trick just as well.
5. Post Partum Panties aka girdle type panties
   
   These are not the most attractive undergarments you’ll ever wear but they will help tremendously in shrinking your stomach and uterus back down. My mom told me about this little secret when I had my son 5 yrs ago and I am still thanking her for letting me in on the scoop. These along with the belly bandit are sure to help you get back your pre-pregnancy stomach. You can get them at Motherhood Maternity or any other place where undergarments are sold. I personally like the ones that have the tightest support in the waist. The tighter the better.
6. Diaper caddy
   I got one of these at my baby shower and it has been so helpful. I can carry it from room to room and it’s got a place for all the essentials. I didn’t have one of these with my other children, but I’m certainly glad to have one now.
7. Swaddler blanket
   

A friend loaned me one of these SwaddleMe by Kiddopotamus blankets and Caris loves it. When babies are swaddled, or wrapped like a burrito, they sleep longer and keep from startling themselves while they are sleeping. You can use a blanket to swaddle the baby, but these seem to be easier and stay put more than a blanket does.

8. Meals arranged for the first week home

I had some wonderful friends arrange for me to have some meals delivered for my first week at home. Not only have the meals been delicious, but it has been wonderful to not have to think of what to make at night and to just enjoy and get used to having a new baby in the house. So hint to a friend to organize this as a  great gift for you right after the baby is born and you get home.

9. A Daily Nap
It may not seem like a big deal, but it truly is exhausting feeding, changing and waking up several times in the night along with all the other things you were already doing around your house before the baby arrived. So try to get a nap at least once a day if you can. You’ll feel so much better and more equipped to handle the night and days to come if you get some rest.

10.  Friends
Having a newborn is an adjustment in itself, but if you don’t have anyone to share the good and bad with, then it can be just down right overwhelmingly hard. If it’s your first child then it can be especially difficult and some days you just need a friend to remind you that this to shall pass and that your child truly is a blessing.

These are just a few of the essentials that I have found helpful in these first weeks of having a newborn. If you have any suggestions that have helped you when you had a newborn please feel free to leave those in a comment for all to see.

Sincerely,
Paige

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