Now that Christmas and New Years are behind us, my focus has turned fully to baby prep–starting with this, and organizing the space in our room for babe, and I’ll hopefully share another post on my postpartum freezer & pantry–how I’m stocking up to be prepared for a nourished/streamlined postpartum (yep, super passionate about that topic, as you might imagine;)).
At this point, everything is, “if baby hasn’t come yet”…(insert, plans) and while that’s hard for someone like me, it’s exactly where my
heart needs to be.
I’ve been lucky enough to deliver my 3 babies with 2 different midwife groups, in hospital settings. This baby will be delivered with the same group that delivered Ambrose, and in one of 12 “baby friendly” hospitals in the country, that emphasizes new research on the importance of mother and child being together uninterruptedly after birth. They have AMAZING rooms overlooking the beautiful Hudson river, where I’ll be recovering, and I’m so excited for that. This post is not meant to be about the pros and cons of birth setups–there is no RIGHT or WRONG way to have a baby, but this combination has worked well for us; we have loved the quiet wisdom and presence of the midwives at our births, as well as being able to feel confident that we’re in the best medical setting if any complications arise (and I’ve had both natural and medicated births, and both have been beautiful and powerful in their own ways).
These are a few of the things I’m bringing with me for baby and I, and while I did put this packing off until after Christmas, I knew that sharing a bit by post would help motivate me to pull it all together. My husband knows that when I pack the bag, I’m finally mentally ready, and he starts to gear up as well. But baby can take his sweet time, we’re in no rush, each day is a beautiful gift that we treasure with these 3, knowing that it will all shift and re-balance as it’s meant to, but the reality of a newborn is very real by now, the 4th time around. He is the first babe in this home/space and I feel really peaceful about how our rhythms and life are set up to make this work. Plus I’m calling in all the support for postpartum–finally learning my lesson; there’s no point in pushing myself and getting frazzled/exhausted by trying to do too much during that all important and beautiful healing time.
I’ll be curious to hear (share your thoughts in the comments)–if any of these tools are helpful, inspiring or new for you, if you’re in the stages of prepping for your own babes. I find that being able to focus in on these details helps me so much with the mental state for embracing and enjoying (if possible:)) the inevitable process of birth. It’s like anything we do with great intention, focus, and in this case, acceptance–we can gain great value, even if it’s difficult.
FOR BABE:
The beautiful thing is, babies don’t need alot at first–just their mommas! Which is why I always encourage folks to pamper and love and nurture the mommas right after baby–they need it most, and their thriving = baby’s thriving, in so many ways.
*2-3 Cute outfits, the sheep sleeper was picked out by Ambrose back in the fall at our favorite kids consignment shop. It’s fun for me to have a few brand new things for each baby to mark just how special it is (though I’m also thrilled I have 2 years worth of fun boy hand-me-downs from Ambrose for when we get home from the hospital).
*These booties from Target were calling to me, it’s likely going to be quite cold when we bring this guy home.
*This swaddle just arrived from Be a Heart, and I’m in love. It’s so perfect for those first hours and days when you want a light layer for them and tons of skin-to-skin time. Having this at the ready will help me keep the context for relating to mother Mary as much as I can during this time. Such a great gift to the new moms in your life, if you haven’t seen these yet.
*Diapers/wipes–I’m trying out these water wipes from my Noobie box, and babyganics which come highly recommended…no, I don’t cloth diaper and have zero guilt–my laundry room and my life don’t need that extra layer of complication right now. But I am all about using gentle and organic wipes and diaper options when possible.
*Cutest cuddly outfit for warm transport: this one kept Ambrose warm his first winter and I love it. Baby Gap all the way…don’t know if they carry the exact one anymore.
FOR ME:
*New nursing nightgown (I think it’s key to have something comfy, that makes you feel good, I’m excited to live in it for a few weeks;)–this one’s from Gap…
*Bathrobe from Anthro: this one was calling to me when I found it on sale a few months back–I can’t wait to live in it postpartum. Again, things that you love that make you feel beautiful and cozy are all-important for new moms.
*Cozy socks—I distinctly remember this being the best thing I brought with me after having Ambrose–it’s the little things that make you feel good that are all important in those first hours/days after birth, when nothing else feels normal
*Blanqi postpartum leggings–the best. These are what I’ll go home in, and wear as much as possible, along with their nursing tanks. Total game changers, just like their pregnancy wear.
Kindred bravely nursing bra—trying this out, it comes recommended.
OTHER TOOLS FOR ME:
I’m using hypnobirthing this time around, with recs from a friend, so I’ll have those meditations loaded on my phone, as well as the playlist my husband is making for me. I distinctly remember how much this helped me with Emma’s birth, when I was in transition in the busy triage room and had a wild/exciting birth from there—the music helped me tune it all out.
Essential oils: The ones I’m bringing with me are a clary sage blend for hormone balancing, and clary sage is known to support the birthing process. I truly love and believe in the power of oils setting the mood and working effectively for us. The Frankinscense is for baby after birth, known for it’s sacred quality. Incredible stuff. For my best oils hookup–my dear friend Sophia is a doula @ Wild and Wise Birth, and very experienced with oils for pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Here’s her email if you want access to these and tons more education and info in that regard!
Hydrate: Just like I would be prepped for a half-marathon or intense workout, I would never attempt childbirth without this stuff now that I have it in my life. It’s the natural electrolyte drink used by olympic athletes, and if birth isn’t an endurance sport/activity, I don’t know what is 🙂
Fun new bottle for my hydrate–my husband will keep it filled for me…and yes, surround yourself with things you love for this beautiful process, just like any other moment of life.
White Chocolate Cinnamon protein bars–yumm. These totally saved me at the end of Ambrose’ labor–a very long and grueling one, that left me with very little energy when it was time to push. I asked for this bar, gobbled it down, and was ready to do the final effort to bring him into the world. 20g of high quality protein, they are also a great recovery food and postpartum staple when baby and momma protein and energy needs are high–but ability to make meals is low.
Vitalizer. My fav pre-natal that I’ve been using for 6 years and don’t go a day without. More has been written about it here…and here/..:)
Badger lip balm–love it.
Earth Momma Herbal Perineal Spray. Goes without saying all the natural support for healing and comfort is welcomed.
Arnica oil is what my midwives use during delivery, and it’s powerful stuff–I felt it helped my birth and recovery tremendously with Ambrose…and we use it on the daily scrapes/injuries of kids–double duty 😉
Shea butter spa cream–I use it on my pregnant belly–prevents stretch marks, contains Vit E–and I have a feeling I’ll be so grateful to bathe in this (until I can take a real shower) to freshen and moisturize after birth.
I’d love to hear–what, if any of these, are you going to incorporate into your births if you’re reading this and in the business of babies (now or in future), and what did you bring and remember loving from your last birth experience?
Appreciate all the support, love and prayers for babe and I as we head into this all important preparation and the big moment.