Post-Partum Essentials and Recap -

G E T T H E L O O K . . .

1 month down with our sweet Reagan Nicolet, and I wanted to take some time to recap everything from my post-partum essentials to the transition from 1 to 2! Going from 1 to 2 has been harder in some aspects but then easier in others. Harder in the sense of there’s a lot more chaos and I have a lot more mom guilt as I always feel the need to clone myself! I tend to be a perfectionist with certain tasks (Matt knows not laundry 😉 ), so for me splitting up my time even further brings some of that guilt. My morning snuggle time with Emma has been replaced with a more chaotic version of nursing Reagan, while getting Emma situated.

However in the chaotic mornings, sometimes the sweetest moments arise. Yesterday for example, Reagan smiled for the first time at Emma and I paused and remembered just how blessed I was.

It’s been a lot easier this time around in knowing what to expect with a newborn and feeling more confident in my skills as a mother and breast-feeding. Even though I’m a pediatric PA, there still is a big learning curve that comes with motherhood. Matt has been such an amazing partner and so supportive as we navigate the transition to two. He has been doing pretty much all of the cleaning, cooking, laundry and helping out with all the animals. He’s back to work now, but this time we were able to spend 2 weeks after Reagan was born with him at home! After Emma was born, he was back to work in the ER later that week. I don’t know how I could do it without him – and I realize how blessed I am!

Reagan spent the first weeks or two sleeping, eating and pooping. She was a dream! However in the past two weeks, we’ve struggled a little bit with reflux and colicky type symptoms. I found myself reminding myself over and over the advice that I give many new parents – this time will pass! We now have had her tongue tie corrected, started on reflux medication and I’ve also now cut out dairy. I also am using these probiotic drops, which are important for C-section babies. I included them in my list of post-partum essentials for baby. I’m hoping now we are on the upward swing as in the past 2 days she is now smiling and content even if not being held, rocked or while pacing the living room – yay!

I’ve been much more mindful this time around of just how precious these first few weeks and months are. I have made sure to spend plenty of time just holding and getting all my baby snuggles in. Sometimes as moms, we feel the constant pressure to be doing tasks 24/7 – especially when baby is sleeping, however these are moments in time I know I will never get back.

Watching Emma step into her role as a big sister has truly made my world complete. She is so kind, gentle and a natural caretaker of her little sister. The only thing that has seemed to frustrate her is how much Reagan sleeps! She always wants her eyes to be open haha. Emma walks up to Reagan, “smooches” her head and leans into her saying “Baby Reagan lush’s (loves) me!” As I get my energy back I’ve been trying to be more mindful of one on one time with Emma (even if that means while nursing Reagan). So for example, Emma loves to play pretend – I will play “store” with her while seated in the living room and Emma is the store owner. She will shop around the living room for me and put the items I want to buy in a bag. Or we will “play school” and Emma practices her tracing, numbers, reading together, and “gym class” (aka trying to teach jumping jacks to Emma)! Even though just silly and simple games, it’s really helped Emma and I have some together time.

THINGS I’M LOVING FOR MYSELF – POST-PARTUM ESSENTIALS:

Silver Nipple Cups – I had heard wonderful things about these from my little patients’ moms so I bought my own to try this time around. Well let me tell you, they have been absolutely amazing for painful nipples after nursing! I have not even needed any messy balms/ointments. I packed them with me in my hospital bag and started using them right away! Now I just use as needed if I feel any slight soreness and the pain is gone after a few hours.
Nursing Bra – I finally found comfy bra especially during the first month postpartum with engorgement. I’ve been living and sleeping in these – they are super comfortable! Runner up goes to this bra, my only critique is I wish this one had a longer bra band.
Nursing Tank – these tanks from Target are my favorite ones to date I’ve found! I brought these to the hospital to wear underneath a robe with stretchy pants too!
Maternity Pants – these 2 different stretchy pants are great during pregnancy and after (currently wearing a pair as a write this!) These are also what I packed for the hospital to wear with a robe.
Underwear Post C-Section – I really liked these soft and stretchy ones during third trimester and after my c-section. They are great for C-sections because they don’t irritate your incision after.
Husband Pillow – I was on the fence about buying this pillow or not but I really wanted something ergonomic for when I was doing a lot of late night nursing sessions in bed. And let me tell you, I absolutely love it! Will likely use this until I’m no longer having to nurse at night.
Breastfeeding Pillow – I also have this pillow which I use 24/7, so the name of it makes sense haha. I got this one instead of a boppy when I nursed Emma and I love how it promotes good posture! Highly recommend it – one of my top post-partum essentials!
Night light – this light stays on my nightstand and is awesome to keep lights dim when feeding baby. Love that you just “tap” it on or off!
Straw Cup Tumbler – I think I found the perfect water cup! This I keep on hand constantly and for when those dry mouth nursing episodes hit, this really comes in handy! Love all the color options too – I have color Sea Glass Sage.
Chapstick – speaking of dry mouths, this chapstick has been great at keeping my lips feeling moisturized. You know I love this brand for all my skincare, too!
Home Chef – When it comes to post-partum essentials – it sounds silly but this has 1000% made our life so much easier with a newborn. Matt now loves cooking, and the nights I cook – I don’t need to meal plan, prep or anything! My meal is right there ready to go. We always say we have never had a bad meal, and it’s true! You can use my code: TRACY110 for $110 free when you join!

THINGS I’M LOVING FOR REAGAN:

Probiotic Drops – these are the drops we use for Reagan daily to help with her gut health. These are especially important for C-section babies. I also feel like it has helped with her reflux symptoms! These are a post-partum essential for baby – don’t skip on these!
Baby Booties – these are amazing to use in place of socks so that you are never worrying about socks staying on! These are also the perfect baby shower present and come in so many colors. They are super soft and wash great, too!
Swaddle – this is the swaddle that has worked like a dream for both of our girls and we always get longer stretches with it! Key is to watch the video on how to properly use it, and make sure it is SNUG! Both of our girls always break out of the velcro ones, so this one helps keep them asleep longer.
Swivel Bassinet – we used this bassinet with Emma and it’s a must especially if you have a C-section and/or are nursing. I love that I can swivel it right up to my bedside without having to get out of bed, and know that she is in a safe sleep environment. Remember: nothing else should go in the bassinet where your baby is sleeping to keep it safe!

I hope you enjoyed this post-partum essentials and recap! We got back our newborn family session photos and I’ll share some of those below – thanks so much for following along with our family!

Xoxo, Tracy