Hey loves, I wanted to share six must-haves for the new mom with you guys. When I had my baby, I was starting from ground zero on the knowledge of comfort scale. Most of the women I had giving me advice hadn’t had a baby in at least 10 years, so I kind of had to figure it out on my own as far as small comforts were concerned. So I’ve put together a list of things that helped me get through pregnancy and earlier months in motherhood.
Disclosure: Transparency lives here. Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means the if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
1. A Pregnancy Pillow
My back pain started pretty early in my pregnancy, around four months and is currently ongoing. I decided I wanted to try a pregnancy pillow. Wowzers, the difference it made! The shape I have not only completely alleviated my lower back pain, when my belly got bigger, it provided support and assisted with the pulling weight when I laid on my side. It is also currently functioning as support (which I can’t do without when I nurse), so that’s another plus.
The drawback? It’s huge and takes up half of a queen-size bed. We had to be very creative to still manage to cuddle. If you know about Jamaica, you know the summer heat, is no joke! It was very uncomfortable when I needed the support but would sweat buckets being cocooned.
Where: They are available on Amazon. I had made up my mind to have my mom make me one when I lucked out. I visited the Ping’s Half Way Tree store, and when I described what I wanted to make, the sales rep said she thought they may have one. She found 3, and I was able to purchase it there for JMD$3000. It was definitely a win!
This is the shape pillow I had, however, there are a wide variation of shapes.
2. DIY Body Butter
I knew that moisture would be essential if I was going to have any hope of limiting stretch marks, but instead of relying on manufactured creams, I made my own DIY Body Butter Recipe. MOISTURE is imperative, not just oil. I bought Unrefined Shea Butter, coconut oil and olive oil and made a mixture that I used every day on my breasts, belly, sides and lower back. I would encourage you to add your hips to your own regimen.
Where: Olive and coconut oil can be found virtually anywhere on the island. Shea Butter a little more scarce. I bought mine on Amazon and had it shipped through ShipMe to Jamaica. (They charge per pound.) The good news is I have been using this every day since March 2016 and have since made two of the containers (shown below). The second container is not yet finished and I’ve also been using the product in my baby’s hair for a few weeks now (It does wonders for a dry patch her scalp has). I also still have enough Shea Butter left to make another container or two of the product.
3. Lansinoh HPA Lanolin
Another product that is definitely a must-have for the new mom is Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream. This little tube of product saved me from screaming bloody murder while my nipples got used to breastfeeding. I would never attempt to go without it if I had another child. It’s safe for the baby and doesn’t need to be removed before feeding (I removed it anyway and reapplied). It’s also great for chapped lips! It’s now a handbag favourite. It’s only 1.41 oz of the product but a little goes a long way. I am still on my first tube though I no longer need it for breastfeeding (3 1/2 months later).
Where: Amazon.
4. Lansinoh Stay-Dry Nursing Pads
These are awesome! You can put them in your bra or stick them onto a close fitting top or dress if you want to go braless. They really do keep you dry. I never notice if my breasts have been leaking until I notice the difference in the weight of the pad. It never ever, ever feels wet.
Where: Available on Amazon.
5. Silicone Breast Pump
So you know when your breasts are engorged and folks casually suggest express by hand? Nope, nope, nope, nope and oh yea… NOPE! It’s PAINFUL! Not to mention you’re there enduring all this pain for two drops of milk to casually drip. Nope! When I tried to find a pump locally, I found myself facing JMD$7000 price tags for single manual pumps. Again, nope! Considering I only pump if I’m engorged or need to go on the road for hours, I wasn’t about that life. I decided to try a silicone pump. This is sooo good! Hassle free and it’s great to take the edge off when engorged. The cap is only good to keep milk covered so watch out. If it turns over, all your milk is gone. I transfer to a bottle immediately so I’ve never had an accident.
Where: Available on Amazon.
6. Ovia Pregnancy Tracker App
I loved this app. It gives bits of helpful information every day and week as well as an update of what you can expect regarding symptoms each coming week. There are helpful tips for alleviating them (symptoms), a community where you can ask questions and a cute little hand diagram that compares the approximate size of your baby’s hand in relation to the hand size at birth.
Where: Google Play and Apple Stores. It’s free!
I hope this helps someone and congratulations on your baby!
Xo, Shandean
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