I came to you with my first trimester necessities and my second trimester/bed rest necessities. I somehow skipped the third trimester necessities, so I figured that I owed y’all a fourth trimester necessity post before I wrap up my pregnancy chats for a bit to just soak in this season. Mama needs a break!
I am sure you have seen. I have not at all been stingy with the pictures. On October 23, at 8:39 a.m., I delivered a perfect, pink, breathing, and alive baby boy at Women’s and Children’s Hospital via C-section. I talked a little bit about his delivery and my recovery here.
As I am writing this, he is three weeks old and one day — 22 days old. So, we are not a month in and we certainly are NOT rushing it. But here are a few of the things we used in the hospital and beyond that have made our lives easier and more enjoyable.
Hydro Flask – 40oz 
I do not mean to sound like a broken record. This exact water bottle made my first trimester list. BUT — it is that good. It came in CLUTCH in the hospital and at home when the baby latched and it felt like I had not taken a sip of water in the 10 months I carried him. I will not let this water bottle leave my sight. It will be my gift to any and all of my friends when they tell me that they are pregnant. And who cares what color — just get whatever Amazon has on sale at the moment you are ready to use that one-click buy option.
Yeti Coffee Mug
Yes, I know, this coffee mug does the same thing that your Yeti or similar brand tumblers do. However, there is something about drinking coffee out of a mug that is wholly gratifying and brings some sense of normalcy. Mama needs a mug. This mug has brought me great joy. It is only $24.99 and would make an amazing gift for a new mama (or daddy) on your list. I’ve gifted it myself!
Bombas
I do not know what it is about these socks, y’all. There is something truly luxurious about them. We packed every single pair we owned and lived in them in the hospital. I cannot get enough. AND have you SEEN their holiday gift suggestions — geaux get you some, and him, and all of dem — best Christmas gift ever.
Young Living Seedlings Baby Wipes 
So, I am kind of an essential oil drop out. I love the idea of them. But, when my three-year-old got stung by a wasp THREE times (once on the mouth) the week we got home from the hospital, I reached for the Benedryl and called my mama. In retrospect, I know I should have slapped some lavender on the stings, but I just did not think of it. Point is — I have them and we use them but I forget about them and will always go to Western medicine first. But, I digress. The Young Living Seedlings Baby Wipes are IT. They smell phenomenal. They are perfect for fresh baby booties, stale hospital room surfaces, and new mama faces. I use one of these on my face every morning to wipe off the sleep I did not get the night before and it feels like a mini facial. I am no beauty blogger and I am sure these are not necessarily meant for mama faces, but I am just telling you that it really works for me.
Organic French Lavender Hand Sanitizer Spray 
While we are talking about all the smell goods, you know those cart / hand / baby / phone wipes that are by the door at Whole Foods? They are the best smelling lavender germ killers. Or at least that is what I tell myself. I usually pocket more than I am allotted and wipe down ALL. THE. THINGS.
Well, the brand makes a spray. You can get a 6 pack on Amazon. Spray those toddler hands, the sticky iPad, and the Target cart. You will not only be cleaner but you will basically be a walking / talking spa. And maybe even spray down those guests as they walk in the door. Can’t hurt, right?
Assets by Spanx 
Allllll the fashion bloggers have the Spanx Faux Leather Leggings. Several of them have posts styling them a million different ways — here is my favorite. I purchased a pair this year for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. But, I recently discovered that Target has a version of these ahmazing leggings. They are much cheaper and get the job done. These are the PERFECT postpartum legging to suck everything in. They also go high enough so that when you nurse, your glorious life-giving belly is not hanging out for the World to see. They come in solids but I linked the camo ones, because I am a cool mom.
Kickee Pants 
You need a Kickee Pants swaddle or twelve. We love their clothes and I am pretty sure my babe will wear nothing else for his first year. But, their swaddles are perfect for everything — to let guests drape over them to shield the baby from their germs and detergents, nursing cover, changing pad, and the ultimate swaddle. The swaddles basically create a thin barrier between the baby and the World. And they tie up great.
Newborn Photographer
You need to get yourself a good photographer. You need to trust this person and be willing to have them present during some of the most intimate and treasured moments of your life. I met Carlie through Lafayette Moms Blog. She can work a camera and a baby like none other. I trust her with my life — and my pictures.
And last but certainly not least — a fantastic pediatrician 
You can have all the diapers and swaddles and the perfect carseat, but none of it matters in comparison to a really good pediatrician. We absolutely adore Dr. Adrienne Musumeche with Premier Pediatrics. With some fast breathing early on, a little bit of jaundice, and some trouble gaining weight, we saw three of the Premier Pediatrics doctors in the first two weeks. We love them all. I feel relieved and special to have such great doctors all around us who have a bedside manner equivalent to a good cup of gumbo on a really cold day.
Well, that is all for now. My baby needs some snuggles. I hope these suggestions help you or can at least give you some ideas of what you will need in those fresh first weeks. Thanks for following along with this journey. xoxo
