Postpartum Favorites for the First 6 Weeks

In honor of my baby turning two months old on May 5th, I decided it is the perfect time to record my six favorite items that helped me keep my sanity during the first 6 weeks after her birth. There are so many wonderful items for mom and baby, but these are the items I used nearly every day during the first few weeks after Adelai joined our family. 

These first 6 weeks postpartum are truly a time for healing and recuperation for mama, so anything that can aid in this is much appreciated!

6. Protein Cookies & Healthy Muffins

I noticed immediately after birth that I was STARVING. I guess that's to be expected, but what I didn't realize was that I would be so hungry ALL.THE.TIME for the next few weeks. Breastfeeding is no joke. I was more hungry than when pregnant! Luckily I had made up these cranberry protein cookies from Raising Generation Nourished and my own chestnut buckwheat muffins ahead of time, so when hunger striked (even in the middle of the night), I had some nutritious snacks stashed away in the freezer, just waiting for a 12 second nuke in the microwave. 

5. Red Light with Remote

I had read somewhere that regular lights disrupt the formation of melatonin which in turn makes it difficult to sleep. After I told my husband this, he did research and found this LED lightbulb on Amazon that could change colors and had a remote control. He put in on our baby registry and our cousin bought it for us. It has been a lifesaver during those middle of the night feeding sessions. I bet veteran moms can nurse in the dark, but it has been so helpful to me to have a little bit of light that doesn't make me or baby squint. It's also great to have on when we put baby down for the night so we have some light to see when we come in for bed an hour later. 

4. Wrap

I have loved being able to wear my baby while making dinner or doing chores. Sometimes she just wants to be held, and this is the perfect solution. Grocery shopping trips have been wonderful in this too, because the car seat takes up way too much room in the cart, and I really dislike lugging that thing around. Having my baby close makes me feel more connected, and she sleeps better in it too!

3. Large Cup with Straw

 I bet I'm the only one who still drinks from my hospital cup they gave me after Adelai was born.When I was pregnant, I drank 100 ounces of water a day, but never did I imagine how much more thirsty breastfeeding would make me. Having a large cup with a straw and handle was perfect to grab and drink from while I was feeding the babe. 

2. Milkies Milk Catcher

Heaven bless my friend who told me about the Milkies milk catcher while I was still pregnant. It has been really reassuring to have a whole freezer full of milk without ever needing to pump. The woman's body is quite an incredible thing, and being able to fill up a container with usable milk instead of soaking a t-shirt or nursing pad or burp rag is an amazing thing!!

1. Jogging Stroller

My Graco Relay Click Connect jogging stroller has been how I've kept my sanity. I may have started walking a tad too early postpartum, but the sunshine did wonders on my mood and overall well being. I love the one-hand open and close system, the large tires, and the ease of maneuverability. Such a wonderful investment and I pray it will hold up for our other children--I use it so much!

What are your favorite postpartum items for the early days??