Survival goods for the fourth trimester

mewearingmo

As a maternity photographer for 15 years, I didn't know what my photography clients needed after their pregnancy - until I had Morrison.

The fourth trimester, often referred to as the postpartum period, is a crucial time of adjustment and recovery for both new mothers and their infants. As the world revolves around nurturing and adapting to this new life, having the right survival goods at your disposal can make all the difference. In this blog post, we'll delve into essential items and strategies that can aid in navigating the challenges of the fourth trimester with confidence and grace, ensuring a smoother transition into the joys and demands of early parenthood.

Here are some of the things that I have found the most useful AFTER I gave birth.

Breastfeeding and all things booby.

It took me a while to get the hang of breastfeeding. I strongly recommend a lactation consultant if you are struggling. The worst part for me was the nipple pain. Take good care of those girls, if they aren't happy you aren't happy!

Bamboobies Overnight Nipple Pads:

These help prevent leaks.

TL Care Organic Cotton Nursing Pads:

I love these and have ordered three sets. They are great for sleeping in and when you go out. I put a bunch of creams on my nipples and they prevent them from leaking through and these pads feel great.

Unrefined Coconut Oil:

This stuff is amazing. I use it on me (my nipples and body) and on the baby his head to prevent cradle cap and when I change his diapers. I recommend getting any kind that is unrefined but also you want a jar that is large enough to get your hand in. AND I have one that is on my changing table only for Morrison's bum, and one jar that I use for everything else!

Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter:

I keep several things around to help out the old nipples. This one is next to my bed. It is the one I use if the coconut oil isn't really doing the trick.

Lansinoh HPA Lanolin for Breastfeeding Mothers:

A client sent me this (Thanks Jenny!) as a gift and I do love it. As I said, I like to have several things around the house to use so I can mix it up a bit.

Lamaze Cotton Spandex Sleep Bra for Nursing and Maternity:

At first, I thought, whaaat? A nursing bra. I can get by without. Well, I was wrong. In the middle of the night when you are feeding, you leak and it can become a mess so it’s nice to have something dedicated to breastfeeding at night.

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Standard Glass Bottles:

I am anti-plastic and prefer glass and these were the winners.

Medela Quick Clean Breastmilk Removal Soap:

This was sent to me by a client and I didn't think I would use it, but WRONG, I use it every week to clean the bottles and the pump parts.

OXO Tot Bottle Brush with Nipple Cleaner and Stand:

I love this brush and I only use it on the bottles.

Baby's Only Toddler Formula, Lactose Relief, Organic, 12.7-Ounce Can:

I did extensive research because at first we had to supplement the breast milk with formula. Most of the formulas out there contain a bunch of sugar and palm oil and crap I don't want put into my baby. So I decided this was the best. The best article I have found is HERE.

Medela Contact Nipple Shield - Standard Size (24mm) :

I used these for the first 4 weeks, see if the hospital will give them to you. Save some $$.

Medela Tender Care(TM) Hydrogel Pads:

These are still in my fridge. I use them if I need some soothing on the nipples.

Earth Mama Angel Baby Booby Tubes: 

Heat these up in the microwave and put them on engorged breasts as you are pumping. A totallife saver for me. 

Let's Clean Baby Mo!

I didn't want to use too many chemicals on this little guy so I keep the washing simple and use soap maybe twice a week, if that. I also rub him down with olive oil or coconut oil after his bath. He loves it!

Brooklyn Bamboo Baby Washcloth / Wipes 6 Pack Organic, SOFT, Larger 10

Piyo Piyo Multi Function Digital Thermometer

Under the Nile Organic Cotton Duck Washcloth

Piyo Piyo Baby Nail Clipper New Born, Baby, Child, Kid, Infant

Piyo Piyo Baby Nail Scissors New Born, Baby, Child, Kid, Infant

California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil -- 25.4 fl oz

Boon Naked Collapsible Baby Bathtub, Blue/White

Earth Mama Angel Baby - Shampoo & Body Wash Refill Size

Sleep Mo Sleep!

Summer Infant SwaddleMe Organic Adjustable Infant Wrap: These kept our Morrison very comfortable during his first five weeks. He really liked sleeping in them after a bit of an adjustment. We also kept his hands close to his face which was how he was in-utero. Brian liked them because they had velcro and were easy to do.

Miracle Blanket Swaddling Baby Blanket

HALO Sleepsack 100% Cotton Wearable Blanket:

These are great as it starts to get colder because we can't put our babies under blankets.

WubbaNub Giraffe pacifier:

This is my favorite. It is an animal and a pacifier in one. You can tuck it under a blanket or under car seat straps.

aden + anais Classic Muslin Swaddle Blanket:

The more washing the softer they get. Nice.

Gerber Unisex-Baby Newborn 4 Pack Organic Onesies Brand:

Can't go wrong with white onesies.

American Baby Company Organic Cotton Interlock Crib Sheet:

Organic cotton has fewer chemicals and is better for your baby and the environment.

Naturepedic Organic Cotton Changing Pad CoverSnoozy Organic Cotton Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad Featuring Safety Stay on Corners

aden + anais Classic Muslin Crib SheetNaturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless Dual Firmness Crib Mattress

Dapper Diapers

Diapers are such a personal issue. I wanted cloth, Brian wanted disposable. We met in the middle and got a diaper service and used disposable when we are out or for overnight. It works well for us.

The Honest Company Diapers Size 5 - Skulls, Giraffes:

These are spendy diapers, but very cute and very environmentally friendly for the planet and the baby's bum. I bought a few packs of these because I can't resist anything with a skull on it.

4 Pack - The Honest Company Wipes:

I don't use wipes except when I am out. I prefer to use washcloths. But Brian uses wipes so I wanted to get the ones with the least amount of chemicals.

Boudreaux's Butt Paste 16 oz. Jar:

Brian uses this for diaper rash. I use breast milk.

Brooklyn Bamboo Baby Washcloth / Wipes 6 Pack Organic:

These washcloths are the best for cleaning up a dirty baby.

Four-Sided Changing Table PadDex Baby Pregnancy Pillow:

I put this on my changing table for when I change Mo. He has some reflux and doesn't like being on his back.

Bummis Organic Cotton Prefolds Diaper:

This is our cloth diaper solution.

Bummis Fabulous Wet Diaper Bag:

This goes with me, but I would get two or three of these, because after all day with dirty diapers in it, you will want to wash it instead of just putting it back in your diaper bag.

Bummis Diaper Covers:

These covers work really well and they have cute patters. I like the velcro better than the snaps. Snaps take too long when you have a refluxy baby crying on the changing table.

My Favorite Baby Reads

Brain Rules for Baby (Updated and Expanded)by John Medina

Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kidsby Kim John Payne

How Eskimos Keep Their Babies Warm: And Other Adventures in Parenting (from Argentina to Tanzania and everywhere in between) By Mei-Ling Hopgood

The Diaper-Free Baby: The Natural Toilet Training AlternativeBy Christine Gross-Loh

Parenting Without Borders: Surprising Lessons Parents Around the World Can Teach Us By Christine Gross-Loh Ph.D

Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting By Pamela Druckerman 

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child By Marc Weissbluth M.D.

The Happiest Baby on the BlockBy Harvey Karp

As you embark on this incredible journey through the fourth trimester, remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for your newborn. The survival goods and support systems you invest in now will play a pivotal role in shaping your experience during this transformative period. Embrace the challenges, seek help when needed, and celebrate the milestones, both big and small. The fourth trimester may be intense, but with the right resources and a nurturing mindset, you're well-equipped to emerge stronger, wiser, and deeply connected to your new role as a parent.