The Top Ten Essentials Needed To Survive The First Two Weeks of Motherhood

Personally, I preferred Gerber disposable breast pads because they weren't uncomfortable, they were extra absorbent, and they came in boxes of 100. In reality though, I guess it's just like any other feminine product, everybody's got their own preference. Just as long as you have a box waiting for you when you get home.


✓ Gerber Breast Therapy Warm or Cool Relief Packs
These are an absolute must. The engorgement that occurs once your milk comes in can be very uncomfortable. These essential reusable relief packs are convenient and provide much needed relief. Also in the event of a breast infection or any other aches & pains associated with breast-feeding, these will be a lifesaver.

✓ Lanolin
Brand name does not matter when it comes to lanolin. A small case is all you will need, because in most cases you won't be needing after the first two weeks. This is the kind of product that after two days of breast-feeding, you will have your husband running into the night to find. Cracked & sore nipples happen when your breast-feeding, they just do. Lanolin is a 100% effective, safe, and natural.

✓ Baby Gowns
Forget all the cutest clothes and onesies you got for your baby shower. Or the adorable baby gap footed PJ's your boss bought you. Thanks to spit up, breast-milk, and lots of newborn baby diaper "incidents" you'll be doing a lot of clothes changes & diaper changes in those first two weeks. Nothing is more simple than gowns. They're fast, easy, and comfortable for the baby no matter what the weather. Save the onesies and footed PJ's for when you're not running on 20 minutes sleep everyday.

✓ Comfortable maternity PJ's and comfortable maternity SLEEP bra
Nothing will make you happier when you come home from the hospital and have some nice cozy clothes to lounge around in, that are MADE for breast-feeding. Also a nice comfy SLEEP bra will make life much in the early weeks much sweeter for you. If you really want to get some stuff that's made for this time you must visit http://www.motherwear.com/ The PJ's and sleep bras I purchased from them were fabulous, and I spent a lot of time in them. It may seem like a luxury, but it truly is an essential.

✓ Easy snacks and lots of bottled water
Stock the house with lots of granola bars, yogurt and fruit cups, whatever your pleasure. When your tired and breast-feeding nothing makes you happier than having plenty of ready made snacks at your disposal. And stuff like yogurt is great for you & the baby while breast-feeding. You CANNOT drink enough water while your breast-feeding. Always have a bottle within arms reach.

✓ Motrin
Safe for mom, safe for baby. The safest way to take the edge off the pain of giving birth & the pain of engorgement. Nuff said.

Witch Hazel Medicated wipes & Overnight Menstrual Pads
This may seem strange if you've never had a child, but trust me, these wipes ARE a necessity. Especially if it's your first baby. And well, pads are a no-brainer. Just do yourself a favor and get overnighters.

✓ Baby Book
My personal preferences were William Sears "The Baby Book " and Tracy Hogg's "Secrets of The Baby Whisperer ". These books are actually two very different schools of baby rearing, but they both have a lot to offer new parents. Between the two you'll have all the tips to have a successful first year. The baby bible though is also necessary to answer all those late night questions and concerns new time moms have, and that's "The American Academy of Pediatrics Guide To Caring For Your Baby and Young Child Birth to Age 5 ". I call it the baby bible, because it's what they actually gave us to take homewhen we had our son. It's a must have, and I still use it to this day all the time.

✓ A Co-Sleeper
OK, so maybe you can consider this a luxury. Not me. I breast-fed with a bassinet by my side with one child, and a Co-Sleeper with the other. The convenient and comfort is immeasurable. It gives all the intimate closeness with your baby for late night feedings and cuddling, yet the safety and comfort of your own bed to.

Now that you have a list, get out and go shopping before that baby comes! Also these are all great gifts too! A lot of friends have received this stuff from me, and thought it strange during their shower. After the baby was born they called me thanking me...