New Mom Essentials

Hello fellow peaches! I AM alive and thriving. Don't you know how quickly time passes with baby number three? There is barely a moment to think...life just keeps moving full speed ahead.

Baby Benjamin is seven weeks old now and adjusting just fine. He is starting to smile and coo and find his fingers. The big boys are still so proud of their baby brother and love to show him off to friends. We are enjoying lazy summer days at home and the pool.

I'm taking good care of myself and finally feeling somewhat "normal" again. Postpartum is such a tricky time for new moms. I feel like I could write a book on the topic if I only had the time! There are the hormones, the exhaustion and accepting a body that is new and different. The nurses try to prepare you when they send you home from the hospital, but nothing quite prepares you for life postpartum. I like to break up the "fourth trimester" into three stages..the first two days, the first two weeks and the first two months. Surviving each of these "hurdles" gets you closer to the finish line. And by finish line, I mean sleeping through the night and feeling like a normal, functioning human being again. I assure you things do get back to normal but it does takes time. Be patient with yourself, your spouse and your baby.

Since I don't have time to write a book, I thought I'd share some of my favorite new mom essentials. Yes, there are LOTS of things you need for the baby, but I'm talking about things for YOU. We tend to forget we too are healing both mentally and physically from the birth process. Be sure to stock up on these beforehand (via Amazon prime, of course) so they're ready and waiting for you after baby arrives!

Unscented Epsom Salt :: Nothing will heal you faster than epsom salt baths. Take one religiously, especially during the first two weeks. 

Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate  :: There's no way around dark circles and puffy eyes when your sleep is continuously interrupted. Treat yourself to a good quality eye cream and use it daily.

Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum :: You will wash your hands 592,043 times a day between changing diapers and feeding you baby. Your hands will crack and bleed if left unattended. Invest in a trusted hand cream. This brand has never let me down!

Amazon Prime :: Save yourself from postpartum anxiety and order diapers and formula via Amazon prime. It will be your best friend, trust me. 

Lemons :: Did you know lemons are natural mood enhancers? Postpartum depression is REAL. Incorporate lemon anywhere and everywhere. Put it in your drinking water, in a steam shower or a stove top potpourri. And don't be afraid to ask for help from a medical professional if you're really feeling blue. 

Cranberry Juice :: There's a reason why the nurses offer it to you right after delivery. It helps prevent postpartum urinary tract infection. Your body is getting rid of a ton of extra fluid so be sure to hydrate. Make a habit of visiting the ladies room hourly, even if you don't feel the urge. 

TUCKS Witchazel pads :: Speaking of the ladies room, these cooling pads soaked in witch hazel are your best friend. I also use them to relieve under eye puffiness! 

* This post is sponsored by Vaseline. I received free samples of Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum. This is a brand and product that I love and trust. All opinions are my own.