A lot of blog posts focus on what baby needs after they’re born. But mommas have needs too!  Here’s a little list of things that I found super helpful in the first few weeks of my baby’s life. The first few weeks can be pretty rough, so I hope this list will help you out a little bit, and make those first few weeks a little easier, so you can focus on your precious new baby.

1, Water Bottle.
Luckily, the nice nurse at the hospital will you give one of those great cups with a handle and straw, so you’ll be set to go! I was SO thirsty when I got home, mostly from nursing, so it was nice to have something so close by. (And I really appreciated the handle so I could have a more secure grip on it when I was drinking and feeding my babe at the same time.)

2. Breast Pads.
Now, I’ve heard of some women who don’t leak, but I was a LEAKER. I went through 2.5 boxes of these before I stopped nursing at 11 weeks. I really liked these Nuk ones. They were thin, but absorbent. I know that some women like the reusable ones, but to me, they weren’t worth it. (The Nuk ones are available at Walmart, but they are a bit cheaper on Amazon.)

3. Sleep Bras.
If you’re breastfeeding, these are heaven sent. They are comfy enough to sleep in, keep breast pads in place, and are really breast-accessible for feedings. Even if you aren’t breastfeeding, I think these are still a must have (or at leas ta comfy sports bra). they keep the girls in place and lend support, so you don’t have to worry about them flopping and being uncomfortable, or if someone comes over to visit then you’ll look a little presentable 🙂 I used the Target Gilligan and O’Malley brand ones, but there are a lot of brands out there!

4. Stool Softeners.
Just, yes. No matter if you have a vaginal birth or c-section. You’ll want some of these. Just trust me.

5. Comfy Pants (with no waistband).
Contrary to popular belief, your stomach does not go straight to flat after you deliever a baby. You will still look about 5 months pregnant. Plus, if you were on an IV, you will be bloated. And double plus, if you had a c-section, your abdomen will be sore. So, invest in a good pair of yoga pants or something with a drawstring waistband – no elastic! I still wore my maternity leggings and they were heaven sent.

6. Nipple Shield.
Some people are lucky, and don’t have to use a nipple shield, or only do for a couple of days. However, I used mine the whole 11 weeks I was pregnant. Even if you don’t have one right when your baby is born, be aware that they are available! They cover your nipple and allow baby to get a good latch – and also allow cracked nipples to heal. Breastfeeding “isn’t supposed to be painful” but if it is (and it probably will be…) know that a nipple shield should be able to help with that. You can get them at Walmart, Target, Amazon…. I got mine from the lactation consultant while I was still in the hospital.

7. Reading Material.
Babies eat and sleep a lot. Especially in your arms. I reread the whole Harry Potter series in the 3 months after Abe was born since I was pretty much rooted in one place for the majority of the time.

8. Netflix (or any other type of TV).
Going along with number 7. You’ve gotta have something to entertain you 🙂

9. Baby App.
I use Feed Baby – the light version is free in the Google Play store. At the beginning it was really helpful to keep track of how long I fed Abe and on what side, as well as when he was (maybe) due to eat next. I was so sleep deprived some times I couldn’t remember 🙂 I also used it to track wet and dirty diapers in the first couple of weeks. You can also track medications (helpful if you give your little one Tylenol when they get vaccines), and sleep time. Now, I just use it to track his feedings so I know when he’ll be eating again. And I use it to track his night time sleeps.

10. Snacks.
If you’re breastfeeding, you will probably feel like you are starving all.the.time. I loved keep granola bars next to my bed for easy access.I would just keep something handy so you can much while feeding or holding your baby when you sleep.

Do you have any must-haves from your postpartum days to add? Let me know!