Most used products in my first week postpartum
I’m sitting here snuggling my 8 day old baby girl still in awe of the miracle of growing and birthing a human (and a particularly cute one at that). I don’t know if it’s just a baby #3 thing but I have been living in total bliss soaking up every second of her sweet little existence. I know how quickly this time goes by and I’m not going to wish any of it away.
River’s first week earth side has been sweet and sacred and dare I say…easy? And I’m always reminded the first week of postpartum how little you actually use + need to get by.
I kept note of the things I was using and loving the most in these first few days. the things I’ve been reaching for over and over and over again that have just made life easier…
and here they are:
Free People floral bralette: I bought this bra to give birth in and immediately bought another when I got it because I realized it would be a perfect nursing bra. it is SO comfortable, super stretchy, and soft as can be. I’ve been making sure I always have one clean because I currently refuse to wear anything else.
Rael overnight underwear: just buy these. Trust me, you don’t want to be messing with sticky, thick pads when you can just wear a daggum diaper. I love that they’re organic cuz the last thing we need is nasty chemicals all up in our sore, healing crotches. they’re also thin + discreet, and I didn’t experience any leaks even in those first few days of heavy bleeding.
Cradle & Grace silver cups: (code 20WOLNSKI for 20% off) this was my first time using silver nipple shields to help with those first few days of breastfeeding and I swearrr they changed the game. Silver is a natural antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal. It helps to heal and soothe and also protects your nipples. On the infamous “cluster feeding” night, I dozed off while River was nursing and a few too many minutes of a very shallow latch caused a painful blister + cracked nipple — something I’ve never experienced before. I was so thankful I had the silver cups to help speed healing and also so I didn’t have to deal with my bra rubbing up against it. I wore them between every feeding for about 5 days and I seriously believe they are the sole reason why my blistered and cracked nipple healed quickly (and didn’t get worse!)
Coterie diapers & wipes: (code ADDI for 20% off your first order — can stack on top of subscription discount!) I’ll be honest, I never thought I’d be an “expensive diaper” girl but after hearing so many good things about Coterie (specifically for newborns) I decided to give them a try and I love them. Here’s why: they’re made with completely clean ingredients, we haven’t had a single leak or blow out — and you KNOW how much a newborn pees and poops, they stay dryer (which sounds weird but they’re made to hold more liquid, absorb more quickly, and keep baby’s skin dry to prevent nighttime wake-up and rashes) so you don’t have to change them as often. And because of that I actually feel fine about spending a little bit more. We’re going through them more slowly than other brands we’ve used in the past. And even if you already have a diaper brand you like, I’m telling you right now, their wipes are the best you will EVER use. I guarantee the first time you use one, you’ll think you grabbed two. But no, they’re just that thick and luxurious and only require one (maybeeee two) wipes to get the job done!
Haaka: the haaka might be my #1 recommended postpartum product. I produce a lot of milk, and I am a major leaker so being able to suction it onto whatever side River isn’t nursing on and collect 2-3oz of milk is a great way to build a freezer stash! Be aware that this is a form of milk removal similar to pumping, so if you naturally make a lot of milk or you’re trying to avoid an oversupply, you might want to use the milk catcher (linked below) instead
Milk catcher: like I said, I make a lot of milk. And I love the Haaka but I’ve been switching between the Haaka and the milk catcher so I don’t create an oversupply problem. The milk catcher does exactly that — it just catches and collects the leaking milk rather than creating a strong suction barrier that will remove milk. It also fits in your bra, which is great!
Bedside mini fridge: This is a total lifesaver at night when I have a Haaka full of milk I don’t want to bring downstairs. I pour it into a breastmilk bag and pop it in my mini fridge until the morning…amazing
Bedside rolling cart: I keep my mini fridge, breastmilk bags, pacis, snacks, diapers, wipes, etc. on my bedside rolling cart! I keep it against the wall during the day and then roll it right up to the edge of my bed at night for easy access to allll the things!
40oz Stanley Tumbler: there is no thirst like breastfeeding thirst. If you still haven’t gotten on the Stanley train, I promise you anything less than 40oz will feel like a shot glass worth of liquid when you’re postpartum. I am chugging so. much. water. And I love that it’s so big and keeps my water freezing cold so I’m not constantly refilling it!
Parachute toddler cloud quilt: I’m pretty sure 95% of the photos I’ve taken of River include the toddler cloud quilt. Our house is drenched in Parachute bedding and furniture so it only makes sense that our most used blanket is the toddler cloud quilt. It’s a lightweight muslin fabric that is soo soft and cozy. It keeps her perfectly warm and it’s just the right size. Newborn perfection ✨