The first few days postpartum can be pretty vulnerable for the new parents. This little human is now reliant on them to figure out their needs, add to this sleep deprivation and the healing time that is needed and it can be a bit overwhelming to say the least. It is also wonderful to be in, what I like to call, the “Newborn Bubble” where time doesn’t exist and you just stare at your newborn in wonderment! 
 
We had a lot of people asking us what we needed so I thought it would be helpful to write out a few items we personally found to be really convenient during this time. This list is far from perfect and I am sure will grow with time :) 

• Sleepers with zippers – snaps are really hard in the middle of the night when you have an infant yelling at you to hurry up and get them dressed!
• Lactation cookies or hearty cookies – quick snack that is somewhat filling and easy to grab in between feeds, see my previous post 
• Belly band – I love my Bellies Inc band, it can feel like your insides are falling out the first week postpartum and this band helped keep things snug https://www.belliesinc.com
• Padsickles – might be a bit personal but definitely a lifesaver! So even just bringing the ingredients for the mom to make them herself. I saturated thin pads with Thayers Witch hazel then added a layer of 100% aloe vera before freezing, before wearing, I applied calendula oil for extra healing
• Herbal sits bath – we carry pre-made herbs at the Nest Family Wellness Centre https://www.thenestfamilywellnesscentre.ca
• Good quality Supplements - Prenatal for mama, Vit D drops and infant probiotics - https://www.thenestfamilywellnesscentre.ca
• Hydrating ice cubes – the amount of water needed during breastfeeding is enormous so having electrolytes handy can be quite helpful. We made them using honey, salt, calcium, magnesium, and lemon
• Wool booties - just because they are cute! https://www.facebook.com/SolefulGinger/
• Placenta Encapsulation – this is a bit controversial and definitely personal! 
  • Here is a post of one mama’s experience: http://www.calmmother.com/blog/2015/2/7/all-about-placenta-encapsulation 
  • And a link to who I used for mine – Melynda Peterson: http://www.melyndapetersenbirthdoula.com

As we "patiently" wait for the arrival of our first baby, I have been preparing for life after baby to make things easier such as different freezer meals and snacks. These lactation cookies are actually quite tasty and nutritious, I've already made them twice as the first batch didn't actually last the week! I am terrible at following recipes, so here is a rough guide of what I put in the latest batch.

Lactation Cookie Recipe

• 1c rolled oats
• ½ c coconut flakes
• 1/4c fresh ground flaxseeds
• 1/2c pumpkin puree or apple sauce
• 1/4c maple syrup
• 1/4 c nut butter of your choice
• 5-6 chopped dates
• 1 tbsp brewer’s yeast 
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1-3 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of sea salt
• optional ¼ c dark chocolate chips 

 
Pre-heat oven to 350F. Combine ingredients, roll into balls then flatten into discs, and bake for 15 mins. I always double the recipe and keep some in the freezer for later – although they don’t usually last long! ​

Tearing of the tiny space between the anus and the vagina is not a glamorous topic but one that can cause a lot of fear and discomfort for many pregnant women. There are different degree of tears that you should be aware of as well who you want to repair if a significant tear occurs. This blog post provides tips on how to prevent and treat perineal tears during pregnancy. 

Getting a cold is never fun but can be especially exhausting when you are the food source for you baby. Colds while breastfeeding are more then just annoying, here are some tips to help with a speedy recovery and safe ways to treat your cold or flu. It also explains why some over-the-counter medications might not be ideal to take while breastfeeding.

With all that is involved after delivery, it is not surprising that new moms can experience low mood or "baby blues" during the postpartum period. Some moms can experience actual full on depression. This month's Calmmother blog post provides 5 tips on how to help during this period.