5 Essentials for Mom

Starting a family is always fun, exiting, wonderous, but it is also more often scary, and nerve wracking. Always wondering if your doing the right thing, getting the right things, cleaning enough, safe enough, is anything and everything good enough?! yes, yes it is. Breathe and just take a moment to relax. You are enough, because your mom! Mom always knows best even when you think you do not know anything. Your mother instinct inside knows!

After my first LO, it amazed me just how capable I was, I took myself by surprise. I learned so much alongside my husband. Do not get me wrong it was hard at times, but it was during those hard times that I learned the most valuable of lessons. They will forever stay in my heart, and I am forever grateful. Now that we have our second one, things are a bit different this time around. You have a knowing, but each child really is different. You mold, and flow differently. I did not know I had the capacity to talk in 3 languages in 3 mins. (laughing to myself) you'll get it one day.

I just want to share my tidbits on the items I have learned to love and has changed my routines of motherhood. so, I hope you enjoy and find something new! Click on the photos, it will take you to more information and purchase.

1. Pump Pump Pump it up!

This is the most important thing you can buy for yourself. Even if you are exclusively breast feeding, investing in a premium breast pump will definitely come in handy, and will go a long way in helping you establish a good milk supply. The first time around, I had made mistakes on my feeding schedule, pumping, and supplementing that my milk supply diminished and if I had a good pump, I could have gained back the supply I needed. Unfortunately, with the first one I let my insecurities dominate my instincts. Technology has advanced in the day, so this pump right here has saved my life! I have the Elvie, but the willow is also very good. You can claim your pump on your insurance!

2. Milk Supplements.

We recently moved to a new area in Florida and our local Walmart has new mother and baby items in stock that I wish I knew they had before baby number two came along. Anyway, I came across these milk supplements that boosted my milk production, and I filled my freezer with milk pumping in between feedings. They have chocolate flavor, and berry flavor!! well worth it, and so tasty! I used them to satisfy my sweet craving.

3. The Nursing Pillow

With my first little one, she wanted to be soothed a lot, and would cry when I would put her down. Holding a baby is great, and cuddling them is sweet but after a while they get heavy! Yes, 10 pound, 15 pound, 20 pound babies after you have held them a while get heavy, and your back hurts and your neck hurts. Get you a boppy pillow that supports your baby while you hold them. It is very important that you care for yourself so you can better care for baby, This time around was better for me but I am still having neck support issues. I recommend getting one that can strap around you, but if not get one that is very thick, and offers the most support for heavier babies.

4. Maternity Bra

The breast pump that I use needs a good maternity bra. The pump needs good support without being tight because pumps can actually stop milk flow instead of promoting it, causing a blockage and eventually inflammation. So, make sure you're getting a bra that gives support but has room. This will give you good access to baby when LO is with you, and you are out and about. The maternity bras are good for different types of clothing as well for access to the breast, and or pump.

5. Mom Time

Yes, I know, me time. Yes, I know you want to spend every waking minute with your new baby. Listen to me, carry out 15-30 minutes of your morning to have time just for you. I recommend getting you a morning routine together. Silent, alone time in your prayer closet with your creator. The one true God. He knows your needs before you even ask any way and is the only one who can fill you up. Then do whatever it is you need to do to start your day. Whether it is coffee, meditations, running, bath soak, journaling, something that is not anything to do with the baby, husband, or house, or work. Something that can relax you, renew your strength, give you peace, or just a moment of silence. This is so important! Our life can get overwhelming, and distractions take our time along with the needs of our loved ones and family. The mom time I am telling you to make will give you the strength to get through the days of havoc. Trust me they will happen, don't believe me? Ok, see you in a while when it kicks in. Get you a great, big, lightly scented but potent candle and light it all day, every day. Empty yourself, check in with your body, and emotions, stay focused on your forward goals, and believe that they will come true!