Postpartum Essentials Pt 1

First of all, I would like to say that when I say, “postpartum essentials” I’m talking about the filtered, censored, suitable for work, PG-rated, the world of picture-perfect Instagram, type of “essentials.” What you REALLY need to survive your early postpartum period is a whole other story, for another day. Yowza.

Anyway. That’s not to say that this -ish isn’t important in its own right.

I had a baby on March 8th and have come to learn that early postpartum is a time of hormones, emotions, and more hormones, and more emotions. Navigating the world of a newborn and your new new is hard.

It’s really hard.

The last thing I want to do is fuss with my appearance (mostly because I don’t have time, inexplicably, breastfeeding takes up THE ENTIRE GOD DAMN DAY), yet when I look in the mirror and see a disheveled mess, it’s depressing as fuck.

I found a daily uniform, and a truncated beauty routine is crucial to feel somewhat comfortable…and attractive.

The Daily Uniform

For bedtime and bumming around the house, this robe and these pj’s are absolutely the best. They’re nursing friendly, super soft, and BLACK, you know, to camouflage the spit up.

Anytime I plan to leave the house or have guests over I throw on this nursing-friendly tank top (I bought six of them in three different colors), the softest cardigan EVER, and joggers that are as cute as they are comfy. Once my uterus started to contract I broke out my Nike Sculpt leggings, they’re high waisted, so they suck you in and are super thick to conceal the panty lines from these boyshorts.

A thong is the LAST thing I want to wear, but I couldn’t bring myself to buy granny panties. I bought ten pairs of these so I wouldn’t have to do laundry around the clock.

I also bought a few different types of nursing bras, but this one takes the cake. Full disclosure, the brand sent me a variety of nursing-friendly sports bras, bras and tank tops all of which I would highly recommend.

The Clutch Accessories

Even in my own home, I’m not really a barefoot kind of person (I mean, I married a guy who relaxes in jeans so I guess that’s normal). I’ve been re-buying these slippers for years. They’re just the best. Even if the rest of my pre-pregnancy clothes didn’t fit, I could still get down with my shoes…and it doesn’t get fresher than these Ultraforce Mid Force is Female high tops. You know what they say, “if the shoe fits – wear it.” There is nothing more bad ass than giving birth.

I’m late to the Warby Parker party, and I have no idea why. It’s THE best.  I treated myself to a new pair of specs which I basically paid $15 for after insurance. I know, unreal. If you’ve got four eyes, you’ve GOT to go.

Finally, no new-mom starter pack is complete without sunglasses that swallow your face and a ball cap.

The Five-Minute Beauty Routine

Gone are the days where I have an hour to get ready. Now I can get ready in 5 minutes flat. And TBH, I’m amazed by myself.

1. This body oil feels V nice after a hot shower.
2. The bags are packed, and I’m not talking about my hospital bag. I’m talking about my undereye bags. This eye cream is the best product I’ve ever used and comes recommended by the skin QUEEN, Tara.
3. Dry shampoo. Your new best fucking friend. I wash my hair once a week (and did so before pregnancy) and it’s a LIFESAVING TIMESAVER. Wash and style on day one. Use dry shampoo on the third, fourth and fifth day of your style. Topknot or pony your shit for day six. Then wash, rinse and repeat on day seven.
4. The dewy glow achieved with one product. It’s worth the pretty penny.
5. My favorite drugstore mascara…better get waterproof tho. Remember, hormones and emotions? Full force. I cry every day. Jesus, take the wheel.
6. Mac’s Velvet Teddy is the perfect nude lip to top it all off.

Voila, you’re ready for your coffee run, your gal pals dropping by, or just a little something you do for yourself to regain some sense of normalcy.

Special shout out to this hand salve. I wash my hands 10,000,000 times a day, and they’re dry AF.  

The Key to Productivity

Wear. Your. Baby.

My girlfriend, Jacquelyn*, introduced me to the Solly after she had her son, and I can confidently say it is in my most cherished piece of baby gear. Luke loves to snuggle, and I love that my hands are free to answer emails, cook, clean, or whatever else may need to get done. It’s lovely bonding time while maintaining a level of productivity. It took me a second to get the hang of the wrap itself but finally got it after some practice and watching the online tutorials.

*If you’re in Chicago, you have to take Jacquelyn’s pilates class. It’ll change your life. No lie. 

I am no expert by any means, but if there is anything I’ve learned in these five weeks of motherhood is that it does take a village, and the tips and tricks that have worked for other mumma’s can be so helpful. Hopefully, this is for you!