To be honest, this working mom hardly remembers those first three months of my daughter’s life. I was either sleeping, wishing I was sleeping, or playing with the new love of my life. What I do remember, though, is the items that got me through it all.
The ones that I couldn’t have lived without. There wasn’t a whole lot of working going on those first three months, but as I got into the third month, I finally got my brain back. (It’s a good thing, too, because I had to fly to Brazil for my first international speaking engagement at three months post-partum).
Here are the items I needed for success the first three months of becoming a first-time working mom:
Hands-Free Pumping Bra
Hands down (get it!:) this is one of the most important things you need. No one told me that before I had my baby, though! Here’s the thing. I didn’t even set up my breast pump before I had my baby because I was convinced I would never use a bottle in the beginning. That was until my daughter dramatically dropped weight and on day 6 I was told I had to start pumping.
My friend recommended this pumping bra and it was amazing. I could pump and hold my baby or feed her a bottle at the same time! Genius! As a working mom, I could also work, but not much of that was happening during that time anyways!
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
I read this book before giving birth, and I am so glad. It set me up for success because breastfeeding was a humongous challenge. You don’t have to read it all before birth, but I would recommend skimming the beginning, so you have an idea of what to expect and know where to find more information when you need it. I picked this book up quite a few times in the first three months for help and ideas to handle my daughter’s tongue tie issue.
Solly Baby Wrap
I wish I had a little one so I could wear this again. This was by far my go-to accessory with a newborn. Once I figured out how to wear it (I had to watch the videos over and over but I got it!) I LOVED it. It’s important to feel great when you are just becoming a mom and this did it. I love scarfs, so this was my baby scarf. I took it anywhere and everywhere, and carried my daughter in it all over Brazil. I could easily get her to fall asleep in it because she was up snug. The only drawback is that once she got about 5-6 months, it was harder for me to wear her in it and I transitioned to my Ergo. But for those newborn days, I would never have done anything else! Thank you, Solly!
Working mom plus is that many times I could get her to fall asleep while rocking her and then put in an hour or two at my stand-up desk! 🙂
Baby Leg Warmers
Are these not the cutest things in the world? They can make any old onesie adorable and my daughter was always wearing them! They are also my go-to present now for baby showers.
Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger Click Connect Travel System
I know this is a very personal choice but just thought I would share the one that we got and LOVED. Walking is crucial for after childbirth, and this stroller/car seat made it super simple. I love that it has a huge spot to pile all of the things you need to carry around with a newborn along with two cupholders.
This one even traveled to Brazil with us. Warning: This one is rather heavy so ease into the lifting it into your car. It gets much easier, though! You’ll be throwing it into the car in no time at all!
Swaddling Blankets
