Postpartum Update – 6 Weeks – And All the Things to Know Including a Shopping List

So I wrote the majority of this at 6 weeks but I’m finishing and posting at 8 weeks because holidays and family visits and mostly a baby who sleeps in 15 minute increments unless someone is holding him.

Officially 6 weeks and 2 hours postpartum as I write this update laying in bed holding Isaiah next to Elijah and Daniel sleeping. I’ve pretty much been up all night with this little one. He’s had a few good sleeping nights, and then there’s nights like these, but I’m trying to just soak all of this newborn stage in because holy cow how has it been 6 weeks?!

6 weeks is kind of a weird and rough time postpartum. I’m starting to feel more myself and getting the itch to find a new normal and a routine. I’m only about 7 lbs over my pre pregnancy weight, but I feel so weak from taking so much time off from the gym. I’m also just ready to get out of the house more, but Isaiah is still so little it’s not always the easiest. I think this time is rough feeling sort of back to normal and then realizing things are just not the same.

I’ve had such a instant bond and connection with Isaiah that has been really special, and with Daniel being home these 6 weeks I have really had the opportunity to spend time with him. The thing that had been hard has been balancing the two boys. I have been having a hard time not losing Elijah in gaining that bond with Isaiah. It’s something I’m sure will get better with time, but it has been a bit emotional figuring it all out.

So what’s to know and what do you need for these first 6 weeks?

The physical changes and strain – for some reason even this second time around I still wasn’t ready for the soreness and physical tole. You are going to be sore, exhausted, bleeding, peeing, passing gas, all the things that are awkward and uncomfortable. But they do get better.

Breastfeeding is hard. Even when it’s easy it’s hard. Babies don’t know how to do it, you don’t know how to do it, it’s a huge learning curve and it’s hard. Get earth mama nipple butter and lily pads and use them from the first feed. Trust me. And get in touch with lactation consultants. It’s hard and it sucks. Get help. You aren’t failing as a mom. It’s just rough and lactation help is awesome.

Babies don’t sleep. Your baby just spent the last 10 months in your warm belly, listening t your heart and your voice while you rocked him to sleep. Now he’s out in a big cold world where you want him to sleep on his back on a hard bed by himself. Of course he’s not going to sleep. You wouldn’t even sleep like this. It’s the safest for him so do it, or hold him while you are awake and he sleeps. Take shifts with your partner to do this.

Emotions are all over the place. Your hormones are all over the place so it should be expected. Welcome the emotions and work through them. It’s okay to feel things you wouldn’t expect. Just don’t push them aside to fake like you have it together. It will come back to bite you later. Plus no one has it together right after having a baby. Maybe for a few minutes or even hours, but I guarantee it all falls apart at least once a day.

Hold your baby! And don’t give him up if you don’t want to! Do what is right for you! The newborn stage is so short that who cares if you spend all day holding him on the couch instead of putting him down to get things done. Do the bare minimum and snuggle that baby. You don’t get this time back.

Postpartum Shopping List – For Mama

Pads

Tucks pads

Underwear – cheap and throw away-able

Ibuprofen

Nursing bras this one is my favorite and so cute even when you’re done nursing followed by this one (the padding provides one extra layer of leak protection)

Nursing tanks – makes any shirt breastfeeding friendly

Comfy pjs/sweats

Epsom salt or herbal sitz bath

Nipple cream

Lily Padz – silicone breast pads. They help with leaks and provide a great barrier with your nipple and bra.

Wine.

My tee//My faux leather leggings//boots are Target but can’t find them anymore