Much is said about how to prepare for going to the hospital, but who talks about what the house should look like when you come home? Here are five things to have ready for those first few days with a new baby.
1. A clean bed -- There is nothing better than coming home to your own bed after sleeping in those uncomfortable, plastic covered beds in the hospital. And their sheets always come off, too, don't they? Having a crisp set of cotton sheets allows you to slip under the covers with your newborn and take a well-deserved nap. You will want to use a towel or "Chux" pads (those blue underpads from the hospital; stores sell them, too) for under your bottom in case the pad leaks. Whether you have had a cesarean or not, having a slew of pillows on the bed will help in so many ways. You will be able to prop yourself up to nurse, lie on your side without having to balance on your hip (a great newborn nursing position); tuck a pillow behind your back and lean backwards a little. Using a pillow under your elbow while you are nursing keeps your arm and back from getting tired and you from hunching over.
Folding Crib
2. A pitcher of water -- As much water as you thought you drank during pregnancy, you will drink even more postpartum! Your body will be getting rid of a lot of stored fluid and while it might seem contradictory, drinking water helps the fluid to leave your system... yes, going to the bathroom as much as when you were carrying the baby. But this is a good thing! Your ankles' swelling will leave, you will be able to wear your wedding ring again and your face will not look nearly as puffy. All great reasons for drinking more water, right?
3. Toys for the Toddlers -- Having a toy from the baby when you come home helps with diminishing sibling rivalry and excites your older child as you get you and the baby settled into bed. If you have younger kids, they will need their own space for playing close to you as you recover, especially if you had a cesarean section. Even a small bucket of books and cars can keep a child near you as well as entertain them for awhile. Switching out the toys every couple of days helps alleviate the boredom aspect, although many children love to hear the same book over and over, even to the point that we have memorized it! It can be fun for a young child to help with laundry, sorting socks or folding washcloths, for instance. This helps them feel helpful and can also entertain them for awhile.
4. Food -- If you are reading this during pregnancy, great! You can start your planning now for after the baby arrives. You will read in a variety of places about making double batches of meals and freezing half for your postpartum period -- and that is a great idea - but does not always address the needs of a very busy new mother. Minimizing any work you have to do is vital. If mom is tired, the whole household suffers. Therefore, buy what meals you can pre-made or, if that is cost-prohibitive, here are some ideas that require very little money. Chopped vegetables can be frozen and stored for several weeks. Having chopped vegetables allows meals to be put together quickly. Buying meat in bulk and dividing that into portions before freezing also adds to the speed-cooking idea. When making rice, make a double portion and freeze it. Rice is a great base for everything from soup to stews. Freeze fruits on a cookie sheet, then put them in baggies in the freezer where they wait for you or your toddler to munch on later. Once home, healthy quick snacks are vital. Cut up cheese, fruit and whole grain crackers are easy to prepare and are able to sit out on the table for nibbles as you walk by. (Keep a small plate next to your water.) Granola or protein bars are life savers; keep a variety in your pantry. Another vital part of having food for you as a brand new mother is requesting food of others. Even if it is difficult for you to ask, your partner or a good friend might start a food tree; one friend bringing a meal for the family each night for a week or two. Tending to a mother's most basic needs helps her recover from the work of the birth.
5. Help -- Having help at home cannot be over-stated. Whether it is someone you pay or a relative, delegating the household chores (whether they are done to your standards or not) relieves a lot of stress for new moms. How wonderful to have a clean bathroom or know the toddler's room is not a danger to life and limb. A cute idea some families have adopted is placing a note from the baby on the front door saying, "Hi! I'm glad to see you for a visit, but my mom and dad are tired, so please no longer than 15 minutes. If you brought food, you can stay for 20 minutes." Using humor imparts information without offending anyone. Utilize whatever help you can, including well-meaning friends and distant cousins; you will be glad you did.