From Pregnancy to Postpartum: A New Mom's Journey

Pregnancy is a time full of dreams and plans, especially when it comes to creating the perfect birth plan. But what happens when things don’t go as expected? For many, including myself the perfect plan does not exist and you might have to pivot, and that is okay, just breathe! At 37 weeks pregnant, we learned that our baby girl was still breech. Despite trying everything we could do, to encourage her to turn including—moxibustion, inversions, chiropractor visits, curb walking, and more—we were ultimately told that we would need to schedule a C-section. My vision of my water breaking unexpectedly and having a vaginal birth, complete with the birth plan I had so carefully prepared, was gone. The shift in plans left me feeling overwhelmed at first. But, over time, I found peace in the realization that the most important thing was a healthy baby, a healthy me, and a healthy delivery—and that's exactly what we got. Plus, we like to think she was just "comfy" where she was. 

The early days of postpartum and navigating life with a newborn can be an emotional whirlwind. It’s a beautiful, yet challenging, experience that no one can fully prepare you for. While the physical recovery and emotional adjustments are real, I’ve learned that being prepared—especially with the right postpartum and baby care essentials—can make all the difference. For me, a few key products have really stood out during these first weeks, and I’d love to share them with you.

Essential Items for New Moms and Newborns

1. Snuggle Me Infant Lounger
This has been an absolute game-changer for us! The Snuggle Me Infant Lounger creates a cozy, supportive space for our baby girl, allowing her to play and engage with her surroundings while awake. Its gentle, contoured design mimics the feeling of being held, which helps provide comfort and security for our newborn. It's also great for supervised tummy time, thanks to its slight incline, Olive You Baby has the Snuggle Me Infant Lounger available for you too! Plus, with cute and stylish covers!

2. Burp Cloths
Trust me, you'll want plenty of these! Having a stash of burp cloths at hand is essential. I love the oversized burp cloths from Olive You Baby. They’re large enough to throw over your shoulder after a feeding, and their absorbency is second to none. Perfect for those messy moments and quick clean-ups!

3. Swaddles
How many swaddles do you need? The answer is simple: the limit does not exist! I highly recommend Muslin Swaddle Blankets with the bamboo fiber and organic cotton for the clean ingredients. It is soft, breathable, and versatile. Its generous size (47” x 47”) makes it perfect for swaddling, using as a nursing cover, or covering the stroller. Plus, the beautiful design options of the swaddles available make them a great gift for any baby shower!

4. Portable Changing Pad
A portable changing pad is a must-have for both home and on-the-go use. Ours has been a lifesaver, especially during late-night feedings or quick trips to appointments. It’s water-resistant, machine washable, and folds up neatly, making it a practical and easy-to-clean choice!

5. Wash Cloth Sets
Bath time is a special bonding moment, and having the right washcloths makes all the difference. I love using soft, premium muslin cotton washcloths that are gentle on my baby's sensitive skin. They’re absorbent, durable, and easy to clean, making them a staple in our baby care routine. Olive You Baby has hand-selected wash cloth sets from the best brands around!

6. Pacifiers
Finding the right pacifier is essential, and I’ve been so happy with the high-quality, medical-grade silicone pacifiers. Their thoughtful design features a shield that allows for ample airflow, ensuring easy breathing for your baby. The low-profile ring helps keep the pacifier in place without the bulk of traditional options, and the soft, modern colors add a cute touch to any outfit! Grab your pacifier for your baby online today!

Final Thoughts

Becoming a mom is a journey that’s full of surprises, highs, and lows. One thing I’ve learned is that every day is a chance to discover what works best for you and your baby. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but with the right support and tools, you’ll find your rhythm.

We’re here to help along the way, whether you’re navigating pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or the early days with your little one. Here’s to one day at a time, and the beautiful, sometimes messy, but always rewarding journey of motherhood!