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 done 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...
I read this book prior to giving birth and I am so glad. It really 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 definitely 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 basically my baby scarf. I took it anywhere and everywhere and my daughter was carried 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!
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 2 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
I loved these Aden + Anais swaddling blankets. There are a couple of things I love about these. First of all, they are the softest blankets ever and I basically used them as a nursing cover most days. There was always one with me at all time. The founder of the company is also a female entrepreneur and her story is inspiring as well.
