First Timers

So being first time parents, there are a lot of things that we thought we "needed" for the little bird (she looks like a baby bird when shes hungry...that sounds weird...never mind) ANYHOO - I know there are a lot of lists out there of what you need and don't need and what you should know but I thought I would go ahead and make my own. This is also going to be helpful for anyone having or planning on having a C-Section too.

1. The catheter is your BFF
    Some people dont like it but I dont know why. You cant even feel it so you don't even know its there. When it comes time for them to take it out youre on your own for potty breaks. The first time you go to sit up you will want to scream bloody murder. It is the most terrible burning sensation in the world! Go as slow as you can when moving around. The nurse told me the reason that it burns (your stomach) is because the inside stitches are stretching as you move (yikes!). So enjoy the catheter as long as you can.

2. Pads are another BFF
    You will bleed. A lot.

3. Use a pillow under your knees while you sleep/laydown
    This was super helpful to me when I got home and didnt have a fancy hospital bed to prop me up. I noticed when I layed flat on my back in bed with my legs layed out flat it would stretch the stitches and burned so I placed a plump pillow under my knees and that helped a ton.

4. You wont get a lot of mommy/baby time
     At least I didnt because I was in so much pain and couldnt move. I felt like I wasnt bonding with Milly because of that. Dont let that bring you down. Your baby knows who you are. Just focus on getting better. There will be PLENTY of time to be with your little one.

5. Having a C-Section does not make you less of a woman
    This is something major that I struggled with and still do sometimes. If you read my previous post then you will understand why. Getting through the painful recovery I think has showed myself how strong I am. C-Section is NOT easy. You have to be very strong to get through not only the obvious physical pain but the emotional/mental pain as well. For every woman that has gone through the struggle of C-Section... YOU GO GIRL!

6. Cloth diapers
    .... are awesome! Do your research. They are so high-tech these days and super easy to take care of. The upfront cost is expensive because you have to stock up. I suggest 20-25 diapers which can come to about $500 (not including special detergent and accessories). We have used disposables from time to time but I would pick cloth over disposable any day. and they are super cute! We use bumgenius .

7. GO SHOPPING!
    You just carried a human being in your belly for 9 months and went through major surgery... you deserve it! After being home for several weeks and was able to go out I wanted to feel "normal". Your insicion area will still be pretty sore so buy loose underwear (or use the mesh panties the hospital gives you, those are the bomb!) and pants. I tried wearing my prego jeans but they didn't fit right anymore. I went to LOFT (one of my fave stores) and bought some loose fitting jeans and shorts. It was so refreshing not to be wearing sweats and pajama pants.

8. Let people help you!
    Enough said. This includes meals and cleaning.

9.  Fart
     The hospital wants to make sure you pass gas before you leave. When it happened to me I announced it to everyone in the room like a 3 Yr old haha.

10. Postpartum poops
      They hurt like a mo-fo! Take stool softeners because if you have to push that sucker out your in for a world of pain. Seriously. When I had to go for the first time I literally was talking myself through it. Just relax as much as you can and try not to push.

I'm sure there are a million other things I could think of but sometimes you just have to go through it yourself to really know what works for you.